"A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on a cold iron."

- Horace Mann

During my year in the Pekin PDS, I learned of the FISH! philosophy, a life-long philosophy designed to bring inspiration and creativity into the workplace.  Its four key phrases are "Choose Your Attitude," "Be There," "Make Their Day," and "Play!"  This is a philosophy I hope to bring into my own classroom.

I don't just want to instruct my students; I want to motivate and inspire them.  Children learn best when they are engaged, their minds stimulated, their curiosity piqued.  I am enthusiastic about teaching, and I hope to pass on an enthusiasm for learning to my students by providing them with a variety of hands-on learning and guided discovery experiences.

I also hope to connect with each student in my class and "be there" as a teacher, mentor, and confidant.  I want my students to know that I truly care about each and every one of them and their education.