As Amelia Earhart said, “Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” My philosophy of education blossoms from my belief that every action I take as a teacher and a faculty member reflects my broader educational philosophy of innovative teaching, learning, and collaboration. I study and research best practices to inspire students and teacher preparation candidates to influence social education, leadership, and social justice, establishing the arts’ importance for holistic learning.

I seek to recognize and embrace students’ diversity and celebrate it in the classroom. I strive to treat each student fairly, equally, and justly. I respect and appreciate each student’s values and attitudes, as held by their families, cultures, and the wider school community. I understand that the opportunities I create in my classroom will enhance students’ potential to become lifelong, independent learners. I believe that every teacher is a student first, and I hold the concept of being a lifelong learner close to my heart.

Growing up in Colombia, I attended military school. Though the culture differs vastly from the schools I now work in, it was an exceptional learning environment. I was fortunate to have parents and teachers who cared for and encouraged me in my studies. As a child, I actively sought knowledge and enjoyed exploring new ideas. Because of this, I know that creatively exploring additional questions is central to my teaching style. Throughout my 16 years of teaching, my educational growth has stemmed from my desire to collaborate, which has molded my creative approach to learning. I value the importance of play in the developmental trajectory of every learner. I offer students and teachers the technology, space, and tools to engage in transformative learning experiences and explore alternative possibilities.

I provide a playful bridge to integrating academic content with meaningful projects. Giving students something physical in the three-dimensional “real world” can help many grasp the fundamentals of a topic more quickly than just using paper and pen. For example, in my classroom, I use robots for sound pedagogic reasons within education at all levels. Robotics offers unique opportunities for making learning accessible to a wide range of learners with practical curriculum elements. My classroom provides an exciting and fun space for my students to elevate their learning, dream big, and work together.