In what ways does being a member of a Catholic faith community inform your classroom practice?
Students have a voice …. We are all created in the image and likeness of God; therefore, every student has value and must be respected and heard with in the classroom. I teach and show through examples that we are important and need to respect each other and to be aware of bullying.
How does this inform your profession development and your sense of vocation?
I am not just teaching students a particular subject matter but teaching a way of life. My vocation as a Catholic teacher is to teach by example of how a person should live their life:
· The way a person should treat staff and students
· Inclusion (inclusion is not a place but a feeling)
· Allowing others to have a voice
· Respect others opinions
· Sharing moments of witness (ie: prayer)
How does this inform your understanding of your students?
Every student is precious because you see them as God sees them. As a teacher I love my students whether they do well or not. I want them to strive to be the best version of themselves just as God does.
How does this inform your understanding of students with exceptionalities, students who are marginalized, students of low socioeconomic status?
As Catholics we have always taken special care of the marginalized because we see the value in all of God’s creation. Thus, we must treat them with love, respect and kindness and ensure that they are all capable of achieving success at their level and that they feel valuable. I was raised to treat people as God would treat you!
Why is it so important that faith permeate all aspects of the curricula and life of the school?
As Catholic educators we believe that education is more than just the delivery of curriculum. We believe and feel that we are responsible for the education of the entire person: body, mind, and soul. Thus, as Catholic teachers, we must bring Faith into every aspect of our teaching.