As an educator, I believe my role is to set the stage that allows for the maximization of student success. This platform for achievement is not merely my own creation, but rather a joint venture with students that allows them an opportunity to take ownership of their own learning. Ultimately, they are the engine that drives their growth and development; I am merely a facilitator, a guide along the road who will help them identify problems and design plans and solutions to help solve those problems.
There are a variety of ways through which I can help students achieve their goals. It is not only my duty and responsibility to seek opportunities to develop my own skills as a facilitator, but it is also a moral imperative that is necessary in order to address the needs of the diversity that can be found within the student body of any given classroom. As participating in two practicum experiences in Toronto has shown me, there can be a wide range of abilities and characters all in one small class, and the impact that can have on individual learning has the potential to be significant. Without understanding how to harness those differences and use them for the betterment of student learning, I run the risk of failing to meet the needs of my students.
In order to provide the necessary tools for students to strive for success and achieve their goals, I must first understand where it is that I am coming from. My own understanding of my role is paramount to my job as a guiding force in students’ lives. Although it may change over time, I believe my experiences will ultimately allow me an opportunity to connect with the students. I firmly believe that a good education requires a balanced approach, and as such I must be aware of the other factors that influence my students’ success. The only way I can get them to open up about these other issues is to build a sense of trust with the students.
Trust must be earned, and it is only through hard work that it will be achieved. This includes diligent preparation, knowledge of the material, empathy towards the students, and an understanding of where they are coming from. Such factors would undoubtedly influence the types of teaching strategies I would use as I address issues of diversity and social justice within my class. Using differentiated instruction, culturally relevant content, and addressing controversial issues are but a few means by which I can harness the abilities of my students. They are aware of our work, they recognize the qualities that make a good teacher, and they will endear to trust those who push them to succeed in a caring manner. Ultimately, that is the teacher I strive to become.
Footprints In The Mud 