my Previous classroom Most of the time, when people discover I taught middle school, they insisted I was crazy. “How did you survive?” they would ask in an exasperated tone. I simply replied that I wasn't crazy for teaching middle school; I was crazy for loving it. Middle school students are often at a crossroads in their lives. Many are struggling at home, school, the gym, with friends, family, or themselves. With Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media, children are bombarded with images, words, and ideas like never before. Their ability to process information, verify authenticity, and apply knowledge has never been more crucial than it is today, both inside and outside of school. My classroom was first and foremost a safe, structured place where students understood they could express their thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way. My job was and is to encourage students to succeed in an ever-changing world. My philosophy and goal of teaching is to not only create students who succeed, but students who love to learn and discover new perspectives.
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our classroom pet
Shukuru (Swahili: "I am grateful") is an orphaned elephant living in Tsavo National Park. She was rescued and rehabilitated by the wonderful caregivers at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya. While I was teaching World Discoveries, I came across this amazing organization that strives to save a dwindling animal population. Ironically timed, a documentary featuring the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust debuted about one year later, making our Shukuru a star!