The Stars
Each of the pages you'll visit as you explore has stars in the background. These represent much that is important to me in terms of teaching and my own identity. Stars are connected to Take Back the Night, an event I've helped with for three years while at college, and that has helped me grow as a person in my own healing journey. They also are guideposts. Stars help us find our way when we're lost, so I find it's helpful to keep them close. Lastly, these stars represent my spirituality and philosophy of life. They connect us - the stars we see are seen by millions of others. They represent the continuation of energy, even after death, in the same way I hope to help students continue trying to learn, even after they've felt like giving up.
Each of the pages you'll visit as you explore has stars in the background. These represent much that is important to me in terms of teaching and my own identity. Stars are connected to Take Back the Night, an event I've helped with for three years while at college, and that has helped me grow as a person in my own healing journey. They also are guideposts. Stars help us find our way when we're lost, so I find it's helpful to keep them close. Lastly, these stars represent my spirituality and philosophy of life. They connect us - the stars we see are seen by millions of others. They represent the continuation of energy, even after death, in the same way I hope to help students continue trying to learn, even after they've felt like giving up.
HeartTeaching takes heart.
My friends and family are the most important people in my life, and they help me remember what classrooms need to have to be successful. My godson is three. He loves to laugh, play with cars and trains, and throw rubber frogs on my ceiling. Everyone needs to experiment and have some fun. My partner helps me remember what's important - taking in the little things, enjoying the small moments, and laughing as often as possible. My circle of friends help me when I need a shoulder or to unwind after a stressful day. I act as a rock when they need one, and they act as mine. Everyone needs a support system. |
MightTeaching takes might.
Might is the 'power or ability to do or accomplish' (Merriam-Webster) I recognize the might it takes to recognize the inequities we see in the world and then step up to try to challenge them. Teachers do this every day. I respect my godson's mother, who shows me what it's like to face giant obstacles, and still come out smiling. That's the might of attitude. I respect my professors, teachers, supervisors, and coordinators for asking me to challenge the ideas I've taken for granted in my life. That's the might of curiosity. |
MindTeaching takes mind.
I mind that you can predict, with a high degree of certainty, whether someone will go to prison or college, based on the zip code they're born in. I mind my students not understanding mathematical or English concepts, and when I don't understand how my students are struggling. I mind the legal and social barriers that are put in place against people who are part of the LGBT community or other groups, such as racial minorities. |
StrengthTeaching takes strength.
I see strength in my friends, and they allow me to borrow some when I need it. I hope to be the same in my classroom. Strength gets shared, like love. Some of the strongest people I know would never win a wrestling match, but they will stick to their beliefs and what they feel is right. That's strength. Standing up for what I believe in, like equality, freedom, and justice, takes strength. I stand in many ways - through writing, presenting, learning, listening, speaking, educating, and acting. All of these are valid ways to use strength. |