My Goals For K-12 Education

Beginning in 2nd grade, I always had an answer to the often agonizing question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Beginning in 2nd grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I have my 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Linehan, to thank for this certainty as to what I wanted my future profession to be beginning at such a young age. Mrs. Linehan was not only a creative, nurturing teacher but a teacher who expected a lot from her students and knew just how much to push each one individually and a class as a whole. She not only taught her students the “requirements” of 2nd grade, but also taught them beginning steps of other languages and everyday skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. I am thankful for Mrs. Linehan because she taught …show more content…
Because of this, I cannot compare my schooling to the education at private or charter schools, but am very happy that my parents chose for me to attend a public school since it gave me experiences that I may not have had elsewhere. At the public schools I attended, I was able to take honors/AP classes, compete at the varsity levels for sports, have a wide selection of elective classes, and have classes with people of different races, ethnicities, and religious affiliations which I believe all impacted my life positively. These factors taught me about all types of people and allowed me to take classes that interested me which are both experiences I am grateful …show more content…
I learned that I am a visual learner and that in order to gain confidence, I need to successfully do it in front of my instructor. I believe I learn best like this because when I see someone’s work, it is easier for me to follow the steps opposed to hearing them and trying to decide on my own what the best way to go about the problem would be. Despite struggling in high school math, my high school Calculus teacher, Mrs. Popelka, always tried to meet my learning style by acting that she was interested in my questions, need for reassurance, and she was always being willing to give me additional help when needed. Seeing how sincere Mrs. Popelka was during my times of struggle showed me what kind of teacher I hope to be one day. Like her, I need to remember that every student learns differently and that every student needs something different from their teacher. This is a skill that I will have to learn and re-learn every year that I am an elementary school teacher but am willing to do so.
Being a future teacher teacher is a career that requires lifelong learning. Not only will I have to learn new skills and material as the years pass, but I will also have to learn how to best interact and help my students each year. This is something that I am willing to learn and do so I, like my 2nd grade teacher, will positively impact children and