Prospective School Board, Parent, or Student,

Education is a life long process that begins at birth and arguably only ends at death. Every person that we come into contact with has an area of expertise that surpasses our knowledge in a variety of areas. The most important lesson that we can pass on to our students is to remain open to the words of others and pursue knowledge through curiosity and inquisitiveness.

When I first applied for a teaching position after graduation, I produced a list of characteristics required to meet success in the classroom. Although one may feel these points to be idealistic, I believe they are realistic and achievable if your heart is really into this profession.

1. Take an interest in student interests.
If something is important to the student, it is important to you as well. To down play or dismiss a student’s issues demoralizes the character of the student as a person. Sharing interests also allows for the building of bridges and a better ability to bond with the students.

2. Have many interests and hobbies.
Many students have pigeonholed themselves by the time they hit high school. Support the decisions they make, but as a role model stress the importance of diversity and the happiness that is attainable through other positive outlets. There are so many avenues that have not been explored yet, encourage openness to new experiences...this also leads to greater acceptance of others.

3. Have a good sense of humor.
When course material becomes challenging and tension starts to grow, it is good to relax the class by injecting a little humor. Be able to laugh at yourself…it sets a good example for the students.

4. Have a variety of experiences on which to draw from.
Nothing makes a class more interesting then good stories that offer a break from class material. However, if the teacher’s depth of experiences allows the stories to be subject related, the class will always be interesting and informative.

5. Treat all students with respect.
The phrase used most often is “you may not like me, but you will have to admit that I am fair.” We must exercise equality above all else. No preconceived notions, a new semester begins with a clean slate and equal opportunity to succeed.

6. Always keep an open door for help.
Eat lunch in your room; be in the classroom before and after scheduled classes. Even if the student does not access the opportunity, they know you are there and that you care!

7. Always keep an open door for change.
Every class has a different climate, a different mixture of personalities. Being firm is an attribute, but becomes a detriment if carried beyond the breaking point. Reflect upon class reaction to rules, lesson plans, and activities. Decide what is most effective for group success and implement positive changes.

8. A role model for the students.
Always keep in mind that all your actions reflect upon the way students look at you. No community is small enough that questionable behavior may not be viewed by one of your impressionable minds. One must dress well, speak well, work hard, express concern, endorse diversity and variety, be fair, and remain honest.

9. Show a real love of the subject being taught.
I love my subject and students pick up on that, they also pick up on hatred towards a subject. In university we discussed the student’s attitude towards science and how many elementary teachers dislike the subject. If the teacher is uncomfortable and unhappy, the students will follow suit. Also, remain positive. Encourage the students to love the subject, if they are interested, class will be fun for them and the material will be easily accomplished.

10. Relate subject matter to student experiences.
If it is not poignant to the student’s life, why should they care? Knowing your subject well, having a diverse range of experiences, and knowing your students allows for development of interest and a variety of meaningful connections to be formed.

11. Make subject matter simple but always truthful.
There is nothing more damaging then breaking a concept down to the point where it will have to be unlearned in a later grade. Simple steps produce great leaps, but a deeper knowledge of the subject means the student will not have to be knocked back to the starting line at a later date.

12. Recognize and be sensitive towards student differences.
We are a diverse lot differing in learning abilities as well as cultural, religious, physical, and socio-economic backgrounds. Often it is easier to push forward teaching only to the mean, but equal access to achievement requires adaptability, inventiveness, and hard work. The motto is and continues to be “equal access to education,” it is what we strive for.

13. Take time to reflect on good and bad experiences.
Reflection leads to understanding and growth. If one does not reflect and adapt from the insight that comes from reflection, it makes the teacher rather hypocritical since we encourage students to learn from their mistakes. Critically analyzing teaching experiences leads to refinement of skills and increases the effectiveness of lessons being taught.

14. Show independence, but do not be afraid of asking for help.
You can learn from everyone around you, especially as a teacher in the early years of your career. Certain topics are and may remain difficult to cover in the classroom throughout your career. But, insight gathered from other teachers can help streamline a few of the rougher edges that students often become hung up on.
 

This is who I am and these are the ideals I believe in. After leaving the profession for a year to further my studies in physics, I look forward to continuing my role as an educator. I hope to work with you sometime in the future.