Educational Philosophy

“There's no such thing as neutral education. Education either functions as an instrument to bring about conformity or freedom.” - Paulo Freire

My educational philosophy is a social justice-oriented, student-centered approach to the classroom. I draw heavily from Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed in shaping my teaching methods. My goal is to create a learning environment where students' voices are heard and centered in the learning process. I believe in student-centered learning not only because it is the most effective way for students to engage with the material, but also because it fosters crucial life skills such as curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and self-direction.

One of the ways I center student voices in my classroom is by incorporating strategies from Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB), a framework that encourages students to engage in creative and self-directed learning. TAB emphasizes the importance of allowing students the freedom to explore, discover, and create in a way that resonates with their own interests and passions. By integrating TAB principles into my classroom, I aim to create an environment where students feel empowered to experiment and take risks. This approach not only deepens student engagement but also nurtures their creativity and problem-solving skills.

Another way I strive to create a student-centered environment is by giving my students the space to discover and create on their own. As an educator, I view my role as a facilitator—providing the necessary resources and guidance for students to come to their own conclusions. I believe this approach is the most effective way for students to deeply engage with the material and develop as lifelong learners.