Learning has always been easy for me as a young student. I loved learning as a youth because of its ease. So in general, I have always appreciated my teachers. However, my middle school science teacher most influenced my desire and current teaching practices. He always made sure that complicated science concepts were accessible and learned accurately by every student. He made sure that color lines and gender didn’t play a part in our confidence about learning. It was encouraging to find that the material I learned in the seventh grade were not only useful in my undergraduate science courses, but were also at the collegiate level. He was so passionate about making sure we
However, teachers with poor teaching practices have also shaped me into wanting to become a teacher. A specific memory of a teacher not listening to student came up when I was in the eighth grade. We were filling out comprehension question worksheets about some novel we were reading. As a treat, our teacher had us watch the movie. I remember the novel saying that the pig was purple, and so that’s how I filled out my worksheet. She told me that was wrong, because the movie clearly showed a pink pig. It was that moment when I promised myself to make sure that the young people’s voices were heard.
The voice of the student is one that is rarely listened to, but it’s so necessary. As educators, we must listen to what they have to say and what they want to learn. Almost ten years later, I found myself teaching at the very same school that helped me find my desire to learn.
After having taught for several years, I see that there are many issues that education needs to tackle as an institution. I initially went into teaching with the hopes of changing the world by showing students the beauty of science. With the same enthusiasm for science and math education, I see now that education is slowly turning into a privilege. I am passionate about reaching students in communities that see no worth in learning the language of science and math. The families in my school’s community work hard to send their children to a Catholic school. Even though they’re struggling financially, they remain dedicated to send their kids to the school. Their dedication inspires me and motivates me to provide the best education.
However, teachers with poor teaching practices have also shaped me into wanting to become a teacher. A specific memory of a teacher not listening to student came up when I was in the eighth grade. We were filling out comprehension question worksheets about some novel we were reading. As a treat, our teacher had us watch the movie. I remember the novel saying that the pig was purple, and so that’s how I filled out my worksheet. She told me that was wrong, because the movie clearly showed a pink pig. It was that moment when I promised myself to make sure that the young people’s voices were heard.
The voice of the student is one that is rarely listened to, but it’s so necessary. As educators, we must listen to what they have to say and what they want to learn. Almost ten years later, I found myself teaching at the very same school that helped me find my desire to learn.
After having taught for several years, I see that there are many issues that education needs to tackle as an institution. I initially went into teaching with the hopes of changing the world by showing students the beauty of science. With the same enthusiasm for science and math education, I see now that education is slowly turning into a privilege. I am passionate about reaching students in communities that see no worth in learning the language of science and math. The families in my school’s community work hard to send their children to a Catholic school. Even though they’re struggling financially, they remain dedicated to send their kids to the school. Their dedication inspires me and motivates me to provide the best education.