Emma Liggett

      I believe that many students go into certain classes expecting to do poorly. They’ve done poorly in the subject before, so why should they do any better this year?

            Looking back at my own education, I remember a few experiences where I went into the classroom with this kind of mindset. But I remember one of my English teachers doing something different. They made the classroom a stress-free environment. Classes were held with lots of discussions where the students could freely talk about their work. My teacher would bring in snacks and tea on the day of the test to help calm nerves. They weren’t afraid to try different methods. And it worked. 

            I want to do something similar. I want the students who come into my classroom to feel like they are in a place where they are free to learn in a safe and relaxed environment. I believe that having class discussions about the work we are doing helps to foster a community in the classroom. And by creating a community, I believe the classroom can become a safe environment for students to learn and grow. I want to integrate real life elements in my classroom, and show students that great works of literature carry themes which are still relevant today. I want to be able to vary the curriculum to match the needs and interests of the students, giving them all the best chance of succeeding that I can give them.