Mandy Duff

Who I Am

Hello, I am Mandy Duff. I am currently a senior at Old Dominion University, with a major in Early Childhood Education. I have been an Optician for 25 years, but have decided to pursue my dreams and become a teacher. I try to live by the "Golden Rule" in all aspects of my life.

I am an avid reader. I believe reading is a destination into the heart, mind, and soul of the Author. Reading takes you to far off places, and allows you to immerse oneself in far off places full of adventure. I have been an Optician for 25 years, being able to help give individuals the gift of site is something that has no measure. I come from very humble beginnings and have learned that through hard work and perseverance any dream you dare to dream is obtainable. This is the reason that I want to teach, helping others realize their potential is the greatest gift one can give.

What I Know

I know that I must lead by example.

I know that each second, minute, and hour of everyday presents opportunities to make a change.

I know that every action has a reaction.

I know that every child learns differently, and therefore must be taught differently .

I know that time waits for no one, so live every moment to the fullest.

I know that love and need to interact with people in order to feed my soul.

I know that I will be the best teacher I can be, because I know that I matter.

What I have to learn

I would love to know more about teaching and how to ensure that I impact the lives of every child I come in contact with.

I want to learn how to work with sugar. I want to make fabulous sugar decorations.

I need to learn to be more proactive and less reactive.

I need more practice at taking care of myself as much as I take care of others.

I want to learn how to make my homemade noodles and dinner rolls taste like my grandmas!

The Teacher I will become

I strive to be the teacher everyone looks up to a remembers with a smile.

I hope to become the teacher that shows kindness, compassion and strength.

I strive to empower my students to learn and to be excited to enrich their knowledge.

I hope to influence others to teach by showing and expressing my joy for the love of the teaching profession.

Even though it has taken 30 years, I strive to become the teacher that I always dreamed of being .

Here is a small snapshot of my life. I was born and raised in Decatur, Illinois. I was literally surrounded by corn and soybean fields on all four sides. I must say I sure miss the small town life. I have been blessed to be able to travel and see the world. Each and every place we have been has brought us to where we are today.

My family and my favorite canine, Arwen are what motivates and inspires me to be the best I can be.

Hi, Mandy! Your statements are so thoughtful and inspiring. You are showing by example how to have a vision and follow your dreams. I'm excited for your new career in teaching and know you'll do a great job no matter what age you teach.

-Cheryl H.

Comments...

Hello! I am so happy that you decided to pursue your dream to become a teacher! I also have to learn how to be less reactive during certain situations. Your puppy is so adorable. I also hope you get to learn how to work with sugar. It is never too late to change a students life! Best wishes -Yasmin G.

Hello! I am quite taken that after practicing one profession for so long you have decided to switch careers and chase your dreams! Its so refreshing to see! I too had always wanted to be a teacher but found myself working corporate fort the financial sector. The pay is great but that longing inside you never goes away does it!-Patricia S.

I think your reasons for going into teaching are admirable. I see you are currently an optician. Are you in the "career switcher" program? I respect you for making such a big decision and following your heart. -Youssef D.

My Educational Philosophy

I find myself to be more in line with Essentialism and Progressivism in my teaching philosophy. Every child represents different needs, wants and desires in how they learn in an educational setting. Children need to have the freedoms to guide and direct their educational experiences, as well as feeling that their voices are being heard and acknowledged. Being flexible and adaptive when teaching is one of the most important skills one can possess.

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