Professional Teacher

 I have been pretty excited to be a teacher for about 18 years. I'm glad I'm finally getting the schooling done so I can fulfill this dream. However, this class has absolutely helped me solidify my decision to be a professional teacher. Having the opportunity to spend time in a classroom, watching so many videos of classrooms in action, and reading a lot of articles about teacher development has all helped me feel more confident in my decision. I can assuredly say that this career path is for me. 

I am going into the secondary education program so being in an elementary school this semester was interesting. I knew that I didn't want to be a teacher in an elementary setting and while I had a great time in the 5th grade class the last few months, I can say this assignment helped me know for sure that I don't want to work in elementary grades. I appreciated the ability to be with 5th graders because they are able to engage in deeper learning, however, I look forward to having even deeper lessons with students in secondary education. Doing service learning, no matter what grade it's in, has an incredible effect on someone's understanding of what a teacher goes through. I already had respect for teachers, but it's clear they don't get the credit or the dues they are owed. 

Fall semester I will begin taking classes in the Secondary Education Program. I'm very excited, and a little nervous! I suspect that's normal. If all goes according to plan, I will be doing my student teaching in Fall of 2023. I know the next year and a half will be a lot of work but it will also be very rewarding as I build upon the knowledge I gained from this course. I can't wait to work with teenagers. I'm looking forward to adding to the hat I wear as teacher to include being a mentor, discoverer, guide, resource, support, and continual learner. 









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