<p>I hold a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in English and Language Arts, as well as a Louisiana Teaching Certificate. My 12 years experience as an educator have been in Special Education, teaching grades 3-8. Having found that my passion is working with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities, I intend to add Special Education to my certification, and ultimately obtain a Master's in Special Education. I possess a rich mix of adaptability, collaborative, organizational and listening skills, in addition to knowledge of theory and practice. My compassionate empathetic nature allows for excellence in listening skills and the ability to view from different perspectives, which is of great importance when evaluating to access appropriate accommodations for students with special needs. I strive for a learning environment that focuses on student strengths, rather than weaknesses. My philosophy maintains the belief that through strengthening the cognitive skill of associating, combined with the behavioral skills of questioning, observing, networking, and experimenting, that creativity can be learned and innovative intelligence will grow. The implementation of student-owned goal setting, undertaken through a diversity of teaching styles and approaches, is a critical strategy for any educator in creating independent, innovative, lifelong learners. Throughout my career effective collaboration has proven to empower co-workers and students to be innovative while reaching their maximum potential, assertiveness, and realizing their value. My goal is to promote a positive, cohesive team experience, continue growth in my solid commitment to professional development, and ultimately influence the social and academic growth and development of every learner.</p>