Lighting the Fire

I believe, as William Butler Yeats stated, “Education is not filling a bucket but lighting a fire.”  My approach to education and learning is one of wonder and that is what I hope to nurture in my students.  I do not expect to have all the answers to students’ questions but I do facilitate them finding the answer. For me teaching writing and literature is the perfect kindling for sparking wonder and life- long learning.

I still remember the first time I learned to manipulate letters from the alphabet to signify my name: Sherry Galloway.  My five year old world became a radically different place because I now understood concrete evidence of my existence.  With the ability to reproduce and decode signifiers I began a quest for information and experience.  Empowering students to better communication and understanding is fundamental for their quest of knowing and being known.

Although English classes could be used for the “filling of a[n educational] bucket by simply teaching rules and requiring memorization, I believe students’ lives are better enhanced by empowering them with critical thinking skills.  As students are taught to analyze, evaluate and synthesize they are better equipped to live fully in the information age.

I approach all students with unconditional positive regard.  I demand an emotionally safe classroom where all students treat one another with respect.  Only in risking can one question or try new ideas and I want my students to have that great opportunity.