Welcome to my first blog post starting my education journey at Saint Norbert College
As part of this class, we are writing bi-weekly blog post reflections. Here is my first one:
“Teaching: a calling or a job? Why do I want to do this? What have I learned about my personal teaching philosophy so far?”
Teaching is most certainly a calling! Without a shred of doubt, people are called to be teachers in my opinion. As the TV show “Abbot Elementary” put it, “[Teachers} are admin, are social workers, are therapists, are second parents, hell, sometimes we are even first. Why? It sure ain’t the money.” Although this quote may come from a goofy tv show I feel this holds some serious relevance ringing true. We do this because of our love, for the craft, for the students, for the connections, etc. No matter the grade or subject, proper teachers exemplify a love for something that drives them to do their work. And, as the show put it ever so lovingly, we “ain’t” in it for the money…
I want to do this profession because I have a love for improving lives, and creating a safe space for children. Why teaching, though, one may ask? You could be a social worker or some other profession that could do the same thing? That is a good point, but teaching feels right for me. The feeling I get when I walk into a classroom, whether it be to a loving or disrespecting reception, is so fulfilling that I can’t ever have a bad time. Sure, I may have troubling times…especially for my current Village Project placement, but I never let these kids get to me. I do not know their experiences, and most likely they are mad at the world, and they are letting it out on me because they know I won’t stop caring for them after.
So far, I have learned that I am beginning to identify with the Existentialist teaching philosophy. I believe it comes from my love of personal connection, and ensuring success. It may also come from my need to maintain unexplainably high standards for my self. Regardless, I have been made aware of the complications this may create for myself within a classroom setting, down the road. I may not be ready now, but I will not back down to the challenge. And who knows, maybe this philosophy will change as I continue this journey… we’ll see!
“Most Essential Characteristics of Teachers- my strengths and areas of growth”
Yeah… self constructive criticism is something I struggle with at this point in my life, so bare with me as I try this. I believe my biggest are of growth that I am concerned about, at this time, would be my creativity within an elementary classroom scope. Going for music education, I already will have multiple ways to make my classroom entertaining and engaging for the many types of learners. I just struggle with self confidence..In this, I mean that I worry if I will be able to keep my students engaged and learning through different styles of teaching the curriculum. For my strength. I believe that my ability to be human… admitting mistakes, empathy, understanding… will allow me to make a better classroom setting of understanding and equality between my students and myself… I believe and hope.
“My thoughts about culturally relevant teaching”
My thoughts on culturally relevant teaching are as follows: It is a good thing, so long as it does not push any negative narrative. I am in total support of teaching all sides of everything, especially world history. I am not okay with rewriting history or making things out to be more than they should be. An aspect of culturally relevant teaching is informing oneself about any and all demographics, especially those within your classroom. Again, I am in support with this, however teachers need to be careful not to put their students into a box based solo off said research. Culturally relevant teaching is important, and should be integrated into classrooms to the extent that it does not serve any ulterior purpose of influencing students for any personal agenda the teacher may hold.
Thank you for your thoughts and reflections on our time together so far. I hope that this course will continue to give you insight into the vocation and further strengthen your desire to be a part of it. For what it is worth, I have NO doubt that you will find ways to keep your students engaged in their learning. Part of our job will be to help you fill your “tool box”.