I have been teaching at the elementary school level for eight years. I have experience teaching in California and Texas in all subject areas. I taught in California in both fourth and sixth grade classrooms for six years and I have been teaching sixth grade in Texas for the past two years. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from Cal State University Long Beach and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Cal State University Fullerton. I am credentialed to teach Kindergarten through the sixth grade but I feel confident to work with middle school students as well.
My mother is a teacher and has been for almost my whole life. She instilled in me a respect for the teaching profession and a commitment to help children learn. Being a teacher is one of the few professions that allow me to influence the lives of so many children. For many children, teachers are the ones providing stable care and concern as well as giving students the necessary skills for living in today’s society. The classroom should be a place where they can be inspired, exercise their talents, and be encouraged to follow their dreams.
I believe that all children have the capacity to learn and be well educated. Those students who are thought of as “low” or “at risk” can make so much progress and learn so much with patience and support. Every child has the right to learn and gain knowledge about the world. The basic skills that are taught are very important; however, I feel that every child has the capability of being an artist, a poet, a scientist, or any other professional that they desire, if it within reason. I want to show students that they have the capability to be happy contributing citizens, even if they have physical disabilities, limited English, or learning disabilities. All students deserve a teacher who believes in each child individually and supports their interests, learning styles, and capabilities. Children also need to be respected.
Students have different talents and ways of learning. Some students will learn through art or music, while others might need math or a physical activity. As a teacher, I want to provide curriculum that gives every child the ability to learn in the way that they can succeed.
A teacher must develop a repertoire of strategies so that the classroom is an interactive and dynamic place, where the teacher facilitates learning. Teachers have to motivate student learning through engaging instruction that not only helps students acquire knowledge and skills, but helps them develop strategies to think about and reflect upon their learning.
My ideal classroom will be a safe, happy, and colorful environment in which the students feel comfortable to participate actively in learning. I believe it is necessary to validate every student’s efforts and have a classroom management system based around praise and intrinsic motivation rather than bribes or punishment. Differentiated instruction is important so that both the slower and faster learners will be able to learn and be challenged simultaneously.
At this point in my career, my goal is to teach in grades 4, 5, or 6, and I would enjoy working in a school located in a lower socioeconomic area. I am enthusiastic, a very hard worker, and will do everything and anything it takes to make my class a zealous learning environment. I work well with children, enjoying watching them grow and learn, and treat them with the respect each child deserves. I truly believe that I can be an asset to you or your child, and I look forward to working with you.
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