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it’s what you do with the content that matters.

Memorizing & regurgitating falls miserably short of equipping our students.

We’ve made education about manipulation and hoops instead of inspiring our students to pursue learning that matters to them — learning that can help them make a difference in our communities and the world.

I believe students are fully competent to be co-creators of their own learning environments. I believe that students can change the world; they are not the future; they are right now. I believe that students need skills that go far beyond the content of most curricula. I believe that students want to learn, but often they lack the environment that sparks the emergence of passionate, life-long learners. I believe that my students have a voice and it should be heard. I believe students can read at their appropriate grade level and still be illiterate. I believe that each of my students has unique talents and interests that should merge with our learning environment at school. I believe my students are not empty vessels waiting to be filled.

I believe that my students need to develop metacognitive skills and make their thinking visible. I believe that students are fully capable of differentiating their own learning. I believe my students are creative and can teach me important things. I believe school shouldn’t be a place where young people go to watch older people work hard. I believe, if given the chance and the right support, my students will become more than they ever thought they could be. I believe that once students begin to see their talents and gifts, they will grow in confidence.

As a teacher: I believe that my classroom should be a place of joy, engagement, learning and play. I believe that I should be less helpful. I believe that I should ask more questions, and offer fewer answers. I believe that I should model what learning, failing, grit & perseverance look like. I believe that I should take risks, even when I’m afraid. I believe it’s crucial to use content to teach skills. I believe that the most important question I often ask my students is, “What do you need?” I believe that I am not the all-knowing guru, nor do I want to be. I believe I need to be transparent with my learning and who I am. I believe that kids need a life outside of school, so I don’t believe in homework — at least not the rote, meaningless stuff that’s usually assigned.