TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
"Begin By Preparing the Soil"
Teaching begins long before the first lecture, like tending a garden before the first seed is sown. The soil must be prepared—not just with knowledge, but with care. My guiding principle, "never lose your sense of wonder," is the foundation of this preparation. It reminds me that every student carries the potential to grow into something extraordinary, and my role is to create the conditions where that potential can flourish.
In this early stage, trust is the fertilizer that enriches the classroom environment. Without trust, curiosity withers. I strive to build this foundation, so my students feel safe to stretch beyond what they know, to take risks, and to learn not just facts but how to navigate the unknown.
"tend to what is beneath the surface"
Curiosity is the breath of learning—the air that flows through every question asked and every connection made. Like water soaking into roots, curiosity nourishes the classroom, drawing life into what might otherwise remain dormant. My teaching aims to guide students in following their curiosity, asking the "why" and "how" that transform static knowledge into vibrant understanding.
But growth is never linear. Some ideas burst forth immediately, while others take time, needing gentle encouragement and tailored attention. I embrace this variability. Just as a gardener observes the unique needs of each plant, I adapt my teaching to support the diverse needs of my students, fostering an inclusive and open environment where all can thrive.
"Listen and grow together"
A garden is not the work of one hand; it is an ecosystem of collaboration, a dynamic exchange between the grower and the grown. In the same way, I approach teaching as a partnership. My students’ questions challenge me to see familiar topics in new ways, while their growth renews my sense of purpose. Together, we create a living, breathing classroom—a place where knowledge is not static but constantly evolving.
This symbiosis reminds me that teaching is not about control but connection. I learn as much from my students as they do from me, and in this exchange, our classroom becomes a shared space of discovery.
"embrace and transform the challenges"
In every garden, there are setbacks—dry spells, pests, unexpected frost. But these moments are not failures; they are opportunities for resilience. I encourage my students to embrace mistakes as part of the process, to compost their struggles into fertile ground for future growth.
Challenges in the classroom are much the same. A difficult concept or an unsuccessful experiment is not the end—it is the raw material for something greater. Together, we transform these moments into learning experiences that strengthen both understanding and character.
"Plant Seeds of Wonder. Let Them Grow"
To teach is to plant with hope, to believe that the work we do today will grow beyond what we can imagine. The seeds of curiosity and confidence we cultivate in the classroom are carried forward, shaping not only what students know but how they approach the world.
As their teacher, I may not see the full extent of their growth, but I trust that what we’ve built together will take root. In this way, teaching is an ongoing act of faith, grounded in the belief that wonder, once sparked, can never truly be extinguished.
"Step Back and Let it Flourish"
Teaching is a rhythm—a balance of effort and patience, of tending and letting go. It is a continuous process of inhaling the questions, challenges, and insights of the classroom and exhaling the support, guidance, and hope that nurture growth. As we move forward, remember: every challenge, every moment of growth, is a chance to cultivate something extraordinary. Together, we nurture not just knowledge, but a lifelong sense of wonder. Carry this with you. Let it flourish.
