RelevaED 112: INTRO TO THE PROFESSION OF TEACHING

ED 112: INTRO TO THE PROFESSION OF TEACHING

This introductory course helps potential teachers explore the essential questions: How do people learn? What is curriculum and where does it come from? What is the teacher’s role in the school? What role does the community take in the education of children? Do I want to be a teacher?

Clare Kelly

Philosophy of Education

ED 112

            When I become a teacher, my prime goal will be to mold my students into confident, independent, creative, and hardworking individuals. I plan to achieve this goal by stressing three very important characteristics that a teacher should possess: being a good role model, patience, and creativity. In regards to striving to be a good role model toward their students, one must be a significant presence in the students’ eyes and thus, must have a certain demeanor that is warm and welcoming, receptive, and open-minded. Additionally, all teachers must be approachable---there is nothing worse than an unapproachable, aloof teacher whose directions are unclear yet when a student approaches them for help, they only walk away more befuddled than before.

            Moreover, it is crucial that teachers be creative in the classroom. Originality is key in the classroom---it is vital to make the learning environment enjoyable for students; otherwise it becomes quite difficult for students to soak up any knowledge. Teachers who peak their students’ interests truly and effortlessly succeed in relaying information in the classroom.

            Lastly, patience truly proves to be a virtue, especially in the classroom. Impatient and temperamental teachers are notoriously feared in schools. If one gets fed up easily, or is prone to losing his or her temper, then teaching should not be something considered by them. On a different note, students’ stress levels are already high enough---teachers must alleviate their pain by giving them a sufficient amount of time to complete assignments or tests, otherwise the end results will not be ideal in the least. By the same token, all students should feel as if they are welcome in their teachers’ classroom whenever they feel the need to come in for some extra help. Teachers should let their students know that they do indeed want them to succeed and will do whatever it takes to lend them a hand along the way in their class.