I believe teachers play a vital role in the development of the children they teach.  Teachers shape not only the academic path a child travels, but they help shape a child’s self-image, enthusiasm for learning and future dreams and aspirations.  It is crucial for teachers to understand that the children entrusted to their care must be nurtured and at times gently nudged beyond their comfort zones.   Teachers must help their students understand the relationship between their actions, whether positive or negative, and the consequences of those actions.  All the while, teachers must make the children in their care feel important, valuable and loved.  

Every day I strive to be all of these things for the children I teach.