Dr. Ware’s Educational Philosophy

I believe in four key values that undergird effective schooling.  These four key values of purpose, voice, collaboration, and challenge have led my work in education at each level, elementary, middle, and high, and will continue to guide me at Wake STEM ECHS.  If students can find their path based on their passion, have a choice in that path and a voice towards what happens to them, can work together and be there for each other,  and finally see mistakes as the road to success, then we will have students ready to change the world for the better.  

Purpose -  What is your why?  Your why will drive you towards your goals and will be the motivation that pushes you through when things get tough.  Clues to your purpose often come from your passion.  Realizing your passion comes not just from an emotional experience in a moment,  but from a deep understanding that propagates from self-reflection.  Your purpose is the rudder that will guide you through school and through life.  

Voice - Once you know your path, you are more motivated by having a voice in the things that impact you.  It is important to remember to use your voice, but use it wisely.  As you have more of a say in what happens to you and what happens around you, you will be more responsible for what you say and what you do.  So be mindful of that and make sure that when you speak out,  it is for the right reasons and that you understand the consequences of the words you use.

Collaboration-  It is paramount that you not only find and hold on to close friends but that you build your skills to collaborate with others and create your networks.  In today’s world, breakthroughs almost always require a team.  One relatively recent study coming out of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, where cutting edge particle physics research is happening, had 5154 authors on a single paper.  In today’s world, you have to know how to connect and work with others to make a difference in the world to come.  

Challenge - Embrace the challenge.  Instead of running from what is difficult, embrace what lies before you as a challenge.  You are here at Wake STEM because you not only embrace challenges but you seek them out.  This helps make you stronger and is what is needed for you to take on what lies before you.