For my most recent class, EDL 610 one of the modules is understanding, identifying, and expanding our leadership platform. While most people will not read this blog my platform is more of a living statement, identifying how students, parents and staff see me as an individual, a teacher, a collogue, and a leader. It would seem extremely important to reflect on the platform to ensure that what I am actually presenting aligns with my own personal goals and philosophy. For this reason I am going to answer a few questions to reflect and remind myself how and why I am exactly where I am right now
Question 1: Why did I become an educator?
I am pretty sure I could write a whole post or even paper on this topic alone, so I will keep it brief.
Me, struggling student, different learner, left behind, confidence lost, goals Forgotten, learning a chore.
Teacher, family, mentor, others, believed more.
Shown learning has no pace,
Learning has no judge, learning is not about passing a test.
Today, often a struggling student, but always a ferocious learner, caring,
Compassionate, understanding, forgiving, passionate.
I am not self taught, I learned from YOU.
I am grateful for the people who limited their judgement and were able to pass on their message. I am also extremely grateful for my deployment to Iraq with the United States Marine Corps (my most difficult experience) as it opened my eyes to wanting to help, support and guide others on the crazy journey called life. While I work and strive to make a connection with all students I interact with, I do hold my education specialist credential, and work with students with disabilities. I hope to keep their goals alive, or even expose them to new experiences to create new goals.
Question 2: What do I believe about children and their education?
I believe that children need to be guided and learn to value their own learning experience along side a teacher/mentor that is also willing to make mistakes. By remaining human we limit our own judgement, create a safe environment and encourage risk taking (participation, research...). I DO NOT BELIEVE IN FORCE FEEDING ACADEMIC WORK. I have felt that and been through that myself, and believed that I was not smart, able to learn, or that I was a "bad student." I believe in building a connection and potential value in a topic that is less understood.
Question 3: What is education preparing students for?
I am a firm believer that education is preparing students for life. Life is about making connections, communicating, and being able to identify and utilize resources. Life is NOT about retaining and regurgitating specific information.
Life is dynamic. Our classrooms should be too.
Question 1: Why did I become an educator?
I am pretty sure I could write a whole post or even paper on this topic alone, so I will keep it brief.
Me, struggling student, different learner, left behind, confidence lost, goals Forgotten, learning a chore.
Teacher, family, mentor, others, believed more.
Shown learning has no pace,
Learning has no judge, learning is not about passing a test.
Today, often a struggling student, but always a ferocious learner, caring,
Compassionate, understanding, forgiving, passionate.
I am not self taught, I learned from YOU.
I am grateful for the people who limited their judgement and were able to pass on their message. I am also extremely grateful for my deployment to Iraq with the United States Marine Corps (my most difficult experience) as it opened my eyes to wanting to help, support and guide others on the crazy journey called life. While I work and strive to make a connection with all students I interact with, I do hold my education specialist credential, and work with students with disabilities. I hope to keep their goals alive, or even expose them to new experiences to create new goals.
Question 2: What do I believe about children and their education?
I believe that children need to be guided and learn to value their own learning experience along side a teacher/mentor that is also willing to make mistakes. By remaining human we limit our own judgement, create a safe environment and encourage risk taking (participation, research...). I DO NOT BELIEVE IN FORCE FEEDING ACADEMIC WORK. I have felt that and been through that myself, and believed that I was not smart, able to learn, or that I was a "bad student." I believe in building a connection and potential value in a topic that is less understood.
Question 3: What is education preparing students for?
I am a firm believer that education is preparing students for life. Life is about making connections, communicating, and being able to identify and utilize resources. Life is NOT about retaining and regurgitating specific information.
Life is dynamic. Our classrooms should be too.