I had to answer this question: Describe factors that have influenced you to become a teacher, and/or personal attributes which you feel will make you a successful teacher (250-300 words).
Can you say HARD?
But here's what I came up with and sent in last week, and I'm proud of it because I was as honest and direct as I knew how to be:
As the oldest of nine children, teaching has always been a natural and foundational element of my life. Everyone in this profession has had inspirational examples and mentors that have shaped their desire to teach, and I am no exception. Memory alone, however, merely determines our present condition, and must be coupled with passion and purpose if we wish to accomplish anything for our students in the future. I feel that it is this passion, this clarity of thought and vision of where I want to end up, that drives me and qualifies me for this work.
I have a passion for learning and for creation. School is a transient thing, but education is a lifelong pursuit that is deeply, intrinsically pleasurable to me. Because of this thirst for understanding, sharing my enthusiasm with others and teaching them skills that will enable them to become self-sufficient learners is my ultimate goal. I do love children, and feel that they are innately good, yes; but I have been around students enough to know that not all kids are "cute" all the time. I can get frustrated some days and still want to be a teacher, because of the importance I see in the process of learning, problem-solving, and overcoming our weaknesses.
Schools, as a whole, are failing children. Federally-mandated testing and the mediocrity of many teacher education programs are preparing children and teachers alike to be test-takers, not learners. Test taking matters, academics matter, but only to a point. Learning to approach challenges with hope, solve problems, work hard, and become active, responsible citizens in a democracy is the real crux of an education, and it is that focus that I wish to restore to my students. I want to leave the world better than I found it.
Bravo. Very well put. Especially the last paragraph. Did you know that most of my college career was spent as dance education major? I took most of the courses required to certify. Two courses and student teaching short of certification. But I had my reasons (good ones) at the time for changing and saving myself only one semester of school. At any rate, I'm saying that I GET IT and I agree! And I love how you expressed it. :-) Someday maybe I will be a teacher . . . a certified one. haha
ReplyDeleteI actually did NOT know that, but that's awesome! I am uber-anxious about it because it feels like it's more of a bitter diatribe against public schools than anything personal about me, but if people KNEW me, then they'd see that they are really one in the same.
ReplyDeleteI get passionate about very few things in this world, but education is definitely one of them. So it's the right major for me. :)