ESSAY ON BECOMING A TEACHER

ESSAY ON BECOMING A TEACHER

One of my favorite memories as an elementary school-age child is the summer that I created a treasure hunt for “little kids” in my neighborhood. I was so excited to see the smiles of happiness as the children embarked on their hunts, and to see them succeed in finding clues and obtaining the treasure. I want to be a teacher for many reasons, but I think that the feeling of reward I experience in bringing happiness to, and encouraging growth in others, is my primary motivation.
After being a nurse for eighteen years, I was privileged to stay at home with my two sons during their baby, toddler, and preschool years. During that time I felt a longing to grow intellectually, to find a new way to use my sense of creativity, and to be around children…because they just plain delight me. During the summers, I gathered several families of children together and had weekly “driveway arts and crafts camps.” The campers and I also did several plays and a neighborhood newspaper. In addition, I volunteered frequently at my sons’ schools and enjoyed my experiences thoroughly. By the time both of my sons were about to be in school all day, I knew that teaching children would allow me to use my intellect and originality, and would satisfy my career desires.
I bring several strengths to teaching. As a nurse, I have had many years of experience working with both adults and children. I know how important it is to treat people with kindness and respect, especially when they are having difficulties or problems. Also, I bring a fairly broad knowledge base, having a masters degree in both
Nursing and Business Administration, and having taken many other liberal arts courses for my own personal interest. I think my love of learning is also a strength. Hopefully, that attitude will be very contagious in my classroom! And last, but definitely not least, being a mom has taught me more than any job or course ever could have about time

management, prioritizing, and how children really tick on a day to day, month to month, and year to year basis.
Of course I have weaknesses, too. Despite all my schooling and observation of many, many teaching styles, I have no formal knowledge of teaching theory and how best to help my students to excel. I think the courses at Oakland University will help me a great deal in this area. Also, time may be an issue. One downside to teaching upper elementary, according to a preschool teacher I know, is the hours of grading papers that must be done. Knowing me, I wouldn’t want anyone else to do the grading, and I would want to take time to write a lot of comments to encourage my students.
I do not dream of doing large-scale things and winning recognition or awards.
Besides continuing my education to keep expanding the knowledge that I have to give others, I think the most important contribution I can make is in making a difference in someone’s life. Positive comments, showing trust in someone, and taking an action that communicates care and respect, can positively change someone’s view of themselves and perhaps their life, as well. What could be more important? Teachers have both the power and opportunity to do a great amount of good for many people. I know that I will take all the opportunities available to nurture, encourage and bring joy to those around me. To conclude, I think that I have much to offer the teaching field, and teaching has much to offer me. To teaching, I will provide my knowledge, inventiveness, and dedication to children and their parents. In return, teaching will give me a place to grow intellectually and creatively, and a group of people whose growth will provide me with a great sense of reward.