What it Means to become a Teacher

I used to think that the vanquish part of being a instructor was the brightly colored bulletin boards, the smell of freshly sharpened pencils, the Crayola Crayons, and the un fetch uping supply of organized office supplies neatly placed on the instructors desk.I spent countless summers of my boorhood assisting my niggle, a third spirit level teacher, with the annual set up of her branchroom. On those hot summer days, I admired the creativity, organization, and enthusiasm my contract holds for her c every(prenominal)ing. It inspired me so much that I decided I too wanted to be a teacher. Ive come a long way in my initial evidence of why I want to me an pedagogue. With my experiences and education in ED109, the canvassing requirements, gradation discussions and interview, I straightaway know that teaching is much more fulfilling than what I first observed so many divisions ago. It takes dedication, pass oningingness to learn, thoughtfulness and lenience to thrive and survive in this profession.The following paper provide look my observations of this experience. Ill begin with my interview with my mother, a third grade teacher for the past fifteen old age, in a low socioeconomic move around district. I sat down with her and inquireed her to sh are her insight that might uphold me continue my journey as an up and coming educator. I asked her, what is the best part of being a teacher? She responded, every day you aroma that you create do a discrepancy in a childs life. Whether it is teaching them to read, enhancing their social skills or celebrating their achievements you know that you mattered. When its the end of the day and kids say I want to stay here(predicate) in school its so much fun you know you are the one that got them to love to learn.When discussing this with my mother is made me look back at my experiences and helped me to anticipate the fulfillment of student success and the joy of learning. This made me determine the importance of teaching and how teachers impact students every day. I went on to ask her ab surface the challenges she faces in the teaching profession. My mother explained that it can be the work outside working and teaching students. She gave me examples of the paper work involved in keeping accurate scores and grading papers, bus duty, and at time endless school meetings that could be done more efficiently.She explained that is comes with the profession, but emphatically not a favorite amongst teachers. When reading the chapters in Pearl flap Kanes book My First Year as a Teacher, Isaw other challenges teachers face. For example in chapter two, Ms. Nehemiah struggles to get her class on topic. The book states I wanted to discuss F. Scott Fitzgeralds use of simile in The Great Gatsby. They wanted to throw spitballs and whisper dirty words in the back of the room(Kane 1991). This shows me that it is difficult to control a schoolroom as a first year teacher and how first year teachers admit to come up with effective strategies to be in control. Ms. Nehemiah figures out strategies by communicating with her peers and other teachers that have the experience she doesnt.This helped her realize her strengths and weaknesses. Her efficiency to take constructive criticism and reflect on herself is why she is unsounded a teacher today. When interviewing my mother and reflecting on my readings, I was able to draw in a better understanding of challenges in a classroom and what I can do to surpass the challenges to be the most effective educator. I wanted to know what she felt new educators mandatory to know in front entering the profession.My mom clearly stated that if you are not difference to give it your all, dont do it. She reflected on a unforesightful experience she had with a student teacher placement she had several years ago. She explained that the student teachers heart and vexation just wasnt there and the students and staff could feel it. I gathe red from my moms response that a strong work ethic, passion for the profession, and resultingness to reflect is what is needed to be an effective educator. Her response went along activities on pursuing the profession of teaching.During the class discussions and activities, I learned that there are multiple locomote to become a teacher, such as in the state of Massachusetts, you are required to take the MTEL tests for you area of study to become a license teacher. Also, you have to maintain a masters degree in art or science. I would not have had the knowledge of this if I wasnt in this education class. This class has provided me with a deeper understanding on what it takes to become a teacher and what life as a teacher will be like. Later in the interview, I asked what do colleges need to so in order to prepare new teachers for the profession? My mothers response was that all colleges and their education students need to dissect and interpret the new Common Core Standards.I gat hered from our conversation that new educators will be required to know the standards and will have to develop study accordingly. Principals and school districts will search out new educators that are go through andfamiliar with the Common Core. This conversation somewhat the Common Core Standards made me realize that although we have not explored this topic in ED109, as I delve deeper into the education classes at Lasell College, I will look for opportunities to hold on these standards. Finally, I asked what can I expect if I become a teacher? She said Expect that you will lose intermission at night thinking slightly how you will help Johnny read or that Mary needs a winter coat for recess.You will get out of bed and search your closets for a coat for Mary. You will finally get Johnny to read and when he does, you will continue on your car ride home with the radio blasting. You will retain and get discouraged. Your patience will be tested, but your heart will be filled. Yo u will have to manage your time and give it your all every day. Her response can be connected to the reading and the discussions in class.I remember in class Jess stated something along the lines of You worry about your students even though you arent in the classroom. You will lose sleep thinking about lesson plans and you will be stressed out. You cant let the students see you crumbling if something doesnt work out exactly as planned, because many things do not go perfectly in a classroom. This sincerely stuck with me after being in the class, because it shows the passion and heart you have to have for the profession and if you dont have that heart and passion you will not survive in the classroom. As for the readings, they connected to my mothers response, especially in chapter six of My First Year as a Teacher by Pearl Rock Kane because it explains that this teacher worries about her students even after she has taught them.Ms. McClurg says And I wonder if any of the students who shared in that fourth-period class remember the long dark winter that turned into reflect and how they changed the life of a friendless boy named Leo and the life of an inexperienced teacher(Kane 1991). When reading this quote it really shows that a teacher really thinks and reflects about every student they have and had over the years. My thinking about education has developed over the course of the semester.Ive been able to integrate the class discussions/activities, readings and experiences to develop a deeper, more meaningful understanding of what it takes to become an educator and why I belong in this profession. I plan to pull ahead investigate the best teaching practices and skills needed for teaching right here at Lasell College. I will utilize what I learned and now know I toowill make a difference in a childs life.