Teaching was always an interest of mine, but my parents, both educators, discouraged me from pursuing an education degree citing a questionable cost/benefit analysis. Despite this, I found creative ways to incorporate my desire to teach into my career. From educating government agencies, politicians, and nonprofits about research my organization was involved in, to ensuring my legal clients understood the law, and even educating my small business's employees and customers on various subjects, teaching remained a constant theme in my career. Further during my daughter's early education, I volunteered in her classroom, assisting students who needed extra support. Finally, while volunteering with our local historical society and engaging with students during historical tours, I determined it was time to explore formal teaching.Lancaster Country Day School (LCDS), a local, private, independent school took a chance on me. Over the past four years, I honed my skills, proving to the administration that their gamble was worthwhile. During that time, my teaching philosophy has developed and centers on creating a supportive yet challenging classroom environment, fostering critical thinking, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of the world. My aim is not merely to have students memorize facts but to engage them in dynamic learning experiences that encourage diverse perspectives and interpretations. I believe that cultivating critical thinking equips students to navigate life's complexities. My teaching portfolio at LCDS has expanded significantly since my initial 1 trimester, part-time contract to teaching a variety of subjects on a full-time basis.