I've always been told that I am a natural teacher, that some people can be taught how to teach, while others simply are born teachers. My first experience came in my senior syntax class in college. Many students were not keeping up with the lessons. I began tutoring them, and toward the end of the class, I created a 6-page synopsis for the final exam, and with the professor's permission, handed them to the students. For the first time in his twenty years, everybody passed the final exam, and he credited this to me and my efforts.
In the US Air Force, I, again, took on the role of mentor: not only did my flight of airmen become the top flight class of the semester, but, in the Airmen Leadership School, I coached several airmen in public speaking (one of our required assignments was to give a 5-minute speech). Even the airman who didn't speak English fluently passed.
Interestingly enough, one of the driving impulses for my desire to teach stems from the fact that I was a horrible, struggling, confused student. My teachers couldn't care less, and I felt alone and stupid. Thus, I set out to make learning fun, and to show every student that someone cares deeply that they will never feel the way that I did.
I have taught every grade, K-university, believe it not. I love and respect them all in their very distinct and unique way. I seek to strengthen any weaknesses, and insire students' strengths. I want them to be more than they may have ever thought - that what they truly love is worthy. Every child is worthy.
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