In 2008, I embarked upon what I consider to be one of my greatest milestones in life. One that changed my entire outlook on life and education. I flew 18 hours from Canada to South Africa to spend 3 months in Cape Town for a teaching program in multiple small communities. I spent my days teaching children in primary schools that mainly spoke either Afrikaans or Xhosa, both foreign languages to me. Teaching in South Africa made me grateful of the bare necessities in life and made me appreciate how valuable life really is. My time spent there made me realize how much I love teaching and having a positive impact on students. It was an amazing opportunity, that to this day I cherish. My passion for teaching then brought me to where I was 5 years ago- halfway across the world, living in Australia and pursuing my passions for education and teaching. In December 2012, I graduated with a Diploma of Education from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
I take great pride in my lifelong accomplishments because it means I have passion as an educator, a trait many seem to lack.
In attending Monash University to become a certified teacher, I had many expectations for myself as a teacher and leader. In tune with the beautiful lyrics of Whitney Houston's classic "Greatest Love of All", from an inspiring source who felt this resonated so well with education and children, my philosophy for learning and teaching is this...
I take great pride in my lifelong accomplishments because it means I have passion as an educator, a trait many seem to lack.
In attending Monash University to become a certified teacher, I had many expectations for myself as a teacher and leader. In tune with the beautiful lyrics of Whitney Houston's classic "Greatest Love of All", from an inspiring source who felt this resonated so well with education and children, my philosophy for learning and teaching is this...
Changing the Past | Give them a sense of pride
First and foremost I want to be the sort of teacher that a student will look back on and be grateful for the time spent learning. To be one of the teachers I had growing up, the teachers that made an unforgettable impact in my life and encouraged me to be the best I could be in all aspects of life.
First and foremost I want to be the sort of teacher that a student will look back on and be grateful for the time spent learning. To be one of the teachers I had growing up, the teachers that made an unforgettable impact in my life and encouraged me to be the best I could be in all aspects of life.
Paving a Future | I believe the children are our future
I want students to feel like they can be themselves and that possibilities in life are endless. Too often dreams are crushed because they are considered unrealistic. Students should be given the opportunity to show us, as teachers, what they are capable of rather than the other way around- it should not be about the teacher always teaching the student.
I want students to feel like they can be themselves and that possibilities in life are endless. Too often dreams are crushed because they are considered unrealistic. Students should be given the opportunity to show us, as teachers, what they are capable of rather than the other way around- it should not be about the teacher always teaching the student.
Encourage students to "think" | Teach them well and let them lead the way
Being a teacher is not about teaching an idea and giving students the answer. Students need to feel stimulated, they should always be given the opportunity to discover things on their own. The old chinese proverb, "Give a man a fish, feed him for one day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" you cannot expect students to learn for themselves if they are only being preached to. I hope to bring motivation and inspiration into the classroom so students do not feel overwhelmed by information but rather encouraged to be creative and free thinking.
Being a teacher is not about teaching an idea and giving students the answer. Students need to feel stimulated, they should always be given the opportunity to discover things on their own. The old chinese proverb, "Give a man a fish, feed him for one day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" you cannot expect students to learn for themselves if they are only being preached to. I hope to bring motivation and inspiration into the classroom so students do not feel overwhelmed by information but rather encouraged to be creative and free thinking.
Recognize and Integrate Diversity | Show them the beauty they possess inside
It is important to recognize each child's similarity as well as their differences, whether they be physical, intellectual or emotional we need to embrace them. NO student should be excluded from classroom activities, disrespected, or isolated simply because they are different. Differences should be appreciated and highlighted as a unique characteristic and welcomed into the classroom.
It is important to recognize each child's similarity as well as their differences, whether they be physical, intellectual or emotional we need to embrace them. NO student should be excluded from classroom activities, disrespected, or isolated simply because they are different. Differences should be appreciated and highlighted as a unique characteristic and welcomed into the classroom.
Create a safe and fun environment | Let the children's laughter remind us...
The most important aspect to teaching is ensuring students are having fun! If they are not having fun, they are certainly not learning. Teaching should not be about reading from a text book to instil facts in children's minds but rather engaging them through activities, literature, experiments, games and workshops. Before this can be accomplished, students must be able to actively work in a safe and secure environment, where the classroom feels like a second home to them. They should have their place in the class, with friends, a great relationship with the teacher and feel excitement every time they step into the room.
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Final Note...Lastly, and likely the most cliched, but I would like to make a difference.
Even the most miniscule of a difference, one that may only affect one person, it is important to me to know that a student entered my classroom and left not without feeling unfulfilled or incapable but instead felt inspired to do something and to be great no matter what other poor influences they may have in their life deterring them from doing so. |