Educational+Philosophy

**"On ne voit bien qu'avec le coeur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." Antoine de Saint Exupéry ** **("It is only with the heart that one can see clearly. What is essential is invisible to the eyes.") ** I chose this quote from Saint Exupéry's book, __The Little Prince__, because it represents the core of my educational philosophy. Every year, I am privileged to teach a diverse population of students from all walks of life. This adds to a rich teaching environment that is filled with wonder as well as challenges. I try to see each student as unique, with a gift to offer the world. My job is to try to see what that gift might be, and then to draw it out and develop it, much like a sculptor takes a shapeless piece of clay and transforms it into a unique masterpiece. In order to do this, I can not only focus on what I "see" with my eyes, but I need to "see" each student by tuning into their gifts, talents and learning styles with the eyes of my heart. In that way, I can honor them as the unique individuals that they are and treat them with the respect that they deserve. In so doing, I try to listen to their educational and personal needs and to adapt my teaching style accordingly. Challenging? Yes. Fulfilling? Absolutley.
 * Educational Philosophy **