As an educator, I feel that it is my responsibility
to instill in my students a love of learning and to motivate my students to seek knowledge of both themselves and the world
around them. A love of learning is something that takes both time and effort on the part of an educator because each student's
desire to ascertain knowledge is different. I believe that it is when a person is truly engaged that they feel free to take
risks and become independent students with a true passion for learning. Therefore it is my job to provide lessons and opportunities that are
stimlating, inspiring and worthy of my student's attention. I feel that it is of the utmost importance to identify each student's
distinct goals and aspirations, as well as their learning styles and needs in order for me to scaffold their learning and
give them the best possible support and guidance.
With my support, guidance, and enthusiasm my students
will know that if they are willing to work hard anything is within their reach. By providing positive feedback and encouragement,
my goal is to inspire my students to reach their highest potential. No matter what an individual student's highest potential
may be, each student will learn valuable lessons on the journey to reaching that potential. A feeling of self-worth and respect
for themselves and others are among some of the most important lessons that my students will learn. It is lessons like these
that will carry students throughout life and will serve them well throughout their academic career.
In order for me to teach these important lessons
it is important for me utilize a curriculum that promotes cooperation, hands on learning, and critical thinking. These elements allow
my students to be part of a stimulating classroom community, where learning is constantly taking place. In this environment,
my students are free to be curious and inquisitive and to share their ideas. The sharing of ideas is truly what makes a classroom
come alive, and I believe that it is one of the most important skills that my students will learn. Not only is it important
for students to learn how to communicate their thoughts, but it is also necessary for them to learn how to disagree constructively.
It is important for my students to understand that conficting thoughts and opinions can present valuable learning opportunities,
and they must learn that everyone's viewpoint is worthy of consideration. It is with this attitude that students can maintain
respect for their peers and tolerance for each other's differences in both a classroom community and the outside world.
I feel that it is my duty as a teacher to ensure that each of my students
not only has the opportunity to share their ideas, but also is allowed the chance to formulate independent ideas and ask questions freely.
I always encourage my students to use prior knowledge as a basis for formulating thoughts and inquiries because what they
already know can be one of the best learning tools. This enables students to not only reflect on their prior knowledge, but
it also provides my students with the ability to take responsibilty for their own learning. By using knowledge that they already
have, my students are empowered to make connections between the classroom and the outside world. It is these connections that
can provide great motitvation and make learning both interesting and worthwhile to students.
I believe that when motivated, any student has the
ability to succeed. As an educator, I believe that it is my responsibilty to ensure that each student has both a motive and
a love for learning in order for him or her to achieve success in both school and in life. Although success means something different
to each student, I feel that success is always attainable, and it is important for students to understand that even though
there may be bumps in the road to success, it is the bumps that can provide us with the greatest lifelong lessons. It is with
each success, either large or small, and bumps included, that students will come into a greater understanding of themselves
and the world around them, and it is my belief that an understanding of self and world is the true purpose and lasting effect
of education.
