In my spare time, I enjoy reading and watching TV.  I also like talking on the phone with my family, most of which lives in Virginia where I grew up.  I am not married, but I do have a boyfriend named James.  My only pet is a Betta fish named Ralph.  He's a feisty little fellow!

 

I believe that education should be centered around the children.  It is the teacher's responsibility to get to know each individual student and learn what motivates him/her.  If students are not motivated, they will not perform at their best.  The teacher should have patience and a positive attitude.  The teacher should also be confident in her abilities and realize that all students are different.  What works for one student may not work for all students.  This is the beauty of teaching.  Every student that you have is different and unique in some way.

 

Once the teacher has discovered the students' motivations, she needs to maintain a positive learning environment for her students.  An effective behavior management plan should be in place and be used consistently.  The teacher should make student expectations clear.  The students need to know that their teacher expects their best and that nothing else will do.  Also, students should be excited about learning.  The teacher needs to set the pace for the students and keep their morale up about school.  By having a positive learning environment, students will want to do their best.  They will enjoy learning and success will come easy for them. 

 

Teaching is a challenge, but that is the best part about it.  Each and every day brings something new.  As a teacher, I look forward to these challenges and the many students that I will encounter in the future.  I am going to do my best to teach my students and inspire them to be lifelong learners.  I hope to pass on my love of life to them, so that they may someday be successful individuals.