A large group of students in the United States makeup a large population of English language learners. Students who are considered English language learners undergo many challenges in their education, and without the necessary support and resources from their educators it can make it hard for them to succeed. A teacher plays a significant role in the success of a child, and it is crucial for them to be able to provide the proper education to students whose first language is not English. It is also very important for teachers to understand the challenges that these students are facing. Having empathy towards the students allows for the teacher to create better connections and relationships to better help them.
I am currently teaching at Swainston Middle School in North Las Vegas. Our student population is very diverse, including English Language Learners (ELLs). During this time as a teacher, I have served students with different language needs. It has been my goal to engage ELL students in my lessons as every other student. It is my opinion that as teachers we are all language teachers.
When students grow together in an inclusion classroom and respect learning diversity can help separate the divide that might have once existed between students. Inside the classroom is where students learn how to grow as individuals and as learners. To be an effective special education teacher, it’s important for the teacher to hold themselves and their students to the high standards that one wants to achieve. In order for the students' to succeed to the expectations that teachers hold them to, teachers need to focus on their own teaching achievements.
What better way to combine my love for young children and the desire to help others grow in knowledge than to become an elementary teacher? My favorite classroom to work in is kindergarten. Being with children, taking care of children, and loving on children has always been something I treasure, and I have been blessed with the gift of working well with children. For me, my decision was not “I'm going to become a teacher, but what do I want to teach?” I concurrently decided to teach and to teach kindergarten because of my love for children and how much I truly enjoy teaching.
Becoming a teacher is not a profession you do because you want or need the money. Teaching is something you must have a deep heart and love for the idea of placing new information into not only childrens minds but collaborating with you coworkers. Children love to learn and are always seeking new information to obtain. You must be the one who is willing to teach them new things while making it entertaining for them. Perception of purpose is huge for dispositional hiring, knowing the applicant is infront of you for all the right reasons.
Looking out into the crowd, I saw my mother and grandmother with smiling faces and tears running down their cheeks. This was the moment that we had been imagining and the moment I had been pushing myself to attain over the last for years in High School. As the announcer said my name I walked to the podium and accepted my diploma. This was the most meaningful moment of my life. Now I am one step closer to completing my goal as becoming a teacher.
I believe that every student has the potential to learn and accomplish great things. Every student is a unique and because of that they all have their own way in which they learn and achieve their goals. As a teacher I feel that it is my responsibility to create engaging and interesting situations for students to learn and grow both in their academic and personal lives. I will be aware of all students’ strengths and levels of ability so that they will be able to thrive in their education.
Teaching is not a career I choose to do, but one I was destine to do. I did not choose it, it chose me. I cannot remember a time when I did not want to teach, inspire, and make an impact on the lives of others. It is just who I am, who I have been, and who I will always be.
As a learner, the most salient dimensions of learning for me is are the evolution of knowledge and technology, not to be afraid to ask questions and be open to different views. One of the most positive outcomes is a commitment to “radical openness,” the will to explore different perspectives and change one’s mind as new information is presented (hooks, 2003, p. 48). Understanding that there are always more sides to a story just like there can be many solutions to a problem is key to better prepare these students. Entering graduate school and then becoming a teacher, it will be important for me to maintain this openness for each student. To know that each student is different and have a classroom full of them, will be a process to maintain such openness.
A teacher plays a significant role in ensuring that course learning objectives are met, and knowledge is passed to the learner. A teacher controls the information taught and manipulates the amount of time allocated to a learning activity. A teacher should be able to create a classroom environment that is inclusive and that fosters participation from the learners. The learning environment should be learner centered and must encourage student’s ability to critically think and build confidence in the knowledge about the subject material.
A child struggles with his math homework and sits alone, quietly whispering to himself, “I don’t get it.” He could not bear to ask one of his classmates for help. “What would they think?” he wonders. The child cannot help but stare at the blank page with one single equation, as he contemplates whether he should give up or not.
Working with children ages 2 ½ to 13 has taught me patience, compassion, and that I like working with younger children
I knew that I wanted to help people in any way I could no matter in what way. Then I realized how teaching is the great profession in which you still can help individuals grow as well as help make a difference in their lives. As soon as I realized that a career in education was something I can see myself in the future doing I jumped straight on the wagon. I hope to find myself in this new profession of interest to help mold and shape our future in the education system.
My desire to teach originates from my own personal academic experience. At a young age, I was inspired by my teachers to learn as much as I can, and to use that knowledge to pursue my dreams. Similarly, I would like to ignite children’s desire to learn and encourage them to pursue their own dreams. The teachers who had the most positive impact on my academic and personal life were approachable, natural nurturers, passionate about teaching, and had a genuine interest in the lives of their students. These qualities I myself hope to develop as I pursue my dream in becoming an elementary teacher.
Teaching is an ideal career for me because it presents the opportunity to shape minds and change lives. I have always wanted to be influential to students like multiple great teachers have done for me. Teachers are arguably one of the most detrimental occupations in our society today. We, in a way, raise the next generation of children in our classrooms, so it is our job to be as forward-thinking and progressive as possible, to ensure that students thrive to their full potential. I did not live in a steady, safe environment for a large part of my life; so naturally, going to school was my haven.
