Hailee Layne

Who I Am

What I Know

I know that I am capable of making my classroom a safe space for everyone.

Feeling safe in a classroom isn't just a physical thing, it's mental too. If kids feel too afraid to speak out and ask for help when they need it, or ask questions when they have them then they will never thrive in the knowledge you are giving them. If they feel silenced, overwhelmed, nervous, etc. they need to feel like they are able to come to you, regardless of the situation. It is important to me that my students feel safe in my classroom, mentally and physically. 

I know how to show kindness and compassion.

Being a teacher means more than just showing up, relaying information, and going home. Being a teacher means being like a second parent to your students almost. You have to show up for them in every aspect, not just in the classroom. Kids need to feel like they can come to you for anything, and the way you acheive that bond is by showing kindness whenever you can. A lot of times kids mimic the behavior they see, so showing them kindness may provoke them to do the same to someone else. 

What I Have To Learn

One thing I have to learn is how to be culturally inclusive to all of my students. I have not had the opportunity to work with a student population that has a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, but I know that once I get a classroom of my own the chances of that will be more likely. I want all of my students to feel included in everything we do in the classroom, and I feel that getting to know their backgrounds will play a big role in that. It will help me plan activities and lessons that fit them, which I feel will help them better understand. 

The Teacher I Will Become 

I feel that my beliefs mostly align with progressivism and social reconstructivism. I think it is important that kids develop a strong set of critical thinking and problem solving skills. I also believe that experiential learning is a good way to teach young kids. Kids should be knowledgable of what's going on in the world around them. It would be my goal as a teacher to help guide the students as they figure out how to handle emotions, advocate for themselves, and complete tasks in groups or solo. Having children practice these skills will help them apply them in bigger situations outside of the classroom later on. I also feel that while teaching essential knowledge, it is also important to make sure your students know you are there for them outside of reading and writting. Showing the kids that you care about them and not just their grades is key to unlocking a special connection with your students. Your students will want to learn and want to come to school if they feel as though they are welcomed, appreciated, and celebrated. 

Comments:

Hey! So, I really enjoyed your About section. You said, "Showing the kids that you care about them and not just their grades is key to unlocking a special connection with your students." and I wholeheartedly agree with that! I feel like many children struggle with making connections due to feeling under pressure too often and don't have enough support. -Kelsey L

Hey Hailee! I loved your AI image and the message about being a bright light on the darkest day. I also agree that experimintation is a great way for young learners to learn! -Jewel Lee

hi. i really enjoyed how you said that being kind and showing compassion is really important because as a teaxcher you are their second parent and as a teacher its important to give them a safe place so they can be able to come to you about any thing and that is a wonderful feelig when children feel safe enough to tell you whats going on. - tatiana king

Hi Hailee! I appreciate how you connected progressivism and social reconstructionism, particularly your emphasis on developing students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Your point about experiential learning stood out to me—hands-on experiences are such a powerful way for students to make sense of the world around them. I also appreciate how you tied academics with social-emotional learning, like helping students manage emotions, work in groups, and advocate for themselves. That is very important nowdays. That balance really shows that you value the whole child, not just their performance in reading or writing. I agree with you that when students feel welcomed, appreciated, and celebrated, they are more motivated to learn and look forward to coming to class! wish you the very best. A. Lopez