My Educational Philosophy
I believe it is a fundamental right of all human beings to be able to question, think, listen, express, learn, create, and make informed decisions based on a multiplicity of perspectives and ideas. I further believe that it is the right of all human beings to be supported in the attainment of a formal education that facilitates the ability to think creatively and innovatively and to make informed decisions based on diverse mental and social processes and practices.
I believe it is a fundamental responsibility of a democratic society to provide for its citizenry free and equitable access to high-quality educational institutions and opportunities that will support individual self-actualization, community economic and social needs, societal goals, a sustainable lifestyle, and peaceful coexistence at the local, regional, and global level.
I believe that as stewards of public educational institutions, it is the responsibility of educators to ensure that all who wish to benefit from educational opportunities have access to and are completely supported in the successful attainment of a high-quality, publicly funded education that facilitates the ability of individuals to meet their own personal, academic, and career goals, to develop their full potential, and to fulfill their dreams.
I believe that every community has the right to determine the appropriate educational goals for its children and that decisions on curriculum, who educates the children of the community, and how the progress and achievement of the academic and social development of the children is accomplished should be made collaboratively within the community.
I am committed to my students, to the institutions I serve, and to our democratic society in ensuring that through education, the goals of social justice and democracy are attained and maintained for the betterment of humanity.
My Commitment to Public Service
As my website suggests, I am, and always have been, a public servant. I am committed to the highest standards of diligence and persistence in working for the common ideals of society and for social justice. I have chosen to accept positions with agencies and institutions populated by stewards of the future. Professionals in these institutions invest in the resources of the present to ensure a brighter future for us all through the concerted effort of offering educational opportunities equitably for all people.
As a park ranger, I worked to conserve, protect, and preserve the our natural, historic, recreational, and scenic resources, not only for our children, but also for many future generations of our children’s children. As a public school
teacher and a college instructor, I work diligently to support our students and their success. In supporting the hopes, the dreams, and the goals of our students, I am investing in not only their futures, but in our collective future as well.
My Professional Dreams and Aspirations
I have always felt the highest level of personal and professional satisfaction when working directly with students. However, the dynamic nature of our student population demands a high level of commitment to professional development and the maintenance of currency within my academic disciplines. For this reason, I have spent the better part of my adult life continuing to further my knowledge and expertise in the fields of teaching, learning, cognition, curriculum, and instructional support through ongoing formal education.
Currently, I am writing the dissertation for my doctoral program in the Language, Reading, and Culture Program within the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Sociocultural Studies at the University of Arizona. I hope to apply the attributes, skills, knowledge, and expertise that I have developed through continued formal education and active professional involvement in and out of higher education, and will continue to pursue opportunities that allow me to use the knowledge I have gained through a lifetime of learning. I enjoy taking on new challenges, which is a form of self-renewal that ensures my continued personal and professional growth.
When I retire from my own career, I look forward to joining the Peace Corps - something that, as a young person, I never took time to consider. As a Peace Corps volunteer, I hope that I will be able to utilize my skills and expertise in service to a community somewhere in the world that would welcome an aging educator who still wants to make a difference!
I believe it is a fundamental right of all human beings to be able to question, think, listen, express, learn, create, and make informed decisions based on a multiplicity of perspectives and ideas. I further believe that it is the right of all human beings to be supported in the attainment of a formal education that facilitates the ability to think creatively and innovatively and to make informed decisions based on diverse mental and social processes and practices.
I believe it is a fundamental responsibility of a democratic society to provide for its citizenry free and equitable access to high-quality educational institutions and opportunities that will support individual self-actualization, community economic and social needs, societal goals, a sustainable lifestyle, and peaceful coexistence at the local, regional, and global level.
I believe that as stewards of public educational institutions, it is the responsibility of educators to ensure that all who wish to benefit from educational opportunities have access to and are completely supported in the successful attainment of a high-quality, publicly funded education that facilitates the ability of individuals to meet their own personal, academic, and career goals, to develop their full potential, and to fulfill their dreams.
I believe that every community has the right to determine the appropriate educational goals for its children and that decisions on curriculum, who educates the children of the community, and how the progress and achievement of the academic and social development of the children is accomplished should be made collaboratively within the community.
I am committed to my students, to the institutions I serve, and to our democratic society in ensuring that through education, the goals of social justice and democracy are attained and maintained for the betterment of humanity.
My Commitment to Public Service
As my website suggests, I am, and always have been, a public servant. I am committed to the highest standards of diligence and persistence in working for the common ideals of society and for social justice. I have chosen to accept positions with agencies and institutions populated by stewards of the future. Professionals in these institutions invest in the resources of the present to ensure a brighter future for us all through the concerted effort of offering educational opportunities equitably for all people.
As a park ranger, I worked to conserve, protect, and preserve the our natural, historic, recreational, and scenic resources, not only for our children, but also for many future generations of our children’s children. As a public school
teacher and a college instructor, I work diligently to support our students and their success. In supporting the hopes, the dreams, and the goals of our students, I am investing in not only their futures, but in our collective future as well.
My Professional Dreams and Aspirations
I have always felt the highest level of personal and professional satisfaction when working directly with students. However, the dynamic nature of our student population demands a high level of commitment to professional development and the maintenance of currency within my academic disciplines. For this reason, I have spent the better part of my adult life continuing to further my knowledge and expertise in the fields of teaching, learning, cognition, curriculum, and instructional support through ongoing formal education.
Currently, I am writing the dissertation for my doctoral program in the Language, Reading, and Culture Program within the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Sociocultural Studies at the University of Arizona. I hope to apply the attributes, skills, knowledge, and expertise that I have developed through continued formal education and active professional involvement in and out of higher education, and will continue to pursue opportunities that allow me to use the knowledge I have gained through a lifetime of learning. I enjoy taking on new challenges, which is a form of self-renewal that ensures my continued personal and professional growth.
When I retire from my own career, I look forward to joining the Peace Corps - something that, as a young person, I never took time to consider. As a Peace Corps volunteer, I hope that I will be able to utilize my skills and expertise in service to a community somewhere in the world that would welcome an aging educator who still wants to make a difference!
A Slideshow of Special Moments |
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