My belief that students need a place where they feel welcomed, appreciated, and safe has been reinforced by my past three years teaching first grade. This belief is why I strive to create a classroom that acts as a home away from home where my students are given opportunities to learn in a variety of ways. Through classroom discussions, hands-on activities, and modeling, I encourage my students to think creatively, explore their curious nature, and make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. In my class, we celebrate our mistakes because they are proof that we are trying. Not only do we celebrate our mistakes, but we celebrate our little and big successes.

My classroom culture is centered around the idea that we are a family. In order for my students to feel like they are a part of our family, I have to get to know each one as an individual. Each student comes to my class with different "baggage." As a teacher, my job is not just to teach them the curriculum, but to teach them social and emotional skills to help them grow as a whole not just academically. I teach my students how to respect each other and take ownership of their own learning. Through modeling, I demonstrate the respect I want them to show.

This quote reminds me that it is a privilege to be a teacher and I do not take the opportunity lightly. I hope I have an impact on my students that encourage them to be life long learners.