My Identity!

1. Social Justice

1.1. As a child, I went through many custody battles, where my parents and judges moved and shifted me around without asking my input. This experience gave me the need to help others voices be heard.

1.2. To me, Social Justice means creating an environment where all people can reach their potential with happiness, love, acceptance, and purpose.

1.3. Since Social Justice is a foundation of my educational philosophy, I teach my students about examples in history and support them with being an advocate for themselves and others.

2. Integrity

2.1. As a teenager my father taught me to always do what I say I am going to do and follow through on my word.

2.2. Today's educational climate is tenuous and doesn't align with my principles as an educator. I MUST stay true to what I believe in as an educator and continue to teach in the ways that I believe in!

3. Life Long Learner

3.1. The joy of learning and growing

3.2. When traveling to new places I love learning about different cultures through talking to people, experiencing their rituals, and reading about their history.

3.3. When teaching I get the opportunity to further my practice alongside my fellow educators. It is the best form of learning when I get to inquire, discuss, and implement new activities and lessons with my colleagues.

4. Relationships

4.1. My family and friends bring me joy and love in my life. Their relationships support me to live my life and work to make the world a better place.

4.2. Traveling all over the world has brought me the gift of making friends from across oceans. On Social Media, I am able to stay connected with them and continue our relationships, even thought we are miles apart.

4.3. Developing genuine relationships with students and families is at the core of my educational philosophy.

5. Multiple Perspectives

5.1. My experiences working and living in Ukraine opened my world view to see how people from different parts of the world are different and similar.

5.2. Teaching students from diverse cultures in New York City, I must make decisions about curriculum, instruction, families while thinking about multiple perspectives.

5.3. My father was in the military, so we moved around throughout my childhood. Moving around allowed me to meet people from different parts of the country.