Taking a step back from Technology, Action Research, English Learners and everything else we'll be discussing this semester, let's start from the top.
What is your Personal Legend? What mark do you want to leave on this world? Why do you teach? How does getting a CLEAR credential help you achieve these goals.
I wouldn't call my story a legend but more of an untold story. Growing up, I always loved helping in different situations, such as babysitting, cleaning, tutoring and etc. Recently, I found an All About Me art project from when I was in 4th grade. I had no recollection of what I had written and to my surprise, 13 years later I had obtained my dream job as a teacher.
It is interesting because my path towards becoming an educator didn’t begin until my last year of undergraduate college. I had some units to spare and on a whim sought out a minor in Education. During my last year I happened to mention my interest in teaching to a basketball friend I had met at a local park. He happened to be a teacher at a local school and suggested I apply for an opening. I reluctantly took his suggestion but almost decided not to go to the interview. He reminded me about the interview and was insistent that I give it a try despite being in school.
I decided to go to the interview, the Vice Principal met me one day after school and she let me know what she was looking for. Unfortunately, I couldn't commit to the time desired but she offered to have me step on coaching volleyball. Loving sports and being active, this seemed like a decent start. I coached for six months and became a teacher’s aide in the latter half of the year. I continued the following two years as a kindergarten aide, and a kindergarten/ first grade combo aide. The next year I co taught third and fourth grade as well as P.E. The following year I had my own second grade class. Finally, I have my own class again as a third and fourth grade combo class. During that time I continued to follow my friends advice and received a Masters of Education. That’s been my life for the last five/six years as an educator. A few special people in the right place at the right time nudging me forward through life. As educators, isn’t that we more or less do?
I want my mark on the world to be a more like a subtle wave that passes through the generations. I hope to instill in my students a love for learning and an appreciation of the people in their lives and the world. I want my students to know that they are safe, that they are loved and that I want to see them grow as a person.
The reason I teach is simply the rewarding feeling of being a part of so many children’s and family's lives. We see these kids 40 hours or more a week and I can’t help but feel proud of each and everyone of them. There is nothing like watching someone learn a skill after hours and hours of hard work and continuing to build from that. Amazing when it is good and terrible when it is bad. The job as an educator goes through a roll coaster of emotions that is an experience of its own. It is both, amazing and daunting that my work isn’t about me. My job is to help my students become the best that they can be. While my year teaching them is but a pit stop, I hope that it carries a lasting effect throughout their lives.
Getting the CLEAR credential for me is partially the different teaching opportunities that come with it. I can explore into teaching in public schools or even international schools. On paper it makes me easier to hire and helps me continue in education. But after hearing about the structure of the CLEAR program, I find the importance in the process and not in obtaining the credential. There will always be students who are English language learners or students with disabilities and technology is continuously advancing. I hope to build on what I have learned in my Masters program to become a better educator for these students.
It is interesting because my path towards becoming an educator didn’t begin until my last year of undergraduate college. I had some units to spare and on a whim sought out a minor in Education. During my last year I happened to mention my interest in teaching to a basketball friend I had met at a local park. He happened to be a teacher at a local school and suggested I apply for an opening. I reluctantly took his suggestion but almost decided not to go to the interview. He reminded me about the interview and was insistent that I give it a try despite being in school.
I decided to go to the interview, the Vice Principal met me one day after school and she let me know what she was looking for. Unfortunately, I couldn't commit to the time desired but she offered to have me step on coaching volleyball. Loving sports and being active, this seemed like a decent start. I coached for six months and became a teacher’s aide in the latter half of the year. I continued the following two years as a kindergarten aide, and a kindergarten/ first grade combo aide. The next year I co taught third and fourth grade as well as P.E. The following year I had my own second grade class. Finally, I have my own class again as a third and fourth grade combo class. During that time I continued to follow my friends advice and received a Masters of Education. That’s been my life for the last five/six years as an educator. A few special people in the right place at the right time nudging me forward through life. As educators, isn’t that we more or less do?
I want my mark on the world to be a more like a subtle wave that passes through the generations. I hope to instill in my students a love for learning and an appreciation of the people in their lives and the world. I want my students to know that they are safe, that they are loved and that I want to see them grow as a person.
The reason I teach is simply the rewarding feeling of being a part of so many children’s and family's lives. We see these kids 40 hours or more a week and I can’t help but feel proud of each and everyone of them. There is nothing like watching someone learn a skill after hours and hours of hard work and continuing to build from that. Amazing when it is good and terrible when it is bad. The job as an educator goes through a roll coaster of emotions that is an experience of its own. It is both, amazing and daunting that my work isn’t about me. My job is to help my students become the best that they can be. While my year teaching them is but a pit stop, I hope that it carries a lasting effect throughout their lives.
Getting the CLEAR credential for me is partially the different teaching opportunities that come with it. I can explore into teaching in public schools or even international schools. On paper it makes me easier to hire and helps me continue in education. But after hearing about the structure of the CLEAR program, I find the importance in the process and not in obtaining the credential. There will always be students who are English language learners or students with disabilities and technology is continuously advancing. I hope to build on what I have learned in my Masters program to become a better educator for these students.