The Life and Philosophy of a Teacher

I come from along line of teachers. Both of my grandmothers were teachers for decades, and I have a whole array of aunts and uncles who at one point in time worked in the profession of education I suppose you could say that teaching is in my blood, but that’s not the real reason I want to become a teacher. I firmly believe that children are the future, and as corny as that may sound, it is a truth that rings out across generations.

One of the greatest tasks we are charged with as educators is preparing today’s children for the world of tomorrow, so that they may continue to make it a better place and lead fulfilling lives. I have seen firsthand the impact an attentive, skilled, and caring teacher can make on a student’s life My dream is that I too can one day be a catalyst of positive change in the lives of every learner who steps through my classroom door, I also want to be a teacher because children truly fascinate me on an intellectual basis, We know for a fact that their brains function in ways completely different from our own, as they are equipped to learn and grow at rates far beyond what is expected to be possible.

There are two main components to our brain‘s ability to focus: Cholinergic and inhibitory neurotransmitters. Cholinergic neurotransmitters dictate what we draw attention to in our minds, and inhibitory neurotransmitters block out the rest Think of a spotlight, shining bright on a specific area while everything nonessential is blocked out.

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The functions of these neurotransmitters allow us to focus on a specific task without being overwhelmed by additional stimuli. The difference between children and adults, however, is that we are not born with very many inhibitory transmitters. If the adult consciousness is a spotlight, then the consciousness of an infant is a lantern. Instead of singling out one or two aspects of the world, young children are constantly absorbing all of the information around them, They pick up on so much more than we ever truly realize, just one of the factors that makes teaching a fascinating profession for me. Human beings are built to learn and grow so that we can better ourselves and the society in which we live in, and I believe that every child is capable of learning.

Now, this statement should not be misinterpreted as saying that every child will learn the same way. Instead, reflective educational practitioners must create a set of expectations for their students to follow before attending to each individual‘s unique needs as a learner. The construction of a positive learning environment is essential in order for every child to reach their own highest learning potential, For many children, the school they attend acts as a safe haven away from all the troubles of the world, It is imperative that they feel comfortable and secure in the classroom so that they can succeed in learning to their fullest capability. Part of creating this safe climate is being a culturally responsive and aware educator, Every student has a life that is solely their own, with many factors such as race, gender, and culture tying in. All of these variables and more will affect how a child learns and communicates, so it is important to pay attention to these intricacies in all of my students.

I will be wary so as not to fall into the trap of assuming I know everything about a student’s point of reference, instead choosing to ask questions and inform myself so that I can be an effective and responsive educatori There is no one right way to teach a child, because every learner is fundamentally different, Human beings are not meant to all fit into the same mold, because it is our uniqueness that sparks many of the greatest wonders of this world. Therefore, I will utilize a variety of techniques to ensure that every single student in my classroom is receiving a proper education, This means engaging with my students, talking to them one-on-one to make sure I know what concepts they excel and struggle with. One of the most ineffective methods of teaching is showing your students one way to solve a problem and just assuming that everyone understands if no questions are asked. I will encourage my students to voice their questions, secure in the knowledge that they will not be ridiculed or scolded for trying to comprehend materials bettert Going even further, I know that not every student is comfortable asking for help, and is more likely to try and skate by without fully understanding the concept; I too, have been this student.

That’s why it is important to assess your students on the materials and review said assessments thoroughly I will not overburden my students with exams, instead opting for one or two questions on an exit card or a simple in‘class exercise. I don‘t want my students to be overly stressed by the idea of tests and quizzes, as 1 find many of today’s youth are, because the most important factor is that they are learning, In the spring of 2015, I visited the University of Hartford to attend an accepted students presentation for education majors. There were various speakers, but Dr. Tapper said one thing in particular that has really stuck with me. He compared students in a classroom to both carrots and potatoes, differing based upon how the teacher decides to lead the classroom. Carrots grow completely separate from each other; their roots do not encroach on the soil of others, and when you pick a carrot it comes out of the ground with ease. Potatoes, by contrast, are quite interconnected.

There is no such thing as an individually grown potato, because each one is attached to a vein of root that leads back to the main structure, from which many other roots branch out to nourish and grow more potatoes. If you tug at one root, the entire structure will shift with it. If you try to pick out a single potato, you had better believe that all of the others are coming along for the ride. Some teachers will treat their students as completely separate individuals, ignorant of the ties that bond students to each othert School is the place where children learn the majority of their vital interpersonal skills and build relationships with others their age. While these students are given the one-on-one attention they need, more elements are required to create the best possible learning environment. More experienced teachers tend to see the class as a whole entity, filled with all of these unique characters who grow together to form a network of beings dedicated to their learning, While these potatoes are all different and special in their own way, you can’t pull just one out of the ground. They all require a unique kind of attention in order to grow.

Not every student is in need of the same kind of assistance, and it is imperative for the health of the classroom as a whole that every child flourishes. As a teacher, I am first and foremost a learner. The world of education is ever-changing, with new standards and concepts being introduced nearly every year. I will not allow myself to stagnate, because the moment I begin to think that I know everything, [close my mind to new information. There is room for improvement in every role, but teaching in particular necessitates a constant cycle of reflection and growth, Time should always be found to look back on the successes and failures I encounter in order to learn from them, I will ask questions of my peers and students alike so that I can to figure out how I can educate these children in the most effective and fulfilling way. I will remain open to criticism, both that which is warranted and that which is not, I know this is not ajob that can be done alone, and I will need the help of those around me to ameliorate myself. All students deserve a teacher who is always trying to do better.