My journey as an educator began over two decades ago. I was a novice stepping into the unique educational landscape of Washington Heights, a vibrant Dominican enclave within New York City. This setting, which I hold dear, was the birthplace of my educational philosophy and the catalyst for my continuous learning and growth. It symbolizes my unwavering commitment to serving the diverse and dynamic communities we comprise, a commitment that I hold in high regard and consider a privilege.
Exploring various educational theories and approaches has led me to draw upon a philosophy that aims to cultivate a transformative, collaborative, and healing understanding of the child's inner world in harmony with the universe's beauty, wonder, and interconnectedness. This philosophy is coupled with the accumulated knowledge from cultural evolution and preservation, weaving together the complex tapestry that shapes sociocultural, educational, and communal dynamics, especially within generational communities. This is achieved through a pedagogical approach grounded in guiding principles:
Funds of Knowledge
Being & Belonging
The Primordial Imperative: Nature, Education, and Imagination.
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Culture, Power, Place
Diasporic identities
Grounded in these principles, I firmly believe that children inherently possess a deep awareness, a natural connection, and an innate fascination with the phenomena around them. In this vein, education is a journey guided by a progressive curriculum that embraces the child's innate curiosity and draws from the wealth of knowledge within their families. Rooted in the ethos of transformative teaching, I developed a curriculum, Ecofunds, designed to guide children through immersive experiences with the natural world, fostering a deeper connection to and appreciation for the wonders of biology. Ecofunds is a comprehensive curriculum that includes hands-on activities, interactive learning modules, and collaborative projects, all aimed at awakening children's curiosity and igniting a passion for environmental stewardship. It seeks to engage learners across disciplines while respecting their cultural authenticity by connecting with the natural world.
Reflecting on my philosophy of education, it becomes clear that knowledge is undeniably the most valuable asset, and teaching is a commitment and obligation. Pedagogy encompasses voices, movements, images, narratives, and platforms for awareness, continually reminding our students to awaken to heightened consciousness, actively participating in effecting change and fostering inclusive dialogues. Educators are the encompassing voices of teachers, students, parents, and the wider community. Teaching serves as the crucible wherein meaningful change is forged.
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