Teaching Is Not Just A Job

As a student of education, I have been able to gather many ideas and opinions about practices and ideals I want to implement in my future classroom. My philosophies about education are still being formed and continually change with every class I visit and with every educator I encounter. My ideas, admittedly, come from random experiences and intangible texts, but as I gain more experience in the field through my courses, my philosophies about teaching will become more clearly defined. These few ideas I have now will undoubtedly be added upon as I enter student teaching and my professional career, nevertheless, they are concepts of which I hope to never lose sight.

The differences were connected with a teacher’s original preparation for the teaching profession, licensing in the particular subject area to be taught, strength of the educational experience, and the degree of experience in teaching along with the demonstration of abilities through the National Board Certification, in which all of these facets can be addressed through policy (Darling-Hammond, 2010).America has not produced a national method containing supports and reasons to guarantee that teachers’ are adequately prepared and equipped to teach all children effectively when they first enter into the career of teaching. America also does not have a vast collection of methods available that will maintain the evaluation and continuing development of a teacher’s effectiveness in the classroom, or support decisions about entry into the field of teaching and the continuance in the profession of teaching (Darling-Hammond, 2010). n order to reach the belief that all students will be taught and learn to high standards calls for a makeover in the methods our system of education in order to be a magnet for, train, support or uphold, and cultivate effective teachers in more efficient ways. A makeover that is contingent in a certain degree of how the abilities or skills are comprehended (Darling-Hammond, 2010).In the last few years there has been increasing

Facilitating a foundation in academic or philosophical pedagogy can help form a path for the educator, a path to better understanding teaching, education, learning and learners. Often, most of the programs designed for learners and the curriculum is often derived from theories. Understanding theories can help guide a teacher through their education journey. Sometimes, teachers may struggle with classroom organisation or implementing the curriculum in a considerate, all-encompassing and engaging way, especially if you are a CRT or Graduate Teacher - and often these concepts can help inspire and encourage teachers. To be an empowered teacher means your classroom and students will be empowered learners, and that is the best type of learning. There are many theories that have contributed to education as a body and has many of these theories help educational departments plan curriculums to benefit not only teachers but also all students. What makes for a great teacher is considering the characteristics of the local community as well involving students’ families’ in the school body. Influences that help shape a teacher’s identity can include…

When I was gaining my Bachelor’s Degree, the key statement throughout my journey through the education program was “I will continue to be a lifelong learner.” As I finalized this program I have reached this goal, and this will continue throughout my journey as a teacher as I become involved with more and more school and district based county activities through which I can use the theories, methods, and strategies I have learned throughout this program. In general, it is best, as Goldhammer (69) stresses, to avoid critical dissection of teaching. Too much criticism and

All aspects of life in the 1930s became difficult when the Great Depression began. One of these aspects was school. In the 1930s, schools were separate, but supposedly still equal. Unfortunately, this idea did not match the reality of life at the time. Though the school wasn’t especially great for white children, it was definitely far worse for black students (“The 1930s: Education Overview”). White schools had more funding and could afford better teachers, better school buildings, and more learning opportunities. Along with these, the learning environment was generally better, as some people cared more about the education of white children than that of colored children. “Two hundred thirty southern counties did not have a single high school

Receiving a good education in the 1930’s was difficult. Schools were still segregated at this time. A lot more men actually started going to school because they could not find a job. Teacher salaries were dismal so it was hard to find good teachers. College attendance decreased because most people could not afford to pay to go to school. Due to the economic problems it carried over to the educational problems. The consequences of little to no education meant a more illiterate society.

I interviewed a teacher from Seckman High School named Lori Bunting. I asked Lori several questions and she gave me more insight on the teaching career. Lori graduated from Southeast Missouri State in in 2000 with her Bachelors in Secondary Education and Mathematics. She then received her masters in classroom teaching in 2008 from Missouri Baptist University. With student teaching in my near future I thought asking her about her student teacher experience would give me some advice on what my next steps are. Lori student taught at two different schools and for eight weeks each. The first place she student taught was at Oak Ridge High School in Oak Ridge, Missouri. Lori stated that the school was very small and only had one math teacher. She said this gave her an insight of what it would feel like to teach in a small school. On the other hand, she also taught at Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She said she really enjoyed this experience because the school was much bigger and she felt more involved in the school. She said that unlike today, she had no choice of where she student taught but she was grateful for the experience she had at both Oak Ridge High School and Cape Central High School.

Like many others from my graduating class, I left college and headed for the fast track world of law and finance. After two years crunching numbers, juggling real estate projects and emerging from Black Monday in October 1987 relatively unscathed, I realized I hated my job. Landing a teaching position at Fessenden School became a watershed event in my life. Looking back over the past years, I fully realize that teaching is an essential part of me. Michael Thompson, once said, "There are some teachers who are effective and know why, others who aren 't effective and don 't know why, and a third are effective, but aren 't quite sure why." After five years at Fessenden, I felt like the latter. Therefore, I decided to attend graduate school in order to become a more effective educator. Theory, practicum, and research aside, graduate school was an epiphany for me. It confirmed in me that leading a school was more than a choice; it was a calling.

The population increase was caused by many different factors. The first cause was many children were born in this decade due to the great number of men coming home from WWI. The second cause was at the same time, a huge population of immigrants have moved into the U.S. The need to teach the new Americans in language, literature, customs, and citizenship sparked a movement to create night schools in many schools. Also, because of rise in numbers, a building “boom” was happening everywhere. Many places found a need to build more schools and universities because of the the population becoming so high. Usually getting sponsored by local businesses and corporations that could benefit from the future educated workers they could have. The last cause is the prosperous economy of the 1920’s. In the past only rich families could afford to send their child to college, but because of the rich economy a lot more families could now afford to pay for the tuition that used to seem unrealistic in the

I believe that I can pass along my own wisdom while simultaneously helping them to develop a knowledge base of their own. I believe that I can get through to students and allow them to reach new realizations. I believe that I can help them to see the process of schooling as an experience that is both interesting and enlightening. What follows is my interpretation of the teaching profession. It details the methodological and ideological frameworks that I would use to construct a learning experience that is meaningful for students.

Throughout my time in Messiah College's Teacher Education Program, my beliefs, values, and knowledge of education have been challenged, reflected upon, and changed. Another way to state the latter is that my philosophy on education has been shaped by the experiences I have had within the education system at Messiah College along with surrounding school districts. The way in which teachers design curriculum and instruction have a direct correlation to the individual's philosophies of education. Having a philosophy provides teachers "with framework for broad issues and tasks, such as determining the goals of education, subject content and it organization, the process of teaching and learning, and, in general, what experiences and activities to stress in schools and classrooms" (Ornstein, 1991, p. 102).

Throughout this last semester, I have been student teaching at Shawswick Middle School where I was able to take a critical look at myself as an educator. Though the teacher and I did not see eye to eye, this disagreement helped me to better form my own pedagogical beliefs and establish confidence in myself as an educator.

Sitting in a classroom during the first course for my Administrative Credential, I still clearly recall the moment when I first heard that quote. I had been a classroom teacher for over ten years and yet I had not necessarily thought of or articulated teaching and learning through this lens. This quote and the ensuing discussion I engaged in with my colleagues that evening, resonated with me so strongly that it forever changed and guided my vision of education.

As a student in the Education Department at Saint Mary’s College, I have been assigned a set of eight standards to fulfill before graduation. Having these standards guides all students in becoming the necessary well-rounded teacher candidates needed to go into the field of education and ultimately becoming a successful teacher in the future. Each standard relates to a different area, including having a broad and comprehensive understanding of learning processes, the professional environment, and content. Throughout the last two years, I have had a number of opportunities, both in the field and in my classes at Saint Mary’s, to meet these eight standards.

My measurements of success are found in each and every student I teach. One of the most rewarding experiences I have had while student teaching, was watching a child’s face light up at the pivotal moment when they grasp a new concept or master a new skill. In fact, those “aha” moments are my motivators which feed my desire to look for better ways to ensure all students experience those same “aha” moments. As an effective teacher, I am determined and dedicatef to the continual process of researching, implementing, collecting and analyzing data to ensure I am improving upon the curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessment used in my classroom. Learning is a never-ending process. The better skilled I become as a teacher, the better the learning experience I can provide for my students. Therefore, the more I actively research, implement, and reflect, the greater the opportunity for giving my students the education they deserve and hopefully, the inspiration to pursue their own lifelong love of learning.