What does it mean
to be an educator? For some teachers, it
means presenting information for students to know and understand. For me, being an educator is much more. As an educator, I see myself as one who imparts
knowledge and understanding as well as one who nurtures and encourages students
to be all that they can be. I consider teaching
a calling, not just a job, and my call as an educator is to create successful
students, from the brightest to the most challenged, and most importantly help
them to believe in themselves as much as I do.
I believe the
classroom climate should be such that students are allowed to perform at their
best. Students are unable to focus on
what teachers want them to learn if they feel threatened, so it is important
for teachers to ensure that their classrooms are a safe, stable and nurturing
environment. Classrooms should be places
where students feel wanted and appreciated, where their opinions are encouraged
and valued, and where their emotional and physical well-being is important. It should be evident that there is reciprocating
respect between the teacher and students. Students should know what teachers expect from
them. Rules and consequences should be communicated
and they should be administered consistently and fairly. Teasing, taunting, and bullying should not be
tolerated. Teachers should praise
students for making good decisions, for displaying a genuine effort to learn,
and for academic success.
Just as no two students
are alike, no two students learn in the same way. Educators must use a variety of methods to
present information in order to reach every child. A lecture format has a role in school, but
teachers need to “branch out” and find different ways to teach the same
concepts. That might mean
demonstrations, role-plays, or the use of technology to enhance the curriculum.
In the same vein, teachers need to
assess student achievement in various ways. Along with standard paper and pencil tests;
projects, portfolios, and oral presentations are additional ways to evaluate
student outcomes. Ultimately, it is the
student who is responsible for his or her own learning. It is hard to teach someone who does not want
to learn. As an educator it is my goal
to try to motivate students to learn for the joy and satisfaction it alone
brings. I believe parents are vitally
important to helping me reach this goal, and I welcome parent input and
participation in my classroom.
Today, technology
affects almost every part of our lives, our home life, our work life, and our social life; therefore, it must change the way we teach. Technology integration is much more than
teaching basic computer skills and software programs in classes designated specific
to these processes. Effective technology
integration is attained when the use of technology is automatic not contrived. Technology also changes the way we as teachers
teach, it allows educators to reach different types of learners through more
than one means. It also changes the teacher-student
dynamic. When technology is effectively
integrated into subject areas, teachers expand their role to one of mentor and coach.
Today’s schools are
a reflection of our society as a whole. Unfortunately,
some students do not always have someone to look up to that can guide and
encourage them to make the right decisions for their lives. One of the true purposes of school is to
prepare students for their role in society while teaching them to be good
citizens. That is why it is so important
for teachers to be good role models for their students. They should help students develop problem
solving skills, good work and study habits, and social skills that teach
students how to get along with others, even those who are perhaps different
than they are. While school cannot
always be fun, I believe teachers should try to make it interesting. Students need freedom to explore their world
and to discover for themselves how it works. They need to know that what they learn is
applicable to their everyday life. I
want them to understand that the most important thing they can do to ensure
success in life is to get a good education.
I want to make a
difference in the lives of my students. I truly believe that that is my mission as a
teacher.
