I believe education is the molding for who we become and how we will perceive the world. Through learning we don’t only grow academically, but mentally and socially as well. Therefore, education isn’t just about learning how to read, write and solve math equations, it’s learning to be open minded and accepting, it’s about finding what we like and dislike, and discovering our strengths and weaknesses. Through our educational journey we discover who we are, and we learn the skills needed to thrive and become good people. Elementary teachers have a big part in setting up the fundamental blocks needed to continue and succeed to higher educations. Elementary-school aged children are at an impressionable stage and as an Elementary Teacher I want to leave a positive impression on my students. I want to expand their minds and teach them the skills needed to thrive as they continue their educational journeys. I chose to be an educator because I want to make a difference. I want to foster children’s individualities and set them on the track to discovering who they are. I want to encourage and push students to their highest potential and I want them to succeed. I love and value the aha moments, and the moments of triumph. I want to provide children with a safe and welcoming environment where they can be themselves and learn comfortably.
My classroom will be filled with discussions, where all ideas and thoughts are being shared. I will incorporate group/partner assignments as well as learning stations so that students learn to work together. My lessons will be interactive so that the students stay engaged. My teaching methods will encourage students to think outside the box. I will modify lessons for students who need extra support or for those who need to be challenged. Students can expect me to be honest and fair. I will respect them as individuals, and I will always choose to do what is in their best interest. I promise to praise them and encourage them to keep going. They can expect me to make learning as fun as possible and not just drill them with information. I will challenge them, but not overwork them. I can also be expected to communicate with their parents so that we can work collectively in making the school year a success. I plan to grow as a teacher by accepting feedback and making the changes needed to better my methods of teaching. I will ask for help when I am at a loss or when I am struggling. I will seek teacher development opportunities through workshops and professional development courses. I want to continue learning about classroom management, social-emotional developments, technology-based learning and more.
I expect my students to be open and honest with me so that I can come up with the best ways to teach and support them. I expect them to be respectful to all peers and teachers. I expect them to be responsible and safe so that we can maintain a safe environment for all. I also expect my students to participate and try their best and put effort in even the simplest of tasks. To make sure my students know what I expect of them, we will collectively create an expectation/rule poster that will be done on the first day of class. We will all sign it and hang it up where it can be seen daily so that we don’t forget what we agreed to. My goal as a teacher is that students grow a passion for learning. I want my students to leave my classroom at the end of the year with their head held high and feeling confident to move on. I want them to leave with new skill sets they can use and build upon in their next classroom. I hope they leave with a better understanding of who they are and what they can accomplish when they put their heart and mind to it.