Embedded Files
Oldest photo I had on phone.
Me in the National Air and Space Museum
Who I am:
Personal Life: I was born and raised in Egypt (Cairo). I am a middle child, though the only boy. I was a hyperactive child and I did not do good in school in my youth (though I improved a lot with age :). I moved to the US when I was 17-18 and lived here since (over 10 years now). I have two nieces (one in elementary and one in high school) and a nephew (he is homeschooled and also in middle school). I help in the education of all three (mostly help them understand materials), and when I was much younger I helped tutor my little sister and friends.
My hobbies: are reading history and fiction books, playing games (board, video, and in-person games), watching movies and shows, and walking.
Interests: originally, I was into late Republic and imperial Roman history, but one of my professors (Stephanie Campbell) showed me how awesome Medieval history was, and now I am much more into Medieval history. Though I do read on all historical periods to expand my horizon.
Fun facts: When I was young I had trouble pronouncing words, so I began to talk fast to hide my mistakes. Talking fast is still a part of how I talk, so I actively have to remind myself to slow down when I am talking now. I self-taught myself how to swim and ride bicycles, so I am good at teaching myself new tricks.
What I know:
I know that I love history and that I love educating others on it.
I know that a good teacher can make any subject fun and exciting for their students.
I know how to make history fun and exciting.
I know what it is like growing up in a single-parent household.
I know what it is like to move to a new school and have to restart.
I know how to listen, to really and actually listen to others.
I know when someone wants someone to vent to and when someone wants help but is too proud or stubborn to ask it.
I know that I am open-minded and that I won't negatively judge anyone.
I know that I like helping others.
What I have to learn:
How to connect better with students. I want to be able to connect with all of my students, so I need to improve on how to connect with others.
How to program, or rather being more tech-savvy. So I would be able to make online classes and sources better and more helpful.
How to find that perfect spot between a figure of authority (teacher) and a trusted figure (students not fearing to talk to me).
The Teacher I Will Become:
My two philosophies for teaching are Progressivism and Existentialism. When I was a child the teaching strategy in my school was memorization of information, we had to memorize information in every subject. For example, in English we needed to memorize entire chapters (teachers would tell us parts to highlight to memorize) then on exams, we would have to fill in blanks or write a paper with quotations from memory. I highly disliked that system and performed badly in school because I could not memorize. Learning the material and learning how to apply that material worked much better for me. I understand students have different ways to learn which is why Existentialism is part of my philosophy. I want my students to find their best method of learning and use that to excel academically. I also believe that information should be useful for students which is why my lessons would focus on problem-solving and working with each other to learn from each other. What I want is for my students to be independent thinkers who are free to pursue what they want to study and to see mistakes as a teacher to learn from, not a scary monster they need to avoid at all costs that they avoid doing things that they might fail in.
What is a Teacher:
https://voicethread.com/share/19258872/ (Link in case video below does not work properly).
Michael's teacher answer.mp4Post Comments Here:
I liked how you mentioned that you need to find a nice blend between a trusted figure and an authority figure. A lot of the time people only learn the latter. But the former is also really important so that students are able to pay attention, listen, and give feedback. If a teacher does not have that trust aspect built into their image, students may not perform well in class. Or worse, they will call you the "bad teacher". So in short, being able to get trust from your students is a key to being a successful teacher. - Logan Munoz-Lawrence
I see that you are from Egypt. That is one place me and my husband would like to travel too at least once. I also have a bad habit of talking fast as well and have to be cognitive of that when talking to groups as I speak faster when I get nervous. You stated you have to learn to be more tech savvy, and that is an area I need to improve on as well. Victoria Beasle
I liked that you help your nieces and nephew with schoolwork. I have a niece and a nephew who I also used to help in school as well. It also must have been so interesting living in Egypt for your whole childhood and the come the the U.S. -Mikayla Harrison
Hi Michael, I helped my siblings with their schoolwork. Egypt sounds like a great place to travel. I still have trouble with my english when I talk in general. I agree that students should be independent thinkers. - Maria Brown
I have the same concerns with technology Michael! I am not so great but I have taken a few courses and learned more and more about how to operate different technology platforms. And I would also like to add I find myself struggling with being too kind in class and then it gets taken advantage of and then it is no fun for anyone, so I am also trying to find my balance in the classroom as well. -Samantha Reveche
Page updated
Report abuse