Growth mindset is the belief that intelligence can grow by working through struggles and setbacks with persistence and effort. I believe in growth mindset. I believe that each of my students is capable of growing his or her intelligence! Brain research tells us that working through challenges is what causes us to become more intelligent. I plan on challenging my students, and I expect that they will experience setbacks. I expect that they will struggle, and I know they will be BETTER for it. The reason I believe this so strongly is because my classroom is a “Fear-Free Zone”, a safe, secure place where risk and failure are rewarded rather than looked down upon. Each struggle is a stepping-stone to greater success. Each struggle is an opportunity to learn what doesn’t work. Each struggle is an opportunity for growth.