In my previous lives I was a pre-K teacher and a Mom among many other jobs . I have 3 kids one of which is an acquired son. My acquired son is from my sister who at the time of his birth was suffering from a heroin addiction. She has since recovered, within the last several years. For a long time we thought we were going to lose her. Instead we lost my youngest sister Kelly to a pill overdose.
What does this have to do with my philosophy? My Masters Degree is in Secondary Science Education from Roosevelt University. In that Masters program we focused on teaching future humans and current people. That is is an educators obligation to provide the people in their charge with as many tools of success they can provide. I have a moral obligation as a Mom, sister, human to be there for them in teaching science but also teaching life. My life has taught me how to help them.
From teaching preschool I learned that high school students are presumed by many to be "young adults" more than children. They are still adults in training and have age appropriate behaviors and milestones that they need to reach to become adults. Until a human is in their mid-20s they are not yet adults as their brains are still forming and gaining neural connections.
My preschool students informed me of how fun and hands on activities are the best ways to learn for all ages. Learning by living and living to learn are important to create individuals that will take what I teach them and disseminate that information to others. Thus I thank my students multiple times during the year. Them being in my classes tells me they care about the planet and its inhabitants. This is profound.
