DIGITAL WORLD

No one says it better than Mr. Robert Frost; as quoted by Nieto (2003) in her book What Keeps Teachers Going, “I am not a teacher, I am an awakener.”  Each morning as I prepare for another day I am reminded of why I became a teacher and the passion I have for teaching.  I’m also reminded me of the legacy of learning I plan to implement and leave ingrained in students.

A great teacher will inspire students and take them on a journey.  My mission is to take my students on a journey that begins with them falling in love with learning; where their imagination and creativity are ignited, fueled, and perfected; a journey that ends with life long learners inspired to make a global impact.

My strategy to support my students diverse interests, needs, and backgrounds are to read, discuss, research, model, and teach using books, illustrations, activities, websites, and multi-media presentations.  Preposition #1(Five Core Propositions): Teachers are committed to their students and their learning.  I believe all students are different with varing learning styles.  NBCTs are dedicated to making knowledge accessible to all students.  They believe all students can learn.  I will teach my visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic learners through different processes, activities, and mediums that will fit their unique learning style.  I will strategically differentiate my instruction to make sure there was enough variety to keep all learners interested and engaged.  I will provide numerous opportunities for every student to feel successful and be successful.

Kottler, Zehm, and Kottler wrote about Attributes Of A Great Teacher in their book On Being a Teacher: The Human Dimension.  I would like to change the complexion of my classroom from a teacher-centered classroom to one that is more student-centered.  I want to be a facilitator, who is aiding students' understanding.  I want to witness my students gaining new knowledge by making associations with prior knowledge.  I want to give students the opportunity to make connections.

In conclusion, I will use my own inspiration and use it to transform my students.  I want to motivate my students in all subjects; reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.  Ultimately, improving my teaching will improve my students learning.  I will provide enrichment to engage students with interactive experiences.  I honestly believe that our students are now growing up in a digital world and it is our responsibility as educators to adapt our teaching to a digital language they will understand.

Dr. Bob Steinberg in the video segment High Expectations says “Expect more and you get more.” As I raise my expectations, I will also raise the expectations of my students.  As I challenge myself, I will challenge my students.  As I set goals for me, I will set goals for my students.  As I achieve those goals; so will my students. 

References

Kottler, J. A., Zehm, S. J., & Kottler, E. (2005). On being a teacher: The human dimension (3rd Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Nieto, S. (2003). What keeps teachers going? New York: Teachers College Press.

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The Five Core Propositions. (2012) Retrieved November 11, 2012. http://www.nbpts.org/.