The experience of being a tutor at an elementary school has helped to shape my teaching identity. First, I did not know that I like to work so much with little children. I was a little apprehensive at first, because I had never tutored children from elementary schools, with the exception of my nephew. Second, I enjoy seeing the progress of my students; that is something rewarding to me. However, it is even more rewarding to help the children who struggle the most. Although, “Pepito” does not like to work in and out of school; it was great to see him working on some math problems, most importantly “see him trying”.
I am a patient person, but like everyone, sometimes it challenging to teach when I am frustrated with the student. One day I was frustrated with “Pepito” because he was being a little rude to me and did not want my help. That day, I could not work with him as I wanted because of my frustration. As I could see my frustration affecting my ablity to teach, I decided to discuss the incident with the math coach to get her guidance as a more experienced teacher. I asked her how she deals with students’ misbehaviors; she said that teachers need to have tough skin. It is true; one cannot let emotions take over when teaching. Otherwise, one may lose the ability to teach well.
I wonder how difficult it must be for a teacher who wants to help every single student, and knows that teachers can only do so much. That is why I believe that teachers need to work in a network of support with other teachers, administrators, and principals to reach common goals. Some of those goals could be decreasing the problems with bullying, trying to get involved parents in their children’s education, or just focusing on teaching respect and citizenship.
I do not have a personal experience with curricula, but I have heard that some schools have strict a strict curriculum, particularly in math and English. I believe that having a strict curriculum and many deadlines can inhibit teacher’s creativity. As a future teacher, through my teaching, I would like the opportunity to encourage children’s creativity, and teach respect and while teaching the required content.
I want to teach not only academics, I want to make a difference. I believe I have the power to make a difference by teaching students about respect, or encouraging them to follow their dreams. I know that I have to learn many things to be a great teacher, but as Mike said “one needs to have an open mind and also sensitivity” to help students.
Thanks for quoting me, I'm flattered.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had a chance to work with young students yet. I don't call middle school children "young" children; they have enough of a grasp of the world and enough knowledge of how to do various things. i would be nice to have a "tabula rasa" experience with a young student.
No problem, I like that quote.
ReplyDelete"Tabula rasa", it is a new and interesting term to me. I disagree with you, middle school students can be children as well, knowing some things does not make them young adults or adults. Students from elementary schools are children to me.
This was really helpful to me because I have the same problem sometimes. I seem to get upset easily if my students are not behaving properly. I try to make sure that I am taking deep breathes and I try to remember how it was hard it was to sit still for a while when I was a student in elementary school. I liked how you talked to your coach for advice. I have often talked to my coach for advice too. Thanks for your words.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! and thanks for the advise. I will try to take deep breathes in difficult situations.
ReplyDeleteGreat exchange here! I do agree with all of you. It is important to keep thinking of any age student (and being!) as a learner (student) whether we think of them as a child or not!
ReplyDeleteand equally important to cherish our ability to ask for help. Teachers should not be alone trying to solve problems...