Why I Became a Teacher
Unlike many teachers, I can not pinpoint one pivotal influence in my life that guided me to become a teacher. There was no stellar teacher that showed me how teaching can help children in great need. There was no moment in which a teacher intervened to keep me from doing something foolish or dangerous. In fact, most of my high school teachers didn't even know my name, well into the 4th quarter. I became a teacher because I know how many poor teachers are out there. I became a teacher because when I was a student, I felt like I was drowning and no one was there or even cared to save me.
Philosophy of Education
In order to be a successful teacher, one must balance the need for consistent discipline within the classroom and an approachable demeanor which will enable students to develop a trusting relationship. Without this balance, meaningful learning can not take place. Skills in classroom management allow teachers to control the classroom setting to develop an environment conducive to learning. Through the development of a trusting relationship with his or her teacher, a student will gain the confidence in asking questions, making mistakes, and learning from those mistakes.
Students learn best when they can apply concepts taught in the classroom to real-life scenarios. If a student is unable to make the connections between the abstract and concrete, he or she is less college/career-ready. The importance of making this connection can never be overstated.
A teacher's knowledge of his or her students' learning styles enables the creation of lessons and projects that cater to each student's individual strength. Teachers must also refine skills in differentiating lessons, to further challenge each student to his or her own ability level.
Students learn best when they can apply concepts taught in the classroom to real-life scenarios. If a student is unable to make the connections between the abstract and concrete, he or she is less college/career-ready. The importance of making this connection can never be overstated.
A teacher's knowledge of his or her students' learning styles enables the creation of lessons and projects that cater to each student's individual strength. Teachers must also refine skills in differentiating lessons, to further challenge each student to his or her own ability level.