Rori Phelps

I know how to communicate effectively with others, especially smaller children. It is often difficult for them to properly communicate what they are trying to express and I am good at helping them say what they wish to say without assuming or getting impatient. I also feel as though I am very good at self-reflection and I hope to pass that skill on to the kids that I teach in order to help them better understand themselves.

One thing that I feel is important to lean is one's personal biases. Sometimes we have biases that we do not even realize we have and it can impact the way that we interact with one another. I want to learn how to connect with others who come from an array of different backgrounds and learn how to make a meaningful impact on their lives, all differences aside. I want to learn how to challenge my students while still fostering personal growth and without overwhelming them.

I think being a teacher is all about bringing the best out of students. They will eventually be taking over society and it is our job to prepare them as much as we can to create kind and productive leaders. I believe that life long learning is more important than trying to cram core curriculum into twelve years and then not venturing further into learning beyond that. Because of that, I want to teach my students to love learning and how important it is to never stop their education. I want to foster their creativity and channel it into productive means that helps them to grow. School is not only for core curriculum but for also learning how to manage life and that will be reflected in my teaching. I will uplift my students and fill them with positivity and confidence so that they are ready to take on the world one day. I believe that essentialism will be my main philosophy. I see being able to function properly among others as being just as important as core curriculum. The best teachers I have ever had did more than just teach curriculum; they inspired their students and that is the type of teacher that I want to become.