My Teaching Philosophy

Fostering Curiosity, Compassion, and International Understanding in Young Learners

By Andrya Perez

I believe that learning is a natural and deeply human process, one that grows through meaningful experiences and strong connections to the learner’s reality. My role as an educator is to create rich opportunities for discovery that are rooted in my students’ interests, needs, and lived experiences.

Learning Through Connection

In my classroom, learning begins with real-world relevance. I aim to spark curiosity and help students build meaningful bridges between the content we explore and their own lives. For example, when learning about astronauts such as Neil Armstrong and Yang Liwei, my students investigate not just history, but broader questions about human achievement and global impact. These experiences help students understand that what we do influences others, and that we are all part of a larger global story.

This is how I introduce the concept of global citizenship—by nurturing awareness, empathy, and a sense of responsibility for the world we share. My students begin to see themselves not only as learners but also as respectful, informed members of a diverse and interconnected planet.

Collaborative, Safe, and Inclusive Spaces

I create a safe and nurturing classroom environment where students feel supported to explore, express, and grow. We use games and role-play to build social-emotional skills such as asking for help, solving problems, and working together respectfully.

Group work is central to my teaching, as it fosters communication, independence, and resilience. Students learn to collaborate, recognize each other’s strengths, and support one another—skills that are essential for both local and global communities.

Empowered by Families and Community

Strong home-school communication is another pillar of my teaching philosophy. I work closely with families to understand my students holistically and to ensure consistent support across environments. This also helps reinforce cultural awareness and respect for diverse backgrounds—key principles of global citizenship education.

Joyful, Purposeful Learning

I believe that enthusiasm is contagious. My genuine excitement for the content I teach inspires students to engage, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning journey. I use a variety of creative, student-centered approaches, including music, stories, games, art, and inquiry-based projects, to ensure lessons are inclusive, challenging, and joyful.

My planning is flexible and responsive, allowing me to differentiate and adapt according to student needs and learning styles. I aim to design lessons that challenge students appropriately while ensuring every learner can achieve success in their own way.

Literacy, Technology, and Global Perspective

I prioritize literacy development as a foundation for all learning. Our classroom library is filled with diverse fiction and nonfiction texts that broaden students’ understanding of the world and foster empathy. I also integrate technology thoughtfully to enhance learning and global exploration. Students engage with digital tools to research topics, express their ideas, and connect with wider perspectives beyond the classroom walls.

Creativity and Expression

Art, imagination, and creativity are woven into every subject I teach. I believe that creative expression empowers children to make sense of the world, communicate their ideas, and develop a strong sense of self. I encourage students to use art to explore important themes like identity, community, sustainability, and peace—allowing them to become thoughtful contributors to a better world.

Conclusion

In summary, I believe that education should be empowering, inclusive, and connected to the world students live in. My teaching philosophy is grounded in:

Experiential learning tied to real-world relevance
Social-emotional safety and student voice
Collaboration, curiosity, and creativity
Respect for diversity and global perspectives
Strong family partnerships and community connection

By nurturing the whole child and embracing the values of global citizenship, I strive to help my students become kind, confident learners—ready not only to succeed academically, but to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.