Joanne Foland

My philosophy about teaching is simple. I agree with Madeline Hunter when she said, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” Many think she was being too “warm and fuzzy.” However, what she meant was that you are not going to reach some kids academically until you first reach them on the “human to human” level.

I believe teachers need to be given research based, proven, practical strategies and applications that can be implemented immediately. Teachers don’t need any more theory and new, trendy programs with catchy names. Teachers want to keep what is working in their classrooms. I believe educators have the toughest job in America. They are asked every day to wear many different hats – mom, dad, nurse, counselor, teacher, judge, jury, lawyer – just to name a few.

I know that students come into our classrooms with variety of backgrounds and cultures. Their cognitive abilities, assets and experiences are just as wide ranging. Sometimes the only thing students have in common is their age! The “one size fits all” approach does not work anymore.

I also know one of the biggest unchallenged assumptions by many today about education is that kids are coming to school “ready to learn.” As educators, we know this is not always the case. Additionally, many kids come to us with social skills needs.

As educators, there are many areas in a young person’s life over which we have no influence. However, there are many areas we CAN influence. We can teach them things that will influence their lives forever. I am dedicated to helping educators be successful through motivation, inspiration, humor, and a common-sense approach to stress-management. Most importantly, I will leave educators with as many proven, practical strategies as possible.