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The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book. 

~Author Unknown

Being immersed in the Pekin School District, I have taken the Fish Philosophy to heart. The fish philosophy has four main parts which include choose your attitude, be there, make their day, and play.  I keep these four components in mind everyday I am with my students. Being a teacher can be stressful, but I know my attitude affects my students' attitudes.  Choosing to have a good attitude and teaching my students to choose their attitudes allows for a positive classroom environment.  It is my job to be there for my students in any way I can.  I have found that making a students day also makes my day. Teaching is an extremely rewarding job, and making my students' day is a reward in itself. Play is an important part of learning. Some of the essential lessons such as learning to socialize with other children come through play.  This is why I try to incorporate review games and different activities in my lessons. 

Although I have really taken the fish philosophy to heart, I have also created my own philosophy of teaching throughout my experience.  As a teacher, I feel it is my responsibility to teach more than just the facts. To me, being a teacher means being a positive role model and inspiring students to become life-long learners.  I try to instill all of my students with a passion to continue learning once they leave my classroom.  I incorporate real life lessons to show my students they have something to work towards other than their homework and test grades.  I reach all students by using a variety of activities that reach different learning modalities.  Each student is an individual person who will one day be a working member of our society, and it is my job to build their confidence and ability to reach their full potential. 

The mediocre teacher tells.  The good teacher explains.  The superior teacher demonstrates.  The great teacher inspires. 

~William Arthur Ward