Alphonso Jiles

I believe that any child has the ability to be successful if they are afforded stimulating educational climates, conditions, and opportunities. Just as any plant can grow under the right conditions (the right soil, the right amount of light, water and nurturing); likewise I believe any child can succeed if the conditions and the atmosphere are conducive for learning. It is my desire as an Educator to provide the right atmosphere that will afford children the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

In setting the right climate, I believe the most important step is to establish high student expectations. I do not except failure nor do I allow my students to say, 'I can't do I explain to all students when they walk into my room that I expect them to be successful, respectful, courteous, to never give up, to apply the skills (or what I like to call 'the tools") that I have taught them, and finally to believe they can accomplish anything by using methods I have modeled or develop a plan and following through. Teacher expectation is vital in student achievement. In my class, I find a way to make students believe they can achieve by using a variety of teaching methods, managing and maintaining class order, adhering to rigorous teaching standards, and using my personal ability to motivate others.

Over the course of my teaching career, I have noticed that if children believe that they can achieve, then they will achieve. I believe the most detrimental thing a teacher can do to children is not to believe in them. I have welcomed anyone to register for my band class. By this, I have provided many students, who might have otherwise not participated, experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. We have traveled and performed in Toronto, Canada, Orlando, Florida, Richmond, Virginia, Princeton, New Jersey, Atlanta, Georgia and many other places. My classroom motto is: The Legacy Begins With Me, motivated, dedicated, respectful, responsible, teachable, Puma Pride! I like to instill in my students the desire and or the idea that they can achieve. My personal belief is that I believe that children can do anything they put their minds and efforts too. I value all children and I believe even the most poorly behaved child has the ability and at one time had the desire to learn and it is my role, as the teacher, to encourage, correct poor behavior by having classroom procedures in place, and most importantly find a way to re-ignite the passion to learn back into that child.

In closing, as in the movie 'Mr. Holland's Opus" I like to act as a compass pointing my students in the right direction, not necessarily showing them only one way, but allowing them to discover a path for themselves as our paths cross on their educational journey. I believe that any child has the ability to be successful if they are afforded stimulating educational climates, conditions, and opportunities. Just as any plant can grow under the right... read more