I believe that every child has what it takes to be brilliant. It is my job as a teacher to pull out those strengths, with the help of the child and his/her parents. Educators become so involved with the academics that we forget to consider the deeper intellect of the child. Howard Gardner has enlightened us about the various types of learning styles. We need to bring that philosophy into our classroom. A child who can illustrate the summary of a book demonstrates the same knowledge as another who can write the summary. There is no doubt that we need to teach children how to read, but a child who can understand the characters' feelings is brilliant in her/his own way.

Every child that walks into my room is unique and has something to share with the world. As a teacher, I will not only teach the students but also learn from every one of them. I may have more years of experience than any child, but each one will have experiences of his/her own to share. Both the child and I can learn from these differing experiences while the similar ones unite us. Every child brings her/his own point of view into the classroom. I may have read a book many times, but in the one time a child reads it, s/he could find a hidden connection between the story and the illustrations. When a child realizes that s/he can actually teach his/her teacher, learning can become exciting.

I am lucky enough to have been taught early in life that learning is absolutely essential, but it can also be fun. I want to teach so I can show everyone else that learning is exciting. I find that as long as I enjoy teaching the lesson, most students enjoy learning it. People send their children to school so they can learn enough to succeed outside of school. They do not lend us their children so we can bore them. The school days do not have to be filled with games; they simply need to involve the children.

In order for a child to enjoy learning, s/he needs to understand what s/he is being taught and be a part of what s/he is learning. S/he needs to feel that s/he is taking himself/herself to the next level. A child may remember five percent from the lecture or twenty percent when using an audio-visual. This same child will retain seventy-five of what is taught if s/he practices by doing. There is nothing that can replace a hands-on experience.

My job, as a teacher, is to create an environment where all my students can receive the experience they need to learn. I have to learn enough about my students to know what is helpful and what only appears helpful. Once the environment exists, I let them explore. I will always be there to guide them along but they are the center of the classroom.

My long-term goal is for every child to see the brilliance I see in her/him. S/he will hopefully become self-sufficient and take that attitude of brilliance into the "real world." Any adult with experience and these characteristics can become successful. If I can help my students in these ways, I will be a success.