Understanding students and their social, economic, cultural, linguistic, and developmental backgrounds, is essential to building trust, fostering engagement, and supporting success. When children feel genuinely cared for, they tend to engage more deeply with learning. Empathy is the root of so many transformative elements in education: confidence, culturally responsive teaching, social-emotional growth, ownership, and the reduction of implicit bias. I’ve witnessed and experienced the impact when empathy is absent—when teachers don’t take time to learn students’ names or stories, meaningful opportunities for connection are lost. Getting to know students may sound simple, but doing it with heartfelt compassion requires time, intention, and commitment. I admire educators who take that time, and I strive every day to be one of them.

Too often, students, especially those from underrepresented communities, do not see themselves as holders of knowledge or as contributors to the learning process. In my classroom, I want every student to feel seen, heard, and valued. I believe in reminding young learners that their voices matter and that they are active agents in their own education. By building confidence, offering authentic choices, and creating space for creative expression, I help students realize that their ideas have purpose and power.

My teaching practice is rooted in responsiveness. I adapt my approach to meet students where they are—developmentally, socially, and emotionally. Whether guiding kindergarteners through foundational art concepts or encouraging upper elementary students to explore personal narratives through mixed media, I design lessons that are age-appropriate, inclusive, and reflective of students’ real lives. I believe the best learning happens when instruction is both structured and flexible, allowing for play, exploration, and personal connection. As I continue to grow as an educator, one constant remains: my commitment to building safe, joyful spaces where every child can thrive.