Ms. Ejemole's Philosophy:
Middle level learners are dynamic and evolve tremendously, on an everyday basis. As an educator of adolescent students, my philosophy is centered around addressing their growth, cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally.  With Gloria Ladson-Billings The Dream Keepers in mind, I strive to provide a learning environment that buys students in based on what interests them the most. Learners have to envision themselves within instruction and really see why what they are learning is important.  Students within my classroom will receive instruction that guides them to develop on more than an academic level. Students will be held accountable and at high expectation levels. We will learn together  while I facilitate a student centered environment that focuses on student-choice and the freedom to express themselves in a bully-free safe zone. As a facilitator of learning, I will focus on motivating students to reach levels that require them to strive independently and collaboratively. With middle level learners in mind, I've learned that instruction and learning requires flexibility and spontaneity; everything won't work on the first try. 
With Jerome Bruner's Discovery-based learning theory in mind, I believe that 21st century classroom must center itself around research and discovery. In my classroom, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, while requiring them to develop and build upon their own understanding.