Bryan Station Middle School; seventh-grade math

"My philosophy of teaching focuses on the progression of the student. My goal is for every student to be 'better' when they leave my classroom than when they came in. I want them to be better students, better friends and better people. The list goes on and on. I believe as teachers, we should celebrate small successes of the student and build on them as they grow. I try to do whatever my students need for me to do in order to help them achieve their goals. Some might need an extra push, while others may need a little encouragement. Either way, I try to focus on their needs to help them progress. Successful classrooms have high levels of student engagement. I feel that high student engagement stems from the relationships that are built between the student and the teacher. In order for the students to work for you, they must like you as well as trust you. Once they get a feeling that you are on their side, they will work hard for you."