Diversity Statement

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As an educator, it is my goal to make every student feel seen, heard, and safe. This commitment is not altered by a student's appearance, ability, or background. It is my belief that every student is able to learn if the environment in which they are educated is meeting their needs as individuals. It is our job as teachers to continue to survey our practice to ensure that the curriculum we present is accessible to all students. I will do everything in my power to make my classroom one that meets these needs. As a student of biology, I know that an ecosystem is the most healthy and stable when it contains lots of diversity. An environment made up entirely of one species is more likely to be wiped out by a disease or predator invasion. The same is true for the human race. We are strongest and at our best when we have the availability of many different backgrounds and ideas. It is important for us to have access to different knowledge in order to thrive in this world. Diversity is key. In education, we must recognize these differences so that we can meet every student where they are. I have worked with students who are English language learners, and they just need a little extra help when it comes to instruction and expectations. Using tools such as google translate and instructions printed in their native language can make a huge difference for them. For students with learning differences, something as simple as extra processing time can be the difference between answering a question and feeling totally lost. Each student has unique needs.  Some students may need to take breaks during a class period, or may need to be put with partners during certain projects. Whatever a student needs, I am committed to helping them learn.