• The following two quotes, and video, sum up my teaching philosophy; students must work hard, and feel loved. 

    "You need to learn to listen. The kind of listening you need to learn is not passive absorption, like watching TV; it is critical listening. Critical listening means that you are not just hearing but thinking about what you are hearing. Critical listening questions and evaluates what is being said and seeks key concepts and unifying themes."

    - Keith M. Parsons, Philosopher, historian, author; Professor of Philosophy at University of Houston-Clear Lake in a message to his freshman students

    “One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is a vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.”

    - Carl Jung, Psychiatrist 1875 - 1961 

    Check out the link below for a TED TALK video of Rita Pierson, retired teacher, titled "Every Kid Needs a Champion."

    http://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion 

     At the end of my first year teaching 5th grade, I received what I consider the ultimate compliment. A parent told me that I, “...got the balance of play and hard work perfected.” That means so much to me, and I share it with you because I want you to know that I strive to make my classroom a place where children want to come and where they have so much fun, they don’t realize how hard they are working!

    I look forward to having your children as students, meeting you all at Meet the Teacher night, and a wonderful year! 

     Thanks for your support!