I have always wanted to become a teacher. The feeling of helping someone understand and apply material is unlike any other feeling. So far, I have taught in a wide variety of contexts. As a high schooler, I volunteered as middle school retreat leader. I organized games and had one-on-one time with students. I also took a trip to Beijing, China my junior year and was able to teach English to Chinese children. Upon entering college, I have tutored multiple ESL students. Through this, I have learned that having some kind of knowledge about their language can really help you explain the English language better. I worked with Arabic and Chinese speaking students. I also have done a lot of work in multiple middle schools through MSU's Teacher Education program. I've had the privilege of working with students individually, helping them catch up on work, and even following through with a few lesson plans of my own. Through these experiences, I have learned how to apply what I have learned in college as well as how I would like my classroom to function.
Teaching is not about simply giving students information. I believe that students should think for themselves. I am there to teach them, not to give them answers, but to point them in the right direction. Students can truly learn material if they are engaged with it and can voice their opinion in some way. I believe reading, writing, and speaking make up the core of the English language and if my students are not writing everyday in the classroom, then they are not expanding on their English skills. Warm-up activities or "bell ringers" get the students engaged right away in class and can lead to great discussion time. Incorporating technology is also something I value in the classroom. I want my students to be able to relate to the material through interesting ways. I want my students to have a voice in my classroom and I expect others to respect everyone's opinions. Creating a safe environment is crucial for learning together. I also want my students to know that I am willing to take risks in the classroom: I believe in modeling for my students. Sharing my work with them can hopefully help them find creativity of their own.
Teaching is not about simply giving students information. I believe that students should think for themselves. I am there to teach them, not to give them answers, but to point them in the right direction. Students can truly learn material if they are engaged with it and can voice their opinion in some way. I believe reading, writing, and speaking make up the core of the English language and if my students are not writing everyday in the classroom, then they are not expanding on their English skills. Warm-up activities or "bell ringers" get the students engaged right away in class and can lead to great discussion time. Incorporating technology is also something I value in the classroom. I want my students to be able to relate to the material through interesting ways. I want my students to have a voice in my classroom and I expect others to respect everyone's opinions. Creating a safe environment is crucial for learning together. I also want my students to know that I am willing to take risks in the classroom: I believe in modeling for my students. Sharing my work with them can hopefully help them find creativity of their own.