I have been sculpted by good teachers who made learning fun and interesting, the subjects real and applicable. I felt like I was discovering the information myself instead of just memorizing material. They encouraged me to seek learning and improvement throughout my life, and empowered me to teach myself. I had the confidence to dream because of these leaders, teachers and mentors. I wanted to be my best, not only for me, but for all the people who believed in me. I now realize that the true value of life experience is in what I pass on to others. I want to experience life to its fullest – my education has instilled that desire in me! However, my journeys have reminded me where my true passion is. If I live an adventure without ever sharing it, the experience is selfish and somewhat wasted. What is a dream if not used to inspire the dreams of another?
I think teachers have a responsibility to educate not only academically, but socially, creating an atmosphere conducive to the nurture and celebration of each child and his dreams. In public education the recompense is certainly not monetary, so teaching requires faith, determination, and a true passion for education. I have been both impressed and inspired by friends and family members who dedicate their lives to education. Though I’ve taken a roundabout path to this career choice, I feel as though I have been teaching all my life. When I stand in front of a classroom, I look into their eyes, I learn their names, I watch their reactions. Learning should be fun, engaging, and personal. I want them to be intrigued, not simply informed.
My teaching is based directly on creative lesson plans developed from core curriculum requirements outlined by UEN. I want to have a lot of discussion and interaction, as I believe this can be a very strong tool both for students processing information and for teachers assessing learning. I will use both formative and summative assessments as needed to track the progress of my students.
I want to teach using connections to their own lives, and have them consider real-world issues and applications. I feel technology can be an excellent tool in lifelong learning, and this is the time to teach students effective, ethical use of technological tools.
The most important rule for me is respect; respect for self, teacher and fellow students. I will discipline by expectation. I have found that in most cases, students do not want to disappoint a leader they trust and respect. Students will also be held accountable for their own work and choices. When a student is treated with respect and knows what is expected of him, he is likely to give respect in return. This may be a struggle at first for some students to get used to, but I think it is the best approach to group instruction.
Students need positive role models and mentors. They need to know there is someone they can trust. They needed to feel recognized, appreciated and valued. They need positive reinforcement, constructive correction, and the confidence to succeed. My classroom will be a safe haven where students can be honest and show their best self.
My dream is to enlighten, encourage, and empower my students. I want to share what I am passionate about, not to convince that it is best, but to help them discover their own passions. I also want to help students gain appreciation for culture, diversity and individual worth. The world is becoming smaller and smaller, and students taught to celebrate differences will have a greater advantage in the workforce.
So much in the world tells us we are not good enough. The media constantly compares us to its model, full of unrealistic expectations. Being an individual isn’t sufficient. Yet, as adults, we realize that our unique qualities are exactly what make us desirable. When children are supported and encouraged through their education, they begin to love learning while learning to love themselves. Suddenly the deception is pure fantasy and the reality of personal worth and true capacity prevails.
There is so much good out there, in spite of the misery. That good will grow exponentially, if planted and cultivated in the very people who will shape the future – today’s children. By strengthening and empowering them, we train the future leaders, scientists, explorers, developers, nurturers, and teachers. They can and will change the world.
American author, educator, and motivational speaker, the late William Arthur Ward stated, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” That is the kind of teacher I aspire to be! Perhaps my vision is naive and idealistic, unscathed from years of instructional struggle. This lofty vision of mine may demand more work and heartache than I can foresee. Well then, so be it! Overcoming challenge is part of the adventure! This is about so much more than my own ambition. It is about children – people – who deserve that kind of hope! They deserve to be just who they are, and know they make a difference.
