First and foremost, I desire to create an environment where students will know that my classroom is a safe space and that they are seen, heard, and loved by me as their teacher. In the classroom, students can speak their minds freely, blossom, and grow by taking risks and learning from their mistakes. I want my classroom to be a space where students feel comfortable trying their best and where perfection is not required. All students are unique, and each can bring something unique to the table. I can use my students’ strengths and interests to let their curiosity direct their learning. I believe that both teachers and students need to be curious, lifelong learners and should create a culture of mutual respect.  Growing up, it was here in these kinds of classrooms that I was truly able to see myself as a learner and explorer. Likewise, I will use strategies to ensure our classroom community will flourish, like morning meetings, positive vs. negative discipline, classroom jobs, practicing social-emotional learning, and problem-solving skills. 

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As I continue to teach and learn, I want to grow in patience and understanding. Just as I ask my students for their best, I must remind myself that I also don’t need to be perfect just because I am the teacher. As a future teacher, I hope to remain flexible and maintain a positive attitude as I deal with unplanned or even stressful situations. I will continue to be gentle with my students and develop personal relationships with them, which act as a door to open my students’ curiosities and enable them to see me as someone who wants the best for them. Thinking of my favorite childhood quote, “A person’s a person, no matter how small,” I will tell my students that everybody’s voices and ideas are important to grow as a learner, and that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of anything.