prophetic pictures, philosophy & a wish list

In March 2022 I stood next to another female pastor quietly waiting to pray with whoever came seeking a prayer prayer. As the worship team played and hundreds of Wesleyan women clergy* worshiped in song, I settled into a sense of calm. No one was approaching us for prayer. And that was ok. Suddenly, my co-pray-er, came over to me and said had received a prophetic image from God for me. Did I want to hear it?

YES.

She told me how she saw God handing me a huge ring of keys, like a janitor would carry. And the keys were for unlocking beauty.

I received this with gratitude, albeit not knowing just what it was indicating.

Fast forward seven months, to a front porch conversation with Kevin over vocation. He has long been asking me, “What do you want to be doing 10 years from now?” and I never knew how to answer that. I felt too restrained and fearful to answer a question like that. But when he asked, “What if you went to the elementary school principal and asked if you could fill one of the classroom teacher needs? What if you became an elementary school teacher?” I began to weep. I finally had my answer to the question of vocation.

Vocation is the place where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.
F. Buechner

After the tears dried and the practical next steps starting lining up, my mind flashed back to that prophetic image and suddenly I had my answer:

“The keys are for the kids!”

And this is where I began as I embarked on the task of articulating my philosophy of teaching.

The thing I care about most in the world is creating space for children to be safe and loved in order to unlock their beauty. As a teacher, I get to lead students in cultivating a classroom environment where all voices are valued, each conflict is met with compassionate restoration, and every child’s individuality is nurtured. When each of these crucial ingredients are present, students feel safe enough to be themselves. They begin to vulnerably express their strengths and weaknesses, and thus bring their beauty and brilliance into the world in a way only they can.

In an effort to show compassion to each of my learners alongside a commitment to their academic success, I will become a student of my students. This practice requires me to maintain a posture of humility–apologizing when mistakes are made and remaining open to new pieces of data related to the student’s personality and learning progress. I will provide equitable learning opportunities for students based on their individual needs and ongoing assessment involving the student and their parents to ensure ongoing academic development. I will regularly connect with each student one-on-one to name their achievements, make space for their own self-assessment, and discuss an agreed-upon growth mindset. Undergirding all of this is my commitment to continual self-examination and dismantling of my biases as I seek to become a more compassionate teacher.

I believe the best teachers foster intrinsic motivation in their students. Student-led inquiry is an important foundation for developing students who will become vital, contributing members of our democratic society. I will continue exploring new ways to think about teaching, new approaches to classroom dialogue, and new strategies for creating a healthy classroom culture where learning is fueled by the students.

As I teach inquiring minds, so, too, am I dedicated to being a lifelong learner. Each day in the classroom reminds me of the wonderful gift it is to not know it all. My colleagues offer me ideas and expertise which makes my burden lighter and my teaching stronger. My students come to me with curiosities and wonderings, enabling me to practice compassion for the many different perspectives in our world. Engaging in conversations with people who hold different perspectives from mine keeps my mind active and my practices relevant.

I am passionate about investing in the community where I teach. With networking as one of my super powers, I will collaborate with community leaders and organizations to provide my school with opportunities to participate in the development and successes of our city. Through field trips, penpal letters, reading, guest speakers, and service projects, students will get to engage in the world beyond the classroom. What a joy to watch as ideas are sparked and passions are ignited, and students find their place in this world.

Do you want to support me as I enter the 5th grade classroom for my second year of teaching?