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My overall goal as a teacher is to shape, educate and encourage students in order to make a positive impact on their lives so they can make a positive impact on the world. Although curriculum is crucial, it is even more important that I am able to help my students become kind, confident people. Creating a safe and healthy classroom environment all begins with the formation of relationships. I want them to feel safe in my classroom to be themselves, overcome fears and develop a love for learning. I want my students to be happy to come to school everyday.
This is a photo of me with my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Kibak, who was one of the teachers who inspired me the most, and whose teaching practices I will model in my own classroom.
The reason I want to be a teacher is because of the few teachers during my childhood that profoundly and positively impacted who I am today. These teachers not only effectively taught me the curriculum, but they taught me life lessons that I still take with me today. They helped me to break out of my shell, overcome fears and embraced me for who I truly was, which showed me that it is perfectly okay to not always fit the “norm” and march to the beat of your own drum. This is exactly how I want to impact young people, and what better way is there to do that besides being a teacher?
I firmly believe that when you tell a child they are something, that is what they become. This can be a positive or a negative thing. What you put into a child is what you’re going to get out of the child. If they only hear negative comments about themselves, they will actually begin to display more and more of those negative traits. If you tell a child they are bad, then they will display bad behavior to keep up with what people around them think of them. To avoid that happening, it is crucial that adults tell children what they bring to the classroom and are good at, whether is it writing, math, music or being a good friend. This helps kids form an identity, build confidence in themselves and find things that they are passionate about. A child with confidence feels as though they can take on the world. When the adults in their life are speaking powerful words into them, they feel more capable and will be more willing to take on new challenges. For students who struggle in school, even one positive, authentic comment from a teacher can resonate for years, changing the feelings students have about themselves and about school. I want to make sure that each and every child, even the hardest to reach, feels like they have the ability to accomplish their goals and succeed.
“Speak to children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful and magical humans on earth, for what they believe is what they will become.”
“Speak to children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful and magical humans on earth, for what they believe is what they will become.”
~ Brooke Hampton
~ Brooke Hampton
Students learn best in an environment where they feel comfortable, safe and their needs are met. Once that happens, their minds are open to learning. As a teacher, it is important to address every child’s needs so that everyone can have an equal chance of success.
In my classroom, I will address the needs of English language learners by always making sure they have the resources they need. If possible, I will give them the activities, worksheets, etc. in their native language. In group settings, I will group them with either students who understand both languages and can help translate or students that are kind, patient and will help them out when needed.
I will also celebrate every the cultures of every student in my classroom, and not attempt to “whitewash” them. I want to make my classroom feel as diverse as possible. I will not think of my students in terms of their race, but I will not be colorblind either. Not recognizing crucial parts of what makes a student who they are could lead to them not learning in the way they do best. Every student should feel seen and represented in their classroom, whether it be through reading literature about characters that are from all different walks of life, celebrating and doing lessons about holidays from around the world, or having students share their own cultures and traditions in order to learn about each other.
I will also address the needs of students with special needs by treating them just like any other student. They want to be seen for who they are and what they contribute to the classroom, beyond their disability. I have learned that in general, it is appropriate to reference the students’ disability only when it pertains to the situation. For instance, it is better to say “The student, who has a disability” rather than “The disabled student” because it places the importance on the student, rather than on the fact that the student has a disability. This I will always look out for ways to help all of my students learn and succeed.
This video explains a variety of easy ways to differentiate instruction for various learners and how it can be easier then it looks.
This is a photo of me teaching my very first in person lesson at Coleman Elementary.
I want to have a responsive classroom dynamic, which is a student-centered approach to teaching and classroom management. This approach keeps both the students and the teacher excited, engaged and invested. It is all about getting to know the students and connecting with them to best support their academic, social and emotional needs. Some examples of a responsive classroom that I will use in my own classroom include having a star of the week and daily morning meetings. This approach of teaching helps students by making them feel valued, which will enhance their academic performance. It also helps kids develop the social skills they need in all aspects of their lives. It allows them to be independent and responsible, yet care and look out for their peers.
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