“As a teacher, you hold in your hands the power to influence and shape a student's mind. You have within you the ability to instill in your child a love of learning, to keep an open mind and to keep asking questions. You have the ability to foster confidence, stimulate thinking and awaken dreams…” (unknown). Education has been a big part of my life, my mother started teaching when I was three and always said: “Justan, when you grow up you should teach, you are super smart and very creative”. Also, like many other students, I have attended school most of my life. My educational philosophy is to change lives. I want to touch a student's life and leave a positive imprint on their outlook on education. Teachers are more than educators: they are mentors, classroom managers, role models, and students. Effective teachers are those who learn, learn from their students, learn to differentiate their classrooms based on what they know about students, and stay current on current educational technologies. According to Creating a Safe Classroom, “Teachers are responsible for nurturing students and creating an emotionally and physically safe classroom environment in which students can thrive. In a physically safe classroom, rules are established and enforced, and students are aware of emergency procedures. An emotionally safe classroom is one in which students can express opinions and share goals without fear of being disturbed” (Starr, 2010). of students. I want students to feel safe and comfortable in my classroom, this is very important, because providing students with a safe environment opens up different learning opportunities... middle of the paper... the Classroom Rules mentioned. nd). Retrieved 11.11.2011 from http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/misc/back/rules/elem/Singh, DR (2010, 4). 11, 2011, from Archived Information: http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.htmlStarr, C. (2010, 11 28). Create a safe classroom. Retrieved from eHow: http://www.ehow.com/how_7813203_create-safe-classroom.htmlunknown. (n.d.). Excerpt from The Garden of Quotations! : http://www.quotegarden.com/teachers.htmlUyeno, L. (n.d.). COLLABORATION IN THE CLASSROOM. Retrieved 11 30, 2011, from CLASSROOM COLLABORATION: http://emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu/writing/collaboration.htm Willoughby, J. (2009). Differentiating instructions. Retrieved 2011 from http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/subject/di_meeting.phtml