Justin Wallace

Background

About Justin Wallace

Every child has the potential for greatness. Each child’s greatness will be different, but they are each capable of great things. It is not only my job but also my joy, to help them to work toward that potential. I do that in a number of ways. First, it is important that I develop a relationship with each child that walks through my door. I want to get to know what they like and what they don’t. How they learn and what bores and frustrates them. I want them to see me as someone who is approachable and someone who cares about them, because I do. Second, I work hard to have a classroom environment that is first of all safe and then invites students to learn and grow and struggle and work and laugh and play and dance and all the things that go into helping them to develop into the best possible version of themselves that they can be. And this all stems from starting with a safe environment. Students must be kept physically safe, but they also must feel safe to make mistakes and to ask questions without ridicule. They need to feel the support of their teachers and peers and I work hard to make sure we have a safe and inviting environment. Third, I know that I cannot bring out the full potential of each student on my own. Over the past eighteen years of teaching, I have had the privilege to work with some incredible educators. I’ve shared ideas and searched out ideas. Mentored and been mentored to. I have worked in collaborative groups that have come up with absolutely incredible learning opportunities for students, which I never would have been able to dream up on my own. I know that we are stronger when we work together. Finally, I know that communication is key to helping a child reach their potential. I must include their support network of family and fellow educators in my communication. I have said it countless times during parent/teacher conferences; “We are a team. The more we work together, the more we communicate and make sure we are on the same page and pulling in the same direction, the better it will be for the student. When they know that their parents and their teachers are talking about their successes, they strive for more success. When they know that their parents and their teachers are working together, with them, on overcoming a challenge, they work harder to overcome that challenge.” Every child is capable of greatness. I too am capable of greatness. I work hard every day to make sure that I am connecting, creating safe spaces, collaborating, and communicating in order to bring out the greatness in each of my students.