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Who Am I?
My name is Niaya Thomas and I am currently a Sophomore at Old Dominion University majoring in Elementary Education. I grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia and I've lived here my whole life. I graduated from Churchland High School in June of 2020, which was unfortunately during the start of the pandemic, and during that time I was technically in college because we had a dual enrollment program at our school, either way though we still missed out on those senior festivities. Overall, moving onto my actual career interests, ever since I was younger I knew I wanted to be a teacher because I've just always had a true passion for teaching and learning. By the time I was graduating from elementary school it was clear to me that I wanted to be an elementary school teacher and teach the lower grade levels and by the time I started high school I knew that first and second grade were the right fit for me.
A Little More About Me
My Influences
Education has always been an important aspect of my life and I actually had perfect attendance throughout my elementary and middle school years. That love for education really started at home because my mom always told me, "Education is key," and always stressed the importance of learning and education and I think it's just something I carried with me throughout my academic career. I think it's safe to say I fell in love with learning the moment I stepped foot in school and my Kindergarten teacher played a part in me actually wanting to be a teacher because she always went above and beyond (She actually had me learning cursive in Kindergarten) and even let me lead different activities and stations and help some of the other kids at such a young age. As I said earlier, I knew I wanted to teach since I was younger and I just truly love everything about it.
What I Know
- I know a lot about technology and how to incorporate different resources into lessons.
- I also know about different online games that can be incorporated into lessons, such as Kahoot and Quizlet Live.
- I have also spent plenty of time using Google Docs and Google Slides.
- I know how to create a safe, welcoming space.
- I know how to support each kid's needs.
- I know that every kid doesn't learn the same.
- I know that kids have bad days just like us and it's important to listen to them.
- I know that I want each kid to leave my classroom everyday with a new piece of knowledge.
I know how to incorporate the concept of having a growth mindset into a classroom.
I know how to search for different teacher resources.
I know how it feels to be new at a school or switch schools during the school year.
I know how to discuss some of the "hard" topics that some people tend to avoid.
I know how to make sure each kid is being treated fairly and they're able to be one hundred percent themselves.
What I Have To Learn
I have to continue learning about different backgrounds and experiences different from mine.
I have to learn more about lesson planning and collaborating with a team.
I'm still working through my procrastination habit, but it's getting better.
I have to learn how to properly communicate with parents, whether it be for a conference or answering their questions/concerns.
I still have to learn more behavior management strategies, preferably positive ones.
I have to learn which graded papers I keep and which ones I send home.
I have to continue learning in my college courses, so I can gain insight on different skills, materials, research etc. that will allow me to be the best teacher I can be.
I know that in any profession you choose, you won't know it all, no matter how long you've been doing it, there's always something you can improve or something new to learn. With that being said, to grow into the teacher I want to be and learn more about the individuals I teach I feel like the best things I can do is continue to research, read, be aware, keep an open mind, listen to them, continue taking my courses, and also attend some professional development courses. I'm still continuously learning and I know that when the time comes I'll be the best teacher that I can be for my kiddos.
The Teacher I Will Become
The purpose of school is to provide kids with the general knowledge that we've all been required to learn and know, but also provide those social interactions so kids are learning more about other kids' backgrounds and opinions and learning through play and hands-on experiences.
I believe that it's important to teach students in many different forms whether it be direct instruction, hands-on activities, or student-centered activities.
I really want each kid to know that they can do whatever they put their minds to and to learn early on to support one another and lift each other up and be themselves and never be afraid to express themselves.
My Educational Philosophies
I want to be a teacher that is a light in their student's day and a teacher that students feel comfortable talking to and one that's always there for them. I want to be a teacher who is able to make everyone feel appreciated and represented and I want to be able to provide them with a space to share their opinions and make their own choices. I want to be a teacher that creates a safe, welcoming environment in the classroom for their students and teaches lessons effectively and able to incorporate fun and engaging activities into the lesson whenever I can and hopefully help them develop a true love and passion for learning that they can carry with them throughout their academic career. I could honestly go on and on, but most importantly I want to be the teacher that my students need and the best educator I could possibly be, which includes being a teacher that wakes up every morning truly happy to be doing what I love each day.
Random Facts About Me
My favorite food is pizza.
I'm a huge movie lover and the person to go to for tv show recommendations.
I'm a huge Dallas Cowboys fan.
I've watched a handful of movies to the point where I can quote every line.
I'm a Gemini.
I play softball.
I also love to watch pro wrestling.
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