who am I?
My name is Tatiana, and I am currently a sophomore at old dominion university I have always loved working with kids, first i started off babysitting when i was about 14 years old and i have been doing it all the way up to the age of 17. I got my first job at a daycare, and I was a teacher's assistant. I loved working with the kids so much during my few years of working there. I learned so much and completed many needed trainings. The best part about working at that daycare was i got to get a feel of more than just two kids, I had an amazing experience and had an amazing school year with the kids. I think my favorite part about being a teacher is the activities, I love seeing how the kids mind work when they're doing lessons or activities. This summer I worked at a private school, and I was technically an assistant again, but we were understaffed so i Was the summer teacher, and it felt nice being able to lead and give out work that i think the kids would benefit from.
what I know!
Some things that I know from being a teacher's assistant for a while is that-
children need a safe place in order to be able to trust the teacher in the classroom
I also know that students need structure but also need the freedom to be creative
I know all of my students strengths and weaknesses
what I have to learn!
Some things that I have to learn to become a successful teacher is -
how to adapt lessons for different learning styles and needs
how to use different teaching strategies
how to design enageing lesson plans with clear objectives.
the teacher I will become
The teacher I will become is a guide and nurturer, shaped by my philosophy of Progressivism. I believe that students learn better through hands on activities because it has helped me many times. My classroom will be a safe space for all my students so they can be able to make mistakes. Making mistakes is all part of the growth and creativity in the real world.
Please leave comments below!
Hi Tatiana! I love your page! I think being able to work with kids at daycare and I liked how you said you got a feel for watching/teaching more than just two kids. I think that creates a more professional perspective because you're not a babysitter but an educator and got to build those relationships differently. Also, gaining that opportunity to become a lead teacher this summer and be that leader for the kids and pick what you thought was best! I can definitely see how progressivism would work for you as a teacher, wanting students to see your classroom as a safe space and encouraging growth and mistakes. I feel the same for my classroom too ! You seem very knowledgable about understanding students which is such an advantage! - Taylor Jameyson
Hello Tatiana, I really liked learning about your journey and how you've been working with kids since such a young age. It is great that you were able to gain so much hands-on experience as both an assistant and even stepping into a lead role. It shows your dedication and flexibility. I especially like how you mentioned that children need both structure and freedom to be creative; that balance is so important in helping children be successful in their academics. I can tell that you truly care about making your classroom a safe and supportive space. -Tiffany Mapp
Hi Tatiana! I really like how you described your experience working with kids at the daycare. It stood out to me that you mentioned getting experience with a larger group rather than just a couple of children, it really shows the difference between simply babysitting and truly teaching. That kind of role lets you form connections with kids in a more meaningful, professional way. It's also awesome that you'll be stepping into a lead teacher position this summer, being able to make decisions for your class and guide them is such a valuable experience. I can see how progressivism fits well with your teaching style, creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and free to make mistakes while growing. - Ca'Leah Shuler
Hi, Tatiana, I love the images that you used especially the one with your name on the board. I agree with you that children need a safe space and need to feel comfortable with their teachers. I enjoyed reading about all the experience you got to do that put you on the path of teaching -Imonni Jones
Hi Tatiana! I really enjoyed reading your page—it’s clear that you’ve had such meaningful experiences working with kids, from babysitting to daycare to stepping into a lead teacher role. That progression really shows how dedicated you are to learning and growing as an educator. I connected with what you said about students needing both structure and freedom to be creative; that balance is so important in helping kids develop confidence and independence. I also admire how you view mistakes as part of the learning process—your progressivist philosophy really shines through, and I can see how your classroom will become a safe, encouraging space for students. A. Lopez
Hey Tatiana! I agree that children need a safe place and should be able to trust their teacher. On my own author page I mentioned how teachers are like a second parent to students, which I think falls along the same lines of what you said. Having that mindset is important because it helps you connect with your students on a deeper level. - Hailee Layne
Hi Tatiana! I enjoyed reading about your experience with kids. Students trusting the teacher is super important in the classroom as well as trusting each other. It is crucial that the children connect and be creative in the classroom setting. Having a safe space for your students will allow for them to be comfortable and share their thoughts, needs, and their own experiences.-Leanna Dozier
Hi Tatiana, I loved your AI-generated pictures you included in your About the Author page! I agree with you when you mentioned you liked being a lead and providing the kids with work that suits them! I have been a lead pre-k teacher for 2 years now and it is so fun getting to watch them grow and learn new things everyday! My favorite thing to see is them learning and mastering writing their name! It really shows their growth from the beginning of the school year to the end! -Tara Rodriguez
Hi Tatiana! I really connected with your idea of being a nurturer and guide, and especially your point about creating a safe space for students to make mistakes. I’ve noticed that when kids are scared of being wrong, they stop taking chances, so I admire that you’re already thinking about how to break that cycle. With all of your experience working with children, I can tell you’ll bring both patience and confidence to your future classroom. - Emily Mongold