Welcome to the page of
DINA BUCZKOWSKI
Welcome to the page of
DINA BUCZKOWSKI
Dina Buczkowski
I received my Associates of Arts degree from Valencia College. I recently returned back to college where I am currently a Junior at Old Dominion University, majoring in Elementary Education. I decided to finish my degree to show my own children that it is never too late to fulfill your dreams. I am a Teaching Assistant at a private school in Virginia Beach.
I have been married to my husband for 21 years and we have two children, a son who is 19 and also a college student at ODU and a daughter, who is 16 and a Junior in High School.
In my downtime, I love reading, watching foreign movies, traveling and spending time with my family.
What I know
I have learned many things about planning, time management and how to present a lesson. While those are good skills to know, showing compassion and empathy to children is a skill that must be acquired in order to be an effective teacher. You can know the most about a subject, but unless a student feels like you are invested in their learning, and in them as a person, you will never be able to be the type of teacher that can really change a life.
I know this, because I was once a student in elementary school who was far behind in reading and math. I was unable to do almost basic math and was two grades behind in reading comprehension. I was placed in "remedial" classes because my scores were so low. I found that I had two types of teachers in these classes, the teachers who truly cared about helping me get caught up and the teachers who figured I would never amount to much. I found that the teachers who really showed they cared about my education and about how I was feeling and doing, really helped propel me to want to do better and work harder. The teachers who lacked compassion, made me feel like a failure. Witnessing this first hand, helped me to know that care and concern from a teacher can give students a drive to succeed.
The Teacher I Want to Become
Poem Written by Dina Buczkowski
A teacher is one who arrives first
At the start of every day,
To safely ready the classroom,
For the children to learn the right way.
They must foster friendships,
To help the children learn to play,
Teaching them respectful words,
To know there is power in what they say.
Learning literacy and math,
Essential subjects must be taught,
Basic principles of education,
And show them knowledge must be sought.
Teachers often go without,
To see excitement in the children’s eyes,
So they can have what they need,
Even the basic of supplies.
Assignments, assessments and projects,
They must take the time to grade,
Always re-configuring plans,
So positive changes can be made.
Talking them through the bad times,
Celebrating the good,
Letting the children know you are there for them,
Like a person who cares for them should.
Recognizing the many differences,
The children may present,
Unity and acceptance,
Is what a teacher represents.
Teachers are the people,
Who help information to unfurl,
Preparing children to be adults,
Who are equipped to go out and take on the world.
That is the teacher I want to become.
What I have to learn
Please feel free to comment below!!
Dina, whew! It's amazing how our challenges equip us for our purpose. I was held back in the first grade so reading your "about me" section dug up some emotions for me. I also love the fact that you have a mother-and-son monarch duo going on! -Cayla M.
2. I enjoyed your poem it was really creative! I think it is awesome you and your son are both attending the same college. Anyone can go to college regardless of what period of their life they are in. I am just getting back to school as well! - Hannah Cox
3. Dina, your poem summarizes what a teacher is. I am here cheering for you to fulfill your dream. -Evangeline Tamayo
4. Dina, I love that you created your own poem! That has been one of the standouts to your page scrolling through our peers. I also am so happy you get to share your ODU experience with your sun. -Alyssa Butler