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“The best thing about being a teacher is that it matters. The hardest thing about being a teacher is that it matters every day.”

-Todd Whitaker

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When I was in kindergarten, I had a truly amazing teacher. Starting about this time, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I would come home, line my dolls up and teach them what I had learned that day on our chalkboard in the basement. Since then I have had the privilege of having many more truly amazing teachers, and some slightly less amazing teachers. Each school experience since then – both negative and positive – have only reaffirmed the fact that this is the path for me. When a teacher made me feel special with a hug or helped remind me that I’m smart when I was having a hard time with something, I knew I wanted to have that impact on my own students one day. Or if there were times where I came home crying because a teacher embarrassed me in class, I knew that I didn’t want to give a child that experience. Ever since kindergarten, I knew I wanted to be a teacher… and not just any teacher, but the best teacher I can be.

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 My personal experiences in school and with teachers have really molded the way I feel about the importance of a child being comfortable at school and with their teachers. Knowing that school is a safe and happy environment is key to success. I believe it’s important to acknowledge the fact that each student learns differently and at their own pace. What works for one child may not work for another. I believe that everything that happens in a child’s life and all of their experiences could potentially affect their ability to retain information and focus in school. It is my belief that a hug, a little extra attention and some positive words can really go a long way.

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As a teacher, I would make sure my students felt safe and comfortable while in my care. My students will know that they can come to me with questions or even just to talk. I would always try to remember that just because some students understand, does not mean everyone does and I will do everything in my power to make sure each student is being taught in a way that is beneficial for them. For example, in my classroom, you would see centers allowing students to do different educational activities. I will make sure each child knows that they are loved whether that is a hug at the beginning and end of each day or by being somebody that they feel comfortable opening up to. I will display their work throughout the room so they can be proud of what they accomplish. I will use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. I will make sure to use my resources to give my students the best version of me as I can.

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I truly believe that being a teacher will be filled with endless rewards as well as endless challenges. I don’t think it is a career for just anybody, but I do know it is for me. I am so looking forward to continuing my education, learning more about what kind of teacher I want to be, and eventually getting into my classroom and hopefully be like one of the life-changing teachers that I have had. And as Robert John Meehan said, “don’t struggle to be a better teacher than everybody else. Simply be a better teacher than you ever thought you could be.”

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