Why do I want to be a teacher? Sometimes I wonder! I want to be a teacher because I want to provide children with opportunities to explore and develop a passion for learning that they will carry with them their entire lives. When children's early education experiences are positive ones I believe that they will want to go to school, they will want to learn more, and they will seek opportunities to learn new things. I like school, I like learning new things, and I attribute this to experiences I had early in my education.
I remember the names and faces of all my teachers, from Montessori preschool all the way through to Bible College and my graduate classes. I don't have any traumatic memories caused by my teachers and I don't think that I could say that I had a "worst" teacher. The worst teacher I can imagine would be one who not only did not encourage learning and creativity, but crushed it. A teacher who controlled his/her classroom by instilling fear in the students. A teacher who believed that is was his/her job to stand up and talk and my job as a student to sit down and shut up. A teacher who hated his/her job and made it known to the students that they were there because they had to be and not because they cared about the students.
Equally difficult is deciding which of my teachers was "the best." There are specific things that I remember about each of my teachers and classes and why each one was the best I could have had that year. I remember always liking my teachers and always thinking that my teacher was "the best" of all the teachers for that grade. My preschool teacher was very encouraging and always seemed convinced that I could do anything. I don't remember her ever telling me that I couldn't do something, rather I was told that if I tried, she was sure I would succeed. My ninth grade social studies teacher managed to turn American History into the most fascinating subject ever. I don't remember the tests, the homework, or the reading associated with the class; but I do remember the projects. I remember setting up an entire Lego train set in his classroom to go with my project on the Transcontinental Railroad and bringing in a huge "field of cotton" to go with my project on the cotton gin. I think that I remember these teachers because they came to class with an attitude of wanting to be there and wanting the students to get the most they could out of the class, without ever realizing what was happening! There is a place, of course, for textbook learning, tests, and homework, but I think that there is much more than that to teaching and "the best" teachers will figure out how to balance those things.
Hey Amanda,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have had a awesome school experience. Wouldn't it be nice if all children could have such a great experience. Where did you grow up, if you don't mind me asking. I really like your philosophy on education. I like that you took Montessori and tied it in with more formal learning. I think your right that "the best" teachers will be able to balance out the hands on activities, with the text books, test, and projects. However I also believe that all the state testing and regulations are making it harder for good teachers to accomplish all they want to.
I have my Montessori Teaching Certificate. I think montessori has so much to offer children. Growing up in a Montessori school how do you like it compared to a public school setting?
I started school in Delaware, then we moved to Kentucky, then back to Delaware, then back to Kentucky, then to Virginia. Most of my elementary experience was in Kentucky though. I looked into getting my Montessori teaching certificate and maybe I'll pursue it after I get my B-K license!
ReplyDeleteI like the Montessori philosophy on education and I like how it's smaller classes with each child respected as an individual. Not everything works for every child and finding what does work can have a huge impact on a child's success in school. I also really like the hands on approach to learning. Some things need to be taught with a book, but so many things can be done hands on and finding a balance (in my opinion) is SO important.
I enjoyed reading your response to the question about why would you want to become a teacher. I am a first grade teacher and love what I do. Teaching is a very hard profession, no matter what grade level you decide to go into. I had many teachers that influences me into become an educator. I have always enjoyed working with others and would go out of my way to do so.
ReplyDeleteYou also made a good point about states making the testing regulations harder for teachers to pass and get their teaching license. With the NCLB Act taking place, they expect a lot from the teachers along with the what the students need to know for the EOG's.
I wish I could remember all my teachers name. The experince that you had in your childhood should be able to help you to create a good learning atmosphere for your students in the future. This should come natural for you. All of us should be able to take our experince rather good or bad and allow them to benefit children.
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