When being asked the notorious question about what you want to be when you grow up, many of my classmates responded with various answers such as astronaut, professional sports player, doctor, or an actor. But for me the question has always been simple. Walls filled with bright posters, bulks of candy hidden away, and a room filled with students has always come to mind. So instead of answering like most of my classmates, I replied “a teacher.”
My parents had always joked with me that the reason my youngest brother was so smart was because he was learning multiplication ever since he was five. This wasn’t because he was receiving special tutoring or work on thousands of problems every day; it was the mere fact that I was his older sister. On days when my siblings and I were all free I would force them into the living room and sit them in chairs in front of my whiteboard. I would teach my lesson for the day, give them a short quiz, and scribble their grade onto a piece of paper with my red crayon. I remember spending countless hours coming up with crossword puzzles, homework pages, and even small games for the next time I had a chance to play teacher.
Aside from pretending to be teacher with my brothers I have also helped my fifth grade teacher whenever my schedule allowed time. My initial tasks for Mrs. Lehmkuhl were minimal, but gradually improved each time I came.
My jobs started with hanging bulletins, stapling papers together, or grading students’ quizzes, but soon evolved into working with students one-on-one or joining in on an activity with the class. The Center for Advanced Professional Studies Teacher Education program is also giving me real world experience that will benefit me in my future as a teacher. For me the greatest satisfaction I have obtained is the ability to walk into the room and have the students eyes light up with excitement to see me and ready to learn.
I firmly believe that every student has different ways of learning and strengths and weaknesses in school. I can use this information to help educate my students and bring out their full potential. By allowing students to learn based on their strengths it will give them a better path in life, versus being forced into simply taking tests to determine their future.
From the words of Sir Ken Robinson "a school and the education a child receives is as good as the teacher." A teacher directly affects each and every student and can influence their lives immensely during their time in the classroom. A teacher needs to be prepared and enthusiastic every time they set foot in a classroom.
Teaching Philosophy
