” The teacher is of course an artist, but being an artist does not mean that he or she can make the profile, can shape the students. What the educator does in teaching is to make it possible for the students to become themselves.”
‒ Paulo Freire
I think that education should be about supporting students in becoming their best selves, not about shaping them into who we think they should be. Freire captures this idea perfectly, emphasising that students are already their own people and they don’t need to be “molded” by their teachers. Instead, I believe we should encourage their passions, meet them where they are, and help them grow in ways that matter to them.
My perspective is that a classroom should be a place where all students feel free to be themselves. That means recognising their unique strengths, challenges, and ways of learning. Instead of forcing students to fit into a rigid system, I want to make sure they feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. I think students should feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, making mistakes and taking ownership of their learning journey.
To do this I will give students choices in their learning, whether it’s letting them pick their own reading materials, finding different ways to show understanding or incorporating their interests into lessons. I believe that when students have a say in their learning, they build confidence and curiosity. I also want to focus on building strong relationships by getting to know my students and their families, respecting their identities and making sure they feel heard and supported. From my own experiences, trust and a sense of community lead to a deeper engagement in learning.
I also want to create a flexible learning environment with hands-on activities, discussions and opportunities for individual exploration. Learning should be adaptable so that students can connect with subjects in meaningful ways. My goal is to create an inclusive and inspiring classroom where students feel encouraged to grow into their authentic selves while I continue to learn and grow alongside them.