my+philosophy

Why I Chose Teaching as a Profession
Many people know from a young age the exact profession they want to enter as an adult. For children, a common question is “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Often this is followed by answers such as “a doctor”, “a fireman”, or “a teacher”. As these children get older and begin to apply for colleges, the question is rephrased but still the same: “What will your major be?”. Although there are certainly individuals whose answers stay the same, most would admit their answer as a five-year-old was quite different than what they ultimately decided to be when they grew up.

I will be honest: when asked those questions, my answer was not “teacher” until a few years ago. However, at the age of 12, I knew I wanted to spend my life serving others through my career. I had no idea the direction that would take. This calling to serve others was continually reinforced and solidified as I began to study the Spanish language and culture in middle school. I loved learning about other people groups and what makes their culture unique. In high school, my youth group took a mission trip to the slums of Mexico to serve through construction, sports camps, and Vacation Bible School for children. I loved being able to communicate with the children and share with them that we cared for them. One of the highlights of my trip was at a service one night. A blind man showed up at the front door, Bible in hand. He wanted someone to read it to him, as he was unable. Our leader called me over and asked me to read. As I began to read, the man’s face lit up as he heard new stories from a book he was unable to see. At this point, I realized that my study of Spanish went far beyond my personal education. I longed to continue to use Spanish to reach out to others.

After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in International Business and a minor in Spanish, I accepted a job serving as a Children’s Minister in Birmingham, Alabama. For two years, I served as the leader of the 1st-6th grade ministry, developing and implementing curriculum for Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Additionally, I created a scope and sequence for 1st-6th graders in order to simplify and streamline their growth during their time in the children’s ministry. I developed twenty goals per grade that represented standards for them to strive towards each year. These goals were designed to be completed with their families as well as reinforced in their classes at church. Parents were especially receptive towards receiving concrete goals that they could work toward with their children.

Through obtaining my masters of education at UAB, I have been blessed to receive a quality education and further my instructional philosophy. One area in which I feel particularly equipped is that of adaptation. This term brings about many feelings in teachers, but I believe it is truly the key to engaging all students. Each child in my class is an individual and has unique learning strengths and struggles. My ability to use differentiated instruction to connect with each student in my class will set me apart from other teachers. It is important to include the whole spectrum of intelligences and strategies in order to connect the material with the student. This involves the use of technology, educational games and activities, group work, application to the “real world”, and connection with previous knowledge. Beginning class with an engaging activity and properly planning for the full class session will allow for maximum learning and classroom management.

Furthermore, adaptability extends to students who may need special accommodations for learning disabilities. My education has equipped me to recognize students who may need Response to Intervention, as well as the teacher’s role in aiding those students. This may involve preferential seating, allowing extra time on assessments, or providing a copy of class notes to students who struggle academically. 3

I am currently serving at Restoration Academy, an inner-city, private school in Fairfield, Alabama. I have created an elementary Spanish curriculum and teach Spanish 1 to juniors and seniors in high school. I also serve as Director of Communication, which encompasses writing grants, meeting with volunteers and donors, helping students through the college application and admission process, and connecting all potential donors and volunteers to their place of service in the school. Additionally, I meet with the administrative team each week to evaluate and develop goals and direction for the school. The combination of serving on the administrative team while also teaching high school students has provided a unique insight into all aspects of my position.

My desire is to teach students of all ages the importance of learning a new language and discovering new cultures and ideas. Some might say that because I didn’t choose to study education in college that I am not passionate about teaching. However, I respectfully disagree. In a sense, I have felt called to teaching since the age of 12: when I first felt the desire to spend my career and my life serving others. In my opinion, there is no greater service than that of teaching. I also believe that my experience as a Children’s Minister prepared an incredible path to studying education and continuing to invest in the lives of children. Through educating students in a foreign language, I desire to open their eyes so that they, too, can serve others.

Ultimately, while my job may have many titles and responsibilities, I have one purpose: to serve others. I view teaching as the ultimate service and am thrilled to receive an opportunity to serve students through teaching at Restoration Academy.