6 to 12 are some of the most formative years of our lives; we meet our first best friend, discover our interests and hobbies, get to know our mind and body. While it is an exciting time, for too many students this is also when we learn to hate school: we start faking sick to get out of tests, we experience bullying for the first time, for many this is also when we begin to experience the disparities that result from systemic injustices.

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My goal as an educator is to make these years of education fun, engaging, loving, and equitable to help students grow to love learning and come to think of themselves as competent and confident individuals. I want to ignite in my students an intrinsic motivation for learning so that they become life-long learners by nurturing their curiosity, connecting with nature, learning through play and community, and most importantly, by having fun. 

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While this is a time in our lives when we need support, rules, and structure, I encourage in my students intellectual independence and wise freedom so that they can take ownership of their education and their lives. Students can often feel powerless at this age feeling they have to wait until they are adults to take control of their lives, however, I want to empower my students to recognize their capabilities. Whether it's co-creating the curriculum along side students, encouraging students who want to try a new hobby, or in supporting students take part in social justice, I believe in the power young people hold and believe in mutual respect between students and teachers.