As a veteran teacher, my philosophy of education has changed over the years. As we journey into the 21^st century, I see technology developing exponentially.  With the availability of information at our fingertips, it is vital that teachers use technology to create a learning environment that encourages students to construct their learning according to their own styles.  Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to explore and learn meaningful and relevant information.  Technology facilitates growth of personal interactions among students and teachers and we are constantly challenged to find ways to maximize the students’ learning potential.   By using appropriate technologies as teaching and learning tools, teachers can make learning tasks, information access, and communication easier, more inviting, fun, and effective.  Our society depends a great deal on technology in order to communicate information therefore students need to learn the technology skills to use this information responsibly, correctly, and ethically.  As educators, we have a responsibility to not only teach students, but to prepare them for the workplace. 

For the past thirty years, my belief that every student has the capacity to learn has not changed.  What has changed for me is my opinion of the role of the teacher.  Today, I see my role as a guide to provide access to information rather than acting as the primary source of that information.  Serving as a guide, my students can develop critical thinking skills that will prepare them for real world experiences.   Students need the opportunity to discover for themselves and practice their critical thinking skills in authentic situations. With this constructivist approach to learning, it allows students to take an active role in their education by making choices and assuming responsibility for inquiry and discovery.  Problem based learning is a strategy I enjoy employing, which affords students this opportunity for discovery learning. 

Motivating and encouraging students to be lifelong learners has been one of my top priorities as an educator.  My goal has always been to provide my students with a secure, loving and stimulating environment where they could learn and thrive emotionally and academically.  It has been my desire to help students meet their fullest potential and respect each other.  Teaching has given me the opportunity to instill a love for learning in my students while sharing my passion for learning.  I knew from an early age that I would be a teacher, as I would gather the children in my neighborhood to play “school”.  I have fulfilled my dream and have grown tremendously as an educator during my career. 

Finally, as a veteran teacher, I have been committed to being the best academic, personal, and ethical role model I could be.  I have prided myself in being open to new ideas and strategies while reflecting and striving to improve my teaching skills.  Teaching has been a learning process of developing new philosophies, learning from students, colleagues, parents and the community. By sharing my love of teaching, I was able to influence my students to embrace the teaching profession and to make a difference.