"It is the supreme art of a teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." - Albert Einstein
Choice is pretty much all it comes down to. On that college application three and a half years ago, I chose to take a chance and enter the education field. I didn't know if I would like it, or if I would succeed in the end. I just chose. Three and a half years ago I made one of the best choices of my life.
They say teaching is a full time job that never stops. That even though you get the breaks and summer vacations just like the students you teach, the occupation of being a teacher never really stops. You're always thinking about your students: what you can be doing better to help them learn, if there is anything you can change. And youre always thinking about future lesson plans.
In the end, you get to choose what kind of teacher you will be. This is the point in my schooling where I am finding that out. There are all different kinds of teachers in this world. Those who teach for the best interest of the students. Those who use their past experiences as motivation to provide a better education for their students. I just choose to teach. I choose to teach the younger generation of students: of all backgrounds and experiences. I choose to teach them, that despite their situation at home, they will be treated as equals once they walk through my door. I choose to do whatever it takes to make sure every student in my classroom feels represented and included. I will teach them that learning can be fun, and one of the most empowering experiences ever.
As teachers, we have one of the most paramount responsibilities ever, that is to teach the youth of our country. On top of that, we also have to meet the guidelines set by the state and still make the learning fun. We have an obligation to our students to try and make them as prepared for the real world as they can be. Which is why I choose to be a teacher who inspires. I choose to be a teacher that invokes thought, and demands effort no matter the size of it.
We ultimately need to be the biggest fans for our students. There's no way of completely knowing what is going on inside their heads, therefore it is crucial to always be there. Choose to make a difference in the lives of your students. Choose to maybe be the reason they smile every day. Choose to the be the teacher that inspires them, and teaches them to love school. I can't wait until the day I can say that.
