As I head back to school today on this second day of 2018, I go with hope and a renewed sense of purpose.  Over winter break, I had the opportunity to reflect and re-imagine.  I thought about what I want to accomplish personally in 2018 and developed my goals. And, I thought about what I believe when it comes to my work in teaching and learning.

I begin this new year with these core beliefs:

• I believe that all children deserve to go to a school where they feel safe and secure for the six hours they are there.
• I believe that all children deserve to feel respected and to have their voice heard.
• I believe that learning and teaching should be fun!
• I believe that teachers “know best” pedagogical practices; not politicians, bureaucrats, or school boards.
• I believe that relationships come first; teaching and learning come second.
• I believe that all children deserve to hear a book read aloud to them every day.
• I believe that all children should have access to an abundant and diverse classroom library (and school library).
• I believe that it is the responsibility of educators to remove barriers, so that all students have access to an equitable education.
• I believe that all children deserve to participate in authentic learning, not canned curriculum.

This I believe.