Ciera’s teaching philosophy aligns with Madeline Hunter’s sentiment: “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” While some may see this as overly sentimental, Hunter meant that connecting with students on a personal level is crucial for their academic success. Often, the challenges in students’ personal lives can overshadow classroom lessons. What’s missing in many classrooms today is a genuine connection with students. Ciera believes that when students feel valued, they are more motivated and less likely to act out. She advocates for practical, research-based strategies that teachers can implement immediately without discarding what already works.

Ciera recognizes the demanding nature of the teaching profession, where educators must fill many roles, such as parent, nurse, counselor, advisor, and more. She understands that students come from diverse backgrounds with varying abilities and experiences, and the “one size fits all” approach is outdated.

Ciera also challenges the assumption that students enter classrooms ready and willing to learn. She notes that many students lack socialization and are influenced by TV, video games, social media, and other sources. While educators can’t control students’ lives outside school hours, Ciera believes there is much they can do during school hours. She is committed to supporting educators through motivation, inspiration, humor, and practical stress management. Most importantly, she provides proven, practical strategies. Ciera’s own life was transformed by a teacher who showed her that her current circumstances didn’t dictate her future, a lesson learned in a classroom led by a passionate and caring teacher.