When I picture great teaching I see students working collaboratively and with great dedication. I see meaningful and thoughtful discussion between students who are trying to give me their best work. I see creativity inspired by the analysis of a piece of literature. I see a simple plot line for a complex novel get turned into a piece of art that represents all the unique interpretations of my 8th grade English students in our literature study.

Teaching is an art; it takes skill, mastery, and passion to be done well. My students inspire and motivate me to create the most meaningul learning environment possible. My students create. They create their own understanding and I am just proud to be accepted in on THEIR journey. They choose their path and I merely guide and observe how they get there. I love teaching because of what my students teach me. I learn from them just as much as they learn from me. I teach English, but what I am most proud of is the opportunity to motivate and inspire the young adults in my classroom.