My philosophy is based on the work I have done with persons with disabilities and my Franciscan background. The student is a person and an individual first. I teach to success. I believe every student is capable of learning and accomplishing their educational goal.
My role as an educator is to facilitate that learning with an exchange of information and ideas from the teacher to the student and the student to the teacher. It is through systematic teaching that we are also called to be researchers in our field to enhance student learning through data-based programming. Part of my goal as an educator is to provide students with the skills to be more accountable in their own teaching abilities and classroom management.
In the Franciscan Tradition, I stress a mutual respect for the “other.” We are all “buona gente,” good people with a willingness to collaborate together. It is through our practices and deeds that we instill in our students, the “future educators,” how to be present, to dialogue and to be a witness in order to build “right relationships” with others.
My emphasis is on students believing in themselves, following their dreams, being rooted in the Spirit of life, being open to risk, and walking with courage.