This blog will be used by the EDPE 40005 Secondary level Seminar at University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla Campus, in order to post their reflections on various topics that will be discussed in class.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Why teach?
Today you will commence your online reflecting process by meditating and answering the following questions:
1. Why are you interested in teaching?
2. Tell me about a significant person, event, book or idea that made you want to teach?
Ever since I was about nine years old I knew I wanted to be an English teacher. When I was in elementary school, I would usually be the kind of student who was most proficient in English class. A few of my past English teachers dreaded having someone in class who they could not challenge as easily. Other teachers actually took an advantage of my high proficiency in the language when compared to other students. These teachers led me to help others and allowed me to share my ideas, while I also learned and grew with the rest of my classmates. I won’t deny that at times many of my classmates had the wrong idea about what help meant and just wanted me to give them answers. However, with time I figured there was a big difference between helping and doing other peoples work for them. That somewhat negative occurrence that would happen often just made me even more eager to want to truly teach people and guide them to acquire the language. I believe these were the roots of my aspiration of becoming an educator, and particularly to want to teach the English language.
If I were to think about something else that inspired my interest in teaching, I would have to mention a movie that’s based on true events called Freedom writers. Though I was already on the path of becoming a teacher, this movie made me see the profound impact teachers can have on students’ lives. Taking a humanistic approach, I believe it’s very important for a teacher to be able to acknowledge their students’ backgrounds and way of lives in order to find the most effective ways of teaching them.
As I student in the Natural Sciences Department, once studying to become a doctor, then a forensic pathologist, and finally an anatomist, I saw the importance of teaching. Everyone nowadays wants to become doctors, engineers, scientists, and physicists, amongst other professions, but most of the time we, like I had seen personally from my classmates and myself before, did not see the importance of educators. We did not realize that the chemists and biologists we met are all educators, whether formally prepared or not. This helped me decide to become an educator and be properly prepared for the task. So, at that moment I said, “I’m going to get a MA in Anatomy and Physiology and teach.” That, of course, changed.
When did I then decide to teach English? After I took some English courses as electives I needed towards my Biomedical Sciences degree. I took classes with a Professor that reminded me of my sixth grade teacher. I think that was it. I saw the person I had learned most off, even after the sixth grade when he told me I should read from Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft. This teacher, Mr. Soto, was the man who insisted on calling us by our last names, like we were 11 year old grownups instead of children, and with tough love achieved his goals. He made us learn, not by lecturing us over and over again, but by having us work and evaluate ourselves as students and individuals. I want to do for others what he did for me. I want to inspire students to learn.
It is funny because I feel I came to terms with things I did not want to accept. I noticed I was about to end up one of those students who brings home a diploma that their parents can be proud of and hang on the wall. I had invested three years of studies in something I would not be entirely happy doing. At that moment I decided to continue with this English Education Program. I don’t regret it.
My mother now reminds me of when I used to spend my afternoons at her office making tests for her Sergeant to take and correcting them. Fun times…
I started learning Electronics in High School because I thought it would be really fun. Our electronics teacher was awesome his name was Willy. He was very patient and really good at explaining. I learned to fix a lot of things in the class like T.V’s, computers and radios. After High School I decided to study Electronics. I was so excited about studying in college little did I know what was heading my way.
My first semester was Horrible! I had nineteen credits and the two worst classes in the world (well maybe I am exaggerating) Physics and Pre-Calculus (well maybe I wasn’t). I flunked both classes. The only reason why I entered the Electronics department in the first place, was because I thought it would be easy.
I was going to quite College, I really was. That is when Dad and I had the talk! He told me that everybody was good at something and that I had to find out what I was good at. Not long after I was assigned to give class t kids in my Church on Sundays. At first I was like: “Are these people crazy, I have never taught before.” I wasn’t completely sure that I could it, but they saw potential. I decided to give it a try. Teaching soon turned into the greatest and most rewarding experience in my life!
I started my second semester on the right foot. I entered the English Department. I am so glad that my Dad didn’t give up on me. I am so glad that I choose to become an English teacher because with each semester that passes by I become more passionate for the language. I love literature, something I learned while studying in college! Well you know what they say better late than never!
There will come a time in a child's life when he or she will be asked the infamous "What do you want to be when you grow up?” question. Depending on the child's age you will hear: an astronaut, a veterinarian, a singer a fireman and if you are lucky you could come across the next U.S President. When I was asked this question as a child I was one of the one's that said I want to be a singer" but don't blame me see this was the time when Selena Quintanilla had just recently passed away and I loved her. I quickly grew out of that response and said Ï want to be a teacher".
I do not know how to explain it but I have a special bond with children. I know for a fact that children have a special bond with me too. Many people notice this too. This is why I was elected this year to give bible study in my church. That's right every Monday I have the joy of having 10+ kids calling me "Missy" and the pleasure of teaching them something they don't know. I came up with a theory as to why this is recently, and I think it's because of the way I treat them. Usually when somebody walks into a room they will say hello to the adults and probably say to the parent "how adorable is your child" but I think they deserve their own salutation. They are an individual tiny little person and they love to feel acknowledged.
I chose Elementary because I am a very creative person and I believe this helps a lot. Also because it is early in a child's life where you can influence the most and make him into the young man or lady they will become in the future. I love what I chose to pursue in life you see I once heard a brilliant women say "Do what you can live with", and I know I can live with this.
I grew up in a small town in the center of Puerto Rico called Morovis. You may be thinking, "what does this have to do anything?" well truth be told, for me it has to do with everything because it's the whole reason I wanted to be a teacher. While I was growing up having an education didn't seem like such a big deal since life in the town was pretty much set for everyone. There were no challenges. All it took was pretty much a job with a high school diploma somewhere not too far from where you lived. Of course there were exceptions, there always are, and I wanted to be one. Even as I was growing up I knew there was more to life than what was going on around me. My parents have always told me so and raised me to go after what I believe in with high hopes of me becoming a professional. I plan on not letting them down. I refuse to be stuck, to not get what I want out of life just because I don't even know where to start. So, I chose knowledge as a way of being a better version of myself and I decided to teach so I can help others reach their potential and show them their options. I plan on helping others lose fear and realize that knowledge is power and with power you can do anything.
Personally I admire my kinder garden teacher she was a hard work woman who really love teaching she created such a positive and loving environment and always teach us things that were a level up if she saw we were interested and have skills above our grade level. As her being my first teacher there were many teachers that made an impact in my life and always encourage me to go further and learn and expand my knowledge. I remember thinking that I wanted to be like them.
Ever since my earlier years in Elementary and Secondary school I was very interest in learning a second language which in my case was English. I was in a high level of proficiency in my class and I was always helping my peers to do their homework and oral presentations and I really enjoyed teaching others.
Even thought; I decided to be a teacher when I started the university I thought about how I really enjoyed teaching and helping others specially in ESL I wanted to make a difference as one of the many teachers that made an impact in my life. Also movies such as Freedom Writers, Dangerous Mind, Blind side and many more inspire me to become a teacher; the way they manage to change not only the student’s proficiency in school but their personal lives guide them to the right path placing them in the right direction.
Personally, there is no correct or incorrect answer, nor is there one answer. At the young age of five (5) I found a role model in my kindergarten teacher and wanted to be that leader I saw day after day in class. I teach not only to educate but to learn from my experiences. I teach because I want to be a role model to children and someone the entire community admires. I want to teach and influence many common aspects. For example, elements of diversity and change the way children, young adults and adults view school, learning and education. My answer may not be so complex but I leave you with this quote, “I chose to be an educator the same day I chose to make a difference in the world. “ Sheila Feliciano
Anaira Lopez I am interested in teaching because I always wanted to make the lives of others different. Being a teacher provides you with that opportunity to change lives and allows the teacher to help the student in many ways. I know that teachers can touch lives forever and I want to use that in a positive way to encourage my students to go forward and never give up to fight for that something that they really appreciate in life. To teach, show others what I know and help them develop their learning abilities to the fullest is my passion. My grandpa was always saying that I would grow up to become a teacher but I never thought it was going to be like that. Until one day that I decided to volunteer and help the teacher of special education. This became a club in school and every day we had to go an hour to the special education classroom and help the teacher in what we could. That experience got me intrigued by this profession. Since then I started to learn more about what was the role of a teacher and discover that I had and still have a passion for teaching.
First of all this is a crazy world who needs decent inspiring people willing to make a difference in people's lives; a positive difference. I have chosen (for the moment) teaching as my way to help people (students) overcome obstacles and fears. As a high school student, I had trouble making decisions as in where I wanted to study when I graduated and what was I going to study.
As the movie Freedom Writers came out in the year 2007 (year I graduated) it inspired me to select teaching as my profession. I saw how just one teacher make a huge impact on those students' lives. She helped them achieve their goals, acquire intuitive and fun learning experiences and above all gave them hope to unlock their potential. These expectations lead her to be a very successful teacher and have successful students. This greatly inspired me as well.
In conclusion I hope that I can make a difference and an impact in my students and I plan to help them with everything that is in my hands.
As a child I always had an interest in language. I loved to ask what every word ment, when I did not know the meaning and I could not find it on a dictionary. Growing up in a household where no one knew english, I could only speak spanish. I was not sure If I had aquire the language untill I became friends with other students my age and I was able to comunicate with them and little by little improve my communication and writing. I learn the language by simply whatching movies and cartoons, by hearing and trying to talk it. Everyone is capable of doing this and so I decided this is what I wanted to do. I want to teach the language and let my students know that if they wish to learn the language, is posible as long as they are willing. I want to help bring the knowledge our students need effectevly not just simply giving them the asigments and expecting them to do it, if they have no idea what I am saying. I want to reinforsce the language and teach it to them and help them understand the language. This is why I decided to apply and become an ESL teacher.
Johnny Soto Like many, teaching was not in my mind when I was trying to figure out what a wanted to do after high school. I have always had a love for science and chemistry and that’s what I thought I would be doing. It wasn’t until my final year in high school that I change my perception, thanks to my English teacher Mr. Di Angelo. I will never forget him, to me he is the definition of what a teacher should be, his wiliness to help all of his students even the ones that weren’t his, the passion that he had for teaching and the way he motivated his students opened my eyes and made me realize that a teacher is much more than a person who gives lectures, test and gives you a grade at the end of the school year. A teacher is the person that motivates guides, is a role model, and in many cases, for some students is the one person that they trust. A good teacher may impact a student’s life in a way that he/she may feel for ever beholden towards it teacher. I believe that the way that we can start changing our society is through de education. If we as educators putt 200% in our craft, the possibility of having an impact in someone’s life increases. For some that are lost and have no sense of direction, we can be the lighthouse beacon that may guide them in the right direction. That’s why I decided to be and educator to inspire, motivate, guide and ultimately try to make a difference in someone’s life
During my initial years at the university I began studying biology, but throughout the course I found myself incomplete. As time progressed I enrolled into more concentration classes and realized that I lacked interest in the field. That’s when I decided I would transfer from the Natural Sciences department to the Education department. Even though I transferred long after in my studies I don’t regret it. Now I’m in the road of becoming a Secondary English teacher and I am excited about that. I look back and recall all those moments when I use to tutor my cousins, and, wonder now why I didn’t entered from the start in the Education department.
I want to become a teacher for several reasons. First, because of my calling to help others understand and explain them in ways they can get it more easily. It feels great to be part of this mission that helps build the formation of individuals and society, because those students will eventually develop into our future educators and leaders. Also, my family is full of teachers; I have one cousin and three aunts who are all teachers. Through them I see what a true educator should be, because they are role models, and that has truly inspired me to be the best teacher I can be. I intend to be a teacher of high respect that someday will inspire others in the same way my family inspired me. Finally, I have the passion and drive necessary for this occupation; I like teaching because you leave the classroom with the satisfaction of making the difference in someone’s life.
When I was a child, around 6 to 7 years old I used to tell my sisters to sit down beside me because I was going to teach them something. If they were not there, I would organize my stuffed animals and give them class. This is when I realized that I wanted to become a teacher. At a very young age, I understood the wonderful impact that I could have on a child’s life. I feel that the teaching profession is the most honorable profession there is. Most children change their minds about what they want to be when they grow up hundreds of times before they actually find a career. Not me, I always knew that I would be a teacher. My mother has been the greatest inspiration in my life. She has always said that I would become a wonderful teacher because I have creativity, patience, good communication with children, and most of all, the motivation to teach. I admire her in every aspect; she has a gift. She’s been teaching using different techniques for more than 30 years now. Her method of teaching has encouraged many students to continue with their education throughout the years. She believes in working with each student individually and in teaching students according to their levels. She taught me what no other teacher could; how to teach each student no matter what difficulties they may have. The same love of learning and teaching that she taught me, I try to pass to my students.
When I was a child I always wanted to be a doctor. I never wanted to be a teacher. I always loved math and science I found it interesting. In elementary I realized I love reading, but only books that were of my interest; if I didn't like the book I wouldn't read it. Throughout all my school years I struggled with reading in school and the standardized tests in Florida, because the reading selections were so boring. I always passed them but with low scores. Then in high school I realized that I really love writing and grammar. I decided I wanted to be an educator during my freshman year, because I hated my major which was Biology, so I decided to start taking classes from the English Department and then I met Melissa Garcia & Arlinda Lopez and I realized I really liked teaching when I took class with them. I don't have an awesome story about a teacher from elementary, middle or high school but I accidently found exactly what I was meant to do in college. :)
I am interested in teaching honestly because It has a good pay and nicely scheduled vacations. But really I like the idea of me teaching and knowing that I can do something with English, and being able to teach the language so students can understand it is useful and has purpose in learning it. I really never had teaching as a goal in life not even when I entered collage. I was actually interested in becoming a speech psychologist. So I entered the education department to transfer eventually but never did, because I took a class that required making observations and giving two classes. I thought to my self this is not so bad and changed my concentration to the English department to teach secondary level students.
Ashley J. Rivera I actually did not think about being a teacher until the week before I started my first semester of university at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. I was supposed to become an industrial biotechnologist. I honestly did not even know what that was and was doing it because it was the highest IGS in the university and I got accepted. My parents ofcourse where proud; the title sounded really nice. When I went to the orientation week some proffesors gave the students a little insight on what we were going to be doing and what Industrial Biotechnology was all about. As soon as the first day was over I thought : "What have I gotten myself into?" . I had no interest in it and it was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
That day I went home a little frustrated and called my boyfriend (now my husband) to talk about it. I had no idea what I was going to do so at one point my boyfriend just started to randomly name different proffesions and when he brought up teaching I thought I would actually like teaching. I had always enjoyed helping out my friends when they did not understand something and I always helped my little brother and sister study for their tests and oral reports and they would fight over who got to study with me because I had more patience with them than my parents. English was always my favorite subject and I was always very good at it. All the signs were there, I just never saw them because my parents had always taught me that teaching was not an option because it did not pay enough.
Finally, the last friday before class started, I went to the English Department to see if there was still time to make the change and luckily the gave me all the courses I needed. As soon as I started to take me English and Education courses, it was confirmed, teaching was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It was not until the end of the second semester that I told my parents about it and they were "dissapointed" but in time they came to terms and accepted it. I am just glad that I found my calling because some people never do.
Ever since I was about nine years old I knew I wanted to be an English teacher. When I was in elementary school, I would usually be the kind of student who was most proficient in English class. A few of my past English teachers dreaded having someone in class who they could not challenge as easily. Other teachers actually took an advantage of my high proficiency in the language when compared to other students. These teachers led me to help others and allowed me to share my ideas, while I also learned and grew with the rest of my classmates. I won’t deny that at times many of my classmates had the wrong idea about what help meant and just wanted me to give them answers. However, with time I figured there was a big difference between helping and doing other peoples work for them. That somewhat negative occurrence that would happen often just made me even more eager to want to truly teach people and guide them to acquire the language. I believe these were the roots of my aspiration of becoming an educator, and particularly to want to teach the English language.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to think about something else that inspired my interest in teaching, I would have to mention a movie that’s based on true events called Freedom writers. Though I was already on the path of becoming a teacher, this movie made me see the profound impact teachers can have on students’ lives. Taking a humanistic approach, I believe it’s very important for a teacher to be able to acknowledge their students’ backgrounds and way of lives in order to find the most effective ways of teaching them.
As I student in the Natural Sciences Department, once studying to become a doctor, then a forensic pathologist, and finally an anatomist, I saw the importance of teaching. Everyone nowadays wants to become doctors, engineers, scientists, and physicists, amongst other professions, but most of the time we, like I had seen personally from my classmates and myself before, did not see the importance of educators. We did not realize that the chemists and biologists we met are all educators, whether formally prepared or not. This helped me decide to become an educator and be properly prepared for the task. So, at that moment I said, “I’m going to get a MA in Anatomy and Physiology and teach.” That, of course, changed.
ReplyDeleteWhen did I then decide to teach English? After I took some English courses as electives I needed towards my Biomedical Sciences degree. I took classes with a Professor that reminded me of my sixth grade teacher. I think that was it. I saw the person I had learned most off, even after the sixth grade when he told me I should read from Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft. This teacher, Mr. Soto, was the man who insisted on calling us by our last names, like we were 11 year old grownups instead of children, and with tough love achieved his goals. He made us learn, not by lecturing us over and over again, but by having us work and evaluate ourselves as students and individuals. I want to do for others what he did for me. I want to inspire students to learn.
It is funny because I feel I came to terms with things I did not want to accept. I noticed I was about to end up one of those students who brings home a diploma that their parents can be proud of and hang on the wall. I had invested three years of studies in something I would not be entirely happy doing. At that moment I decided to continue with this English Education Program. I don’t regret it.
My mother now reminds me of when I used to spend my afternoons at her office making tests for her Sergeant to take and correcting them. Fun times…
I started learning Electronics in High School because I thought it would be really fun. Our electronics teacher was awesome his name was Willy. He was very patient and really good at explaining. I learned to fix a lot of things in the class like T.V’s, computers and radios. After High School I decided to study Electronics. I was so excited about studying in college little did I know what was heading my way.
ReplyDeleteMy first semester was Horrible! I had nineteen credits and the two worst classes in the world (well maybe I am exaggerating) Physics and Pre-Calculus (well maybe I wasn’t). I flunked both classes. The only reason why I entered the Electronics department in the first place, was because I thought it would be easy.
I was going to quite College, I really was. That is when Dad and I had the talk! He told me that everybody was good at something and that I had to find out what I was good at. Not long after I was assigned to give class t kids in my Church on Sundays. At first I was like: “Are these people crazy, I have never taught before.” I wasn’t completely sure that I could it, but they saw potential. I decided to give it a try. Teaching soon turned into the greatest and most rewarding experience in my life!
I started my second semester on the right foot. I entered the English Department. I am so glad that my Dad didn’t give up on me. I am so glad that I choose to become an English teacher because with each semester that passes by I become more passionate for the language. I love literature, something I learned while studying in college! Well you know what they say better late than never!
There will come a time in a child's life when he or she will be asked the infamous "What do you want to be when you grow up?” question. Depending on the child's age you will hear: an astronaut, a veterinarian, a singer a fireman and if you are lucky you could come across the next U.S President. When I was asked this question as a child I was one of the one's that said I want to be a singer" but don't blame me see this was the time when Selena Quintanilla had just recently passed away and I loved her. I quickly grew out of that response and said Ï want to be a teacher".
ReplyDeleteI do not know how to explain it but I have a special bond with children. I know for a fact that children have a special bond with me too. Many people notice this too. This is why I was elected this year to give bible study in my church. That's right every Monday I have the joy of having 10+ kids calling me "Missy" and the pleasure of teaching them something they don't know. I came up with a theory as to why this is recently, and I think it's because of the way I treat them. Usually when somebody walks into a room they will say hello to the adults and probably say to the parent "how adorable is your child" but I think they deserve their own salutation. They are an individual tiny little person and they love to feel acknowledged.
I chose Elementary because I am a very creative person and I believe this helps a lot. Also because it is early in a child's life where you can influence the most and make him into the young man or lady they will become in the future. I love what I chose to pursue in life you see I once heard a brilliant women say "Do what you can live with", and I know I can live with this.
Aixa Tello
I grew up in a small town in the center of Puerto Rico called Morovis. You may be thinking, "what does this have to do anything?" well truth be told, for me it has to do with everything because it's the whole reason I wanted to be a teacher. While I was growing up having an education didn't seem like such a big deal since life in the town was pretty much set for everyone. There were no challenges. All it took was pretty much a job with a high school diploma somewhere not too far from where you lived. Of course there were exceptions, there always are, and I wanted to be one. Even as I was growing up I knew there was more to life than what was going on around me. My parents have always told me so and raised me to go after what I believe in with high hopes of me becoming a professional. I plan on not letting them down. I refuse to be stuck, to not get what I want out of life just because I don't even know where to start. So, I chose knowledge as a way of being a better version of myself and I decided to teach so I can help others reach their potential and show them their options. I plan on helping others lose fear and realize that knowledge is power and with power you can do anything.
ReplyDeleteKathleen Gomez Sanchez
ReplyDeletePersonally I admire my kinder garden teacher she was a hard work woman who really love teaching she created such a positive and loving environment and always teach us things that were a level up if she saw we were interested and have skills above our grade level. As her being my first teacher there were many teachers that made an impact in my life and always encourage me to go further and learn and expand my knowledge. I remember thinking that I wanted to be like them.
Ever since my earlier years in Elementary and Secondary school I was very interest in learning a second language which in my case was English. I was in a high level of proficiency in my class and I was always helping my peers to do their homework and oral presentations and I really enjoyed teaching others.
Even thought; I decided to be a teacher when I started the university I thought about how I really enjoyed teaching and helping others specially in ESL I wanted to make a difference as one of the many teachers that made an impact in my life. Also movies such as Freedom Writers, Dangerous Mind, Blind side and many more inspire me to become a teacher; the way they manage to change not only the student’s proficiency in school but their personal lives guide them to the right path placing them in the right direction.
Personally, there is no correct or incorrect answer, nor is there one answer.
ReplyDeleteAt the young age of five (5) I found a role model in my kindergarten teacher and wanted to be that leader I saw day after day in class. I teach not only to educate but to learn from my experiences. I teach because I want to be a role model to children and someone the entire community admires. I want to teach and influence many common aspects. For example, elements of diversity and change the way children, young adults and adults view school, learning and education. My answer may not be so complex but I leave you with this quote, “I chose to be an educator the same day I chose to make a difference in the world. “ Sheila Feliciano
Anaira Lopez
ReplyDeleteI am interested in teaching because I always wanted to make the lives of others different. Being a teacher provides you with that opportunity to change lives and allows the teacher to help the student in many ways. I know that teachers can touch lives forever and I want to use that in a positive way to encourage my students to go forward and never give up to fight for that something that they really appreciate in life. To teach, show others what I know and help them develop their learning abilities to the fullest is my passion. My grandpa was always saying that I would grow up to become a teacher but I never thought it was going to be like that. Until one day that I decided to volunteer and help the teacher of special education. This became a club in school and every day we had to go an hour to the special education classroom and help the teacher in what we could. That experience got me intrigued by this profession. Since then I started to learn more about what was the role of a teacher and discover that I had and still have a passion for teaching.
First of all this is a crazy world who needs decent inspiring people willing to make a difference in people's lives; a positive difference. I have chosen (for the moment) teaching as my way to help people (students) overcome obstacles and fears. As a high school student, I had trouble making decisions as in where I wanted to study when I graduated and what was I going to study.
ReplyDeleteAs the movie Freedom Writers came out in the year 2007 (year I graduated) it inspired me to select teaching as my profession. I saw how just one teacher make a huge impact on those students' lives. She helped them achieve their goals, acquire intuitive and fun learning experiences and above all gave them hope to unlock their potential. These expectations lead her to be a very successful teacher and have successful students. This greatly inspired me as well.
In conclusion I hope that I can make a difference and an impact in my students and I plan to help them with everything that is in my hands.
Signed,
Carlos Alberto Miranda Hernandez
As a child I always had an interest in language. I loved to ask what every word ment, when I did not know the meaning and I could not find it on a dictionary. Growing up in a household where no one knew english, I could only speak spanish. I was not sure If I had aquire the language untill I became friends with other students my age and I was able to comunicate with them and little by little improve my communication and writing. I learn the language by simply whatching movies and cartoons, by hearing and trying to talk it. Everyone is capable of doing this and so I decided this is what I wanted to do. I want to teach the language and let my students know that if they wish to learn the language, is posible as long as they are willing. I want to help bring the knowledge our students need effectevly not just simply giving them the asigments and expecting them to do it, if they have no idea what I am saying. I want to reinforsce the language and teach it to them and help them understand the language. This is why I decided to apply and become an ESL teacher.
ReplyDeleteJohnny Soto
ReplyDeleteLike many, teaching was not in my mind when I was trying to figure out what a wanted to do after high school. I have always had a love for science and chemistry and that’s what I thought I would be doing. It wasn’t until my final year in high school that I change my perception, thanks to my English teacher Mr. Di Angelo. I will never forget him, to me he is the definition of what a teacher should be, his wiliness to help all of his students even the ones that weren’t his, the passion that he had for teaching and the way he motivated his students opened my eyes and made me realize that a teacher is much more than a person who gives lectures, test and gives you a grade at the end of the school year. A teacher is the person that motivates guides, is a role model, and in many cases, for some students is the one person that they trust. A good teacher may impact a student’s life in a way that he/she may feel for ever beholden towards it teacher.
I believe that the way that we can start changing our society is through de education. If we as educators putt 200% in our craft, the possibility of having an impact in someone’s life increases. For some that are lost and have no sense of direction, we can be the lighthouse beacon that may guide them in the right direction. That’s why I decided to be and educator to inspire, motivate, guide and ultimately try to make a difference in someone’s life
Jeiny L Hernandez
ReplyDeleteDuring my initial years at the university I began studying biology, but throughout the course I found myself incomplete. As time progressed I enrolled into more concentration classes and realized that I lacked interest in the field. That’s when I decided I would transfer from the Natural Sciences department to the Education department. Even though I transferred long after in my studies I don’t regret it. Now I’m in the road of becoming a Secondary English teacher and I am excited about that. I look back and recall all those moments when I use to tutor my cousins, and, wonder now why I didn’t entered from the start in the Education department.
I want to become a teacher for several reasons. First, because of my calling to help others understand and explain them in ways they can get it more easily. It feels great to be part of this mission that helps build the formation of individuals and society, because those students will eventually develop into our future educators and leaders. Also, my family is full of teachers; I have one cousin and three aunts who are all teachers. Through them I see what a true educator should be, because they are role models, and that has truly inspired me to be the best teacher I can be. I intend to be a teacher of high respect that someday will inspire others in the same way my family inspired me. Finally, I have the passion and drive necessary for this occupation; I like teaching because you leave the classroom with the satisfaction of making the difference in someone’s life.
When I was a child, around 6 to 7 years old I used to tell my sisters to sit down beside me because I was going to teach them something. If they were not there, I would organize my stuffed animals and give them class. This is when I realized that I wanted to become a teacher. At a very young age, I understood the wonderful impact that I could have on a child’s life. I feel that the teaching profession is the most honorable profession there is. Most children change their minds about what they want to be when they grow up hundreds of times before they actually find a career. Not me, I always knew that I would be a teacher.
ReplyDeleteMy mother has been the greatest inspiration in my life. She has always said that I would become a wonderful teacher because I have creativity, patience, good communication with children, and most of all, the motivation to teach. I admire her in every aspect; she has a gift. She’s been teaching using different techniques for more than 30 years now. Her method of teaching has encouraged many students to continue with their education throughout the years. She believes in working with each student individually and in teaching students according to their levels. She taught me what no other teacher could; how to teach each student no matter what difficulties they may have. The same love of learning and teaching that she taught me, I try to pass to my students.
Monique Z. Ruiz DeJesus
Rosa N. Gonzalez
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a child I always wanted to be a doctor. I never wanted to be a teacher. I always loved math and science I found it interesting. In elementary I realized I love reading, but only books that were of my interest; if I didn't like the book I wouldn't read it. Throughout all my school years I struggled with reading in school and the standardized tests in Florida, because the reading selections were so boring. I always passed them but with low scores. Then in high school I realized that I really love writing and grammar. I decided I wanted to be an educator during my freshman year, because I hated my major which was Biology, so I decided to start taking classes from the English Department and then I met Melissa Garcia & Arlinda Lopez and I realized I really liked teaching when I took class with them. I don't have an awesome story about a teacher from elementary, middle or high school but I accidently found exactly what I was meant to do in college. :)
I am interested in teaching honestly because It has a good pay and nicely scheduled vacations. But really I like the idea of me teaching and knowing that I can do something with English, and being able to teach the language so students can understand it is useful and has purpose in learning it.
ReplyDeleteI really never had teaching as a goal in life not even when I entered collage. I was actually interested in becoming a speech psychologist. So I entered the education department to transfer eventually but never did, because I took a class that required making observations and giving two classes. I thought to my self this is not so bad and changed my concentration to the English department to teach secondary level students.
Ashley J. Rivera
ReplyDeleteI actually did not think about being a teacher until the week before I started my first semester of university at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. I was supposed to become an industrial biotechnologist. I honestly did not even know what that was and was doing it because it was the highest IGS in the university and I got accepted. My parents ofcourse where proud; the title sounded really nice. When I went to the orientation week some proffesors gave the students a little insight on what we were going to be doing and what Industrial Biotechnology was all about. As soon as the first day was over I thought : "What have I gotten myself into?" . I had no interest in it and it was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
That day I went home a little frustrated and called my boyfriend (now my husband) to talk about it. I had no idea what I was going to do so at one point my boyfriend just started to randomly name different proffesions and when he brought up teaching I thought I would actually like teaching. I had always enjoyed helping out my friends when they did not understand something and I always helped my little brother and sister study for their tests and oral reports and they would fight over who got to study with me because I had more patience with them than my parents. English was always my favorite subject and I was always very good at it. All the signs were there, I just never saw them because my parents had always taught me that teaching was not an option because it did not pay enough.
Finally, the last friday before class started, I went to the English Department to see if there was still time to make the change and luckily the gave me all the courses I needed. As soon as I started to take me English and Education courses, it was confirmed, teaching was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It was not until the end of the second semester that I told my parents about it and they were "dissapointed" but in time they came to terms and accepted it. I am just glad that I found my calling because some people never do.