Becoming an Educator

Children in general have been my biggest inspiration and influence in becoming an educator. Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted to work with children and loved babies and kids, and still do. We own a daycare center because not only can I be a part of my own children's everyday lives, but others as well. I am actually not taking this class to become an elementary, middle, or high school teacher. I am taking it to fulfill the requirements for my Early Childhood degree. If I had to choose one of those though, I would definitely see me fitting better in an elementary setting just because I have the most experience with that age group. I understand them a little better and have worked with them the most. The part of being an educator I love the most is watching children learn and grow in such a short matter of time. It amazes me how their little minds work and how much they pick up on from YOU. We are their main source of learning and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing them succeed and grow and knowing that you made a difference in their lives. My main attributions are that I am patient and understanding and I know how to get children to listen and work while having fun. When I first started doing daycare there were definitely days it was a challenge, but I learned how to overcome those challenges and what works. It is important to understand that each child is an individual and unique and what works for some, doesn't work for others. There are certain techniques you can use with certain children to get them to listen and behave better for you. Kids are our future so we need to do as much as we can to get them prepared for their grown up lives. I think there is much more to being a good teacher than just teaching them the everyday basic subjects. We need to teach them about themselves and their world around them. Children are my passion and I think overall I am very good with them. My mom is an elementary school teacher and her students and parents all love her. Her teaching style seems to fit the need of most everyone she teaches, so I think working with kids must run in the family. :) I'm sure some teachers see it as "just a job" but I think it really does take special people to be able to teach kids day in and day out. We have all had those teachers who just seem to be miserable and mean and like they really are not into it. I say if it's not a true passion of yours, to pick a different career. Teaching is a very important job position and you need to put your heart, mind, and soul into it in order to get the most out of it and be the best teacher and educator you can be for our future.