The Importance Of A Career In Education

From an early age I have been exposed to the benefits and triumphs available to someone who works as an educator. Coming from a family where both my parents were involved in Education has had a substantial impact on my career choices. My mother has been a Special Education Teacher, and my father an Educational Audiologist, for more than 30 years. I can remember walking over to mom’s classroom after most days in junior high and being enlisted to help out in some varying degree. Whether it was organizing materials, making copies, or occasionally helping a student with an assignment, I enjoyed being part of the atmosphere that occurred in those short few minutes before the students were dismissed for the day. The love of service and dedication …show more content…
During my time at Ridgewater, I volunteered my time supervising a homework club at an elementary school, and also a lunch buddy program both years. Once I had attained my degree, I transferred to Southwest Minnesota State University and pursued an Elementary Education degree. This gave me more hands on time in the elementary classroom due to a required number of hours spent in observation and in the practice of our craft. After graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2006 from SMSU, there weren’t many full time teaching jobs available mid-year. Instead of focusing on finding full time work, I got on multiple substitute lists throughout my surrounding area, which gave me an opportunity to teach in classrooms from grades one to eight. The following school year I …show more content…
Although I wasn’t able to sign off on student Individualized Education Programs, I was able to collaborate with team members (social workers, parole officers, occupational therapists etc.), and the students themselves, to create goals and track their progress throughout their time with us. The Setting IV program was unique to me as I had never been exposed to such an intensive program. The program contained educational staff as well as mental health professionals. The students spent their day going in between classroom instruction and group therapy or team building activities. I’m very proud of the fact that I was able to adapt my teaching methods to fit a classroom of varied student needs. Even though my teaching career has been short, my time at the BLC reaffirmed my belief that I am able and willing to share my love of learning with students in a variety of settings, and am confident in my ability to be successful in this new