As a child, I have only had one goal as an adult; become an educator. Through my own educational career, I’ve uncovered strengths, weaknesses, passions and challenges I face within the classroom and in the real-world. My schooling has shaped me into the person I am today with the help of many professors, principals and consolers guiding me through a tunnel of darkness until I saw the light. Growing up in a small town, I was blessed with a tight knit community that sought out to do everything they could to support students. Unfortunately, my own person hardships and despairs created hurdles that I would have not been able to over come if it were not for the 81 educators that have touched my life so graciously and effectively. My philosophy is based on one basic concept; I hope to be the light that guides a child through dark times, like my teachers did for me. My beliefs can be matched tightly with behaviorism with some humanistic traits. I solely believe that students need to find themselves on their own terms and should be given countless opportunities to build themselves into the adults they wish to be. These discoveries should happen without outside forces intentionally trying to change them. However, I believe that all students need some sort of guidance and instruction to reach the end goal. This idea can be carried into the classroom on the notion of students discovering which differentiation methods work best for them, which pairs into finding ones “academic” identity. I believe that it is essential to understand that you cannot condition learners to be successful. This must be self-motivated. Personal growth within a classroom should be encouraged along with creativity and some guidance. Teaching is much more than instructing students on how to read, write, and successfully execute math problems. As an educator, you have dozens of responsibilities that must be carried into your classroom every day and implemented perfectly in order to be a successful teacher, starting with responsibility to students. As an individual, you cannot discriminate against any student based on their background or personal beliefs. In order to make your classroom a safe place, you must make it evident that you are not biased or passing judgment; no matter what personal beliefs you possess. Treating every student equally and respecting them with the highest regard will create a better classroom community. Obligations to keep students safe from any possible harm within the classroom and trying your absolute best to make sure that every child knows they belong within those four walls is a critical component to teaching. You are not only shaping minds, but you are shaping lives. A sense of community must be a main objective within a classroom setting. For students to be in a safe environment where only encouraging peers and educators, consistently flowing creativity and protection exist is a nurturing environment to flourish all types of learners. Educators must pay close attention to each student as an individual to look for potential signs of the student being in harms way outside of school. Mandatory reporting should happen after substantial evidence has been collected and a teacher has talked with his or her administration about the potential problem. Communication between parents should be a constant process. An educator is responsible to find out parents’ or guardians’ concerns for their child along with their goals. Parents should always feel comfortable within your classroom and should be able to come to the instructor with concerns without fear of judgment. Encouraging parental involvement is critical in developing relationships. In order to successfully communicate with parents, an instructor must have an open-door policy and several ways to be reached without hassle. An educators responsibility to ones school should be handled effortlessly. A teacher should always represent him or herself honestly with credentials and follow school policies and laws faithfully. Working with coworkers should be encouraged and consist of constructive feedback. By no means should any educator falsely represent another colleague, purposely falsify or release confidential information unless the law requires it. Teachers should handle their records and data in an appropriate and organized manner. Personal growth is always a goal and furthering one’s education should constantly be occurring. Naturally, educators are held to a higher standard and must make a valiant effort to always represent themselves in the best possible manner. Understanding diversity within a community is essential information in order to effectively teach the children of that community. Attending Montana State University has given me several opportunities to develop my own philosophy through paraprofessional experience and Practicum I. Through watching handfuls of different instructors manage their classroom, create classroom communities and build student relationships. The courses that I have worked my way through have also contributed greatly into my own thoughts and feelings towards how I will establish my own classroom one day. My personal drive to continue my education through the years, while actively teaching, is apparent and will help me continue to grow as a professional. My experiences through paraprofessional, practicum, and volunteer opportunities has clarified what my main objective within the classroom will be each and everyday. Before any learning can occur, students must feel safe, while being physically and emotionally supported. Throughout my personal and pre-service experiences, I have uncovered that you will have students who have different home lives and those home lives will greatly impact how those students will prosper. Teachers cannot not seek to fix a child’s life in its entirety; however, teachers can impact those students’ lives for 480 minutes a day and inspire them, teach them and care for them. It’s this effort that will help those students find out what stimulates them, what drives their passions, and most importantly, build them into successful and functioning patrons of society. Teaching is nothing without care, love and support.