Autobiography
When I was growing up, my life’s ambitions went from aspiring movie star, to miracle doctor, to lifesaving fireman, to dedicated educator. Considering I was only fourteen at the time, I was sure I was going to change my mind. Little did I know, this time it would be different. I was going to follow in the footsteps of one of my greatest role models. I was going to be just like my dad - a great teacher.
My junior year in high school I was blessed with an opportunity I believe truly changed my life. I was given the chance to be a teacher’s assistant at one of the local elementary schools back in my hometown of Sycamore, Illinois. This role put me in position to test out how I could handle a classroom setting. It only took one day for me to realize just how truly fortunate I was. Everyday I would look forward to walking into that third grade classroom and seeing impressionable kids smile at me. These children were full of an amazing desire to learn and this made me realize the value of a good educational experience. Not only did this assistantship help me decide to be a teacher, it opened my eyes to a different kind of teaching. It made me consider special education as a career. In this classroom I was given the opportunity to bond with one nine-year-old boy in particular. His name is Jake, and he has cerebral palsy. He helped me develop so many qualities that will stay with me the rest of my life. He taught me what it means to be selfless. He made me understand the importance of being patient. He had the magic ability to make all the drama in a typical teenager’s life seem so insignificant. Nothing in the world seemed as important as the time I was able to spend with him. It was then I knew I wanted to make children’s lives as wonderful as Jake made mine.
As I continued thinking about my future in teaching, I realized that this was the right choice for me. I think I have grown to be a true leader. I have been captain of my softball team, an assistant soccer coach, a summer camp counselor and a peer tutor. I try to make sure that every relationship I build is based off of trust and integrity. I believe that teaching requires an extreme level of faith. The student must know he or she can depend on their teacher. When I go back and think about my favorite teachers, the one thing they all have in common is the strong personal relationship I was able to have with each of them. I believe that I have the communication skills and level of understanding it takes to form healthy relationships with children.
After I receive my degree from UW-Platteville, I hope to live in a town very similar to the one I grew up in. So much of who I am today can be traced to the qualities of Sycamore, Illinois. This classic Midwestern town really helps a person understand the meaning of the word “community.” If I had lived somewhere else I don’t think the idea of community would hold as much significance. In Sycamore, I was known for my active involvement and volunteering.
One of the most gratifying experiences I have had was being a founding member of the philanthropic group, Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP). The mission statement of YEP is to improve the quality of life for children within my county by funding innovative programs that build developmental assets. YEP is a group of high school students who are responsible, critical thinkers concerned about the youth in our community. We give grants to local organizations that benefit children. Through this I became aware of many issues confronting our youth and discovered ways to assist in problem solving. I am proud to say that I helped start this group that continues to assist youth in my community.
Now that I have grown up, and as I look back on all my childhood aspirations, I have never been more sure that teaching is the right choice for me.
Below are some of my educational beliefs:
The purpose of education is:
· to help students become critical thinkers who are prepared for the workforce.
· to not only instill knowledge in students to prepare them for their futures, but to encourage them to make the world a better place.
· to enable individuals to reach their full potential as human beings.
The role of a teacher in education is:
· to not only instill information in their students but help them develop a love and respect for themselves and others around them.
· to build a curriculum around their students so that they stay engaged and interested in the educational experience.
· to share their passion for learning with their students.
· to provide a safe and accepting learning environment so the students feel free to express themselves both emotionally and intellectually.
· to understand that every classroom varies in not only abilities, but also in learning styles and every teacher must adapt to these variations.
· to assist students in not only learning educational concepts but help the students discover who they are as an individual.
· to influence students to become active and positive members in their community.
The role of a teacher in the community is:
· to be a positive role model both in a school setting and outside in a personal setting.
· to communicate effectively with parents.
· to maintain public support because teachers strongly influence a community’s perception of a school district.
The role of a student in the classroom is:
· to actively learn and be motivated to gain an education.
· to learn to respect their teacher and peers.
· to make friendships and build strong lasting relationships.
· to learn how to work with others to produce positive results.
I believe students learn best by:
· completing hands on activities.
· working with others.
· not only developing the concept being taught but creating an extensive understanding of the subject.
· learning concepts that are relevant to their own lives so the student can stay interested.
· teaching others, that way they are sure to have a firm grasp on the concept being learned.
· staying involved in both their school and community.
I have decided to become a teacher because:
· I have had many teachers not only impact my academic life but also strongly influence my personal life. I want to be one of those teachers that students can depend on both in and out of the classroom.
· teaching will give me the opportunity to continue my own learning and personal growth.
· I have a great desire to help students meet their fullest potential.
When I was growing up, my life’s ambitions went from aspiring movie star, to miracle doctor, to lifesaving fireman, to dedicated educator. Considering I was only fourteen at the time, I was sure I was going to change my mind. Little did I know, this time it would be different. I was going to follow in the footsteps of one of my greatest role models. I was going to be just like my dad - a great teacher.
My junior year in high school I was blessed with an opportunity I believe truly changed my life. I was given the chance to be a teacher’s assistant at one of the local elementary schools back in my hometown of Sycamore, Illinois. This role put me in position to test out how I could handle a classroom setting. It only took one day for me to realize just how truly fortunate I was. Everyday I would look forward to walking into that third grade classroom and seeing impressionable kids smile at me. These children were full of an amazing desire to learn and this made me realize the value of a good educational experience. Not only did this assistantship help me decide to be a teacher, it opened my eyes to a different kind of teaching. It made me consider special education as a career. In this classroom I was given the opportunity to bond with one nine-year-old boy in particular. His name is Jake, and he has cerebral palsy. He helped me develop so many qualities that will stay with me the rest of my life. He taught me what it means to be selfless. He made me understand the importance of being patient. He had the magic ability to make all the drama in a typical teenager’s life seem so insignificant. Nothing in the world seemed as important as the time I was able to spend with him. It was then I knew I wanted to make children’s lives as wonderful as Jake made mine.
As I continued thinking about my future in teaching, I realized that this was the right choice for me. I think I have grown to be a true leader. I have been captain of my softball team, an assistant soccer coach, a summer camp counselor and a peer tutor. I try to make sure that every relationship I build is based off of trust and integrity. I believe that teaching requires an extreme level of faith. The student must know he or she can depend on their teacher. When I go back and think about my favorite teachers, the one thing they all have in common is the strong personal relationship I was able to have with each of them. I believe that I have the communication skills and level of understanding it takes to form healthy relationships with children.
After I receive my degree from UW-Platteville, I hope to live in a town very similar to the one I grew up in. So much of who I am today can be traced to the qualities of Sycamore, Illinois. This classic Midwestern town really helps a person understand the meaning of the word “community.” If I had lived somewhere else I don’t think the idea of community would hold as much significance. In Sycamore, I was known for my active involvement and volunteering.
One of the most gratifying experiences I have had was being a founding member of the philanthropic group, Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP). The mission statement of YEP is to improve the quality of life for children within my county by funding innovative programs that build developmental assets. YEP is a group of high school students who are responsible, critical thinkers concerned about the youth in our community. We give grants to local organizations that benefit children. Through this I became aware of many issues confronting our youth and discovered ways to assist in problem solving. I am proud to say that I helped start this group that continues to assist youth in my community.
Now that I have grown up, and as I look back on all my childhood aspirations, I have never been more sure that teaching is the right choice for me.
Below are some of my educational beliefs:
The purpose of education is:
· to help students become critical thinkers who are prepared for the workforce.
· to not only instill knowledge in students to prepare them for their futures, but to encourage them to make the world a better place.
· to enable individuals to reach their full potential as human beings.
The role of a teacher in education is:
· to not only instill information in their students but help them develop a love and respect for themselves and others around them.
· to build a curriculum around their students so that they stay engaged and interested in the educational experience.
· to share their passion for learning with their students.
· to provide a safe and accepting learning environment so the students feel free to express themselves both emotionally and intellectually.
· to understand that every classroom varies in not only abilities, but also in learning styles and every teacher must adapt to these variations.
· to assist students in not only learning educational concepts but help the students discover who they are as an individual.
· to influence students to become active and positive members in their community.
The role of a teacher in the community is:
· to be a positive role model both in a school setting and outside in a personal setting.
· to communicate effectively with parents.
· to maintain public support because teachers strongly influence a community’s perception of a school district.
The role of a student in the classroom is:
· to actively learn and be motivated to gain an education.
· to learn to respect their teacher and peers.
· to make friendships and build strong lasting relationships.
· to learn how to work with others to produce positive results.
I believe students learn best by:
· completing hands on activities.
· working with others.
· not only developing the concept being taught but creating an extensive understanding of the subject.
· learning concepts that are relevant to their own lives so the student can stay interested.
· teaching others, that way they are sure to have a firm grasp on the concept being learned.
· staying involved in both their school and community.
I have decided to become a teacher because:
· I have had many teachers not only impact my academic life but also strongly influence my personal life. I want to be one of those teachers that students can depend on both in and out of the classroom.
· teaching will give me the opportunity to continue my own learning and personal growth.
· I have a great desire to help students meet their fullest potential.