Teaching is not simply something that happens in a classroom.  It happens in the hallways, at after school activities, on the street, in our backyards, and at shopping malls.  It’s an ongoing experience of interactions between the teacher and his or her students, it allows one to touch a life, be a mentor, educate the future, and motivate the willing.  I believe in an educational system that gives each student a fair chance to learn intellectually and socially.  Further, I value an environment that is warm and inviting; in other words, I value one that promotes growth.  Teaching is not just having an understanding of the content, but it is having the desire to keep learning as well.  I believe, as an educator, I must model values, beliefs, and goals that are accepted by the community and society.  I must model the behavior I want to see my students emulate.  I must trust and believe in my students, their parents, the administration, the school board, the faculty, staff members and community.  Education is an important tool for building the future, and the future depends on individuals who are willing to learn from and teach the youth.  Lon Walters once said “school is a building that has four walls -- with tomorrow inside”, and I believe.