I believe that education is vital to establishing a strong foundation on which understanding is based.  It is my goal to guide students towards developing the skills and knowledge necessary in becoming contributing members of our community.  After completing my student teaching through the Pekin Professional Development School, I believe that I am extremely qualified to teach elementary as well as middle school students.  The Professional Development School program through Illinois State University has provided me with the tools that are necessary in order to be a successful educator.  I feel as if I now have the skills necessary to be a successful first year teacher and cannot wait to have my own classroom.