Izzy Lapidus, Educator
Izzy Lapidus is an inclusive, child-centered, and justice-oriented educator based in Brooklyn. She is committed to co-creating learning environments that inspire curiosity and critical thinking, encourage agency and independence, and celebrate every child's strengths. She views education as a pathway toward transformative social change and is deeply passionate about pursuing a career as an educator.
Teaching Philosophy
It is an honor and a privilege to teach.
I recognize my responsibility as an educator and I take this role with the utmost seriousness.
Teachers possess power. The language we use shapes how children think, feel, and move through the world. With this in mind, I think deeply about the words I use when I communicate with children, and strive to always honor the strengths of all of my students.
As a teacher, specifically with a passion for special education, I pride myself on being as inclusive as possible in my classroom, making efforts to ensure that every child has a sense of belonging. When I think about a lesson, I apply a Universal Design for Learning lens and ask myself: who will be my focus child? My focus children? For which children will I design this lesson so that the needs of all my students will be met? I design with those in mind who will benefit most from individualized instruction and support to meet our lesson’s objectives.
Curiosity and critical thinking sit at the core of my teaching ethos. My first dream, long before I landed on becoming a teacher, was to become an astrophysicist. I strive to cultivate learning environments where children are excited and encouraged to think creatively and boldly. I want children wonder deeply about the world around them and beyond. I love hearing a child ask "why?"
I believe that every child has a universe of wisdom within them. Our job is to meet children where they are and help their light shine. Inspired by my time studying pedagogical values abroad in Denmark, I believe in creating classrooms that honor children's agency and independence, instilling trust in them from a young age. I view children as full human beings and treat them with respect.
I have had teachers who have affirmed me and teachers who have put me down. Having a teacher see you and believe in you goes such a long way. In my schooling experience, I have had teachers who smiled at me, recognizing when I was onto something the rest of the class hadn't quite put together yet, and teachers who snatched books out of my hands telling me I wasn't smart enough to read them. I have had teachers who encouraged me to craft my own educational path inspired by my passion and tenacity and teachers who told me to drop out of advanced placement classes because my grades weren't up to their standards. I strive to always be the teacher who uplifts her students and celebrates them for all that they are.
