Lara/22/Australia
I'm completing my Bachelor of Education (Primary and Middle) with Honours, and this semester I'm required to keep up to date with reflections of my learning, understanding, and progress as I prepare for a research project, my final prac, and attempting to get a job.
These are my thoughts.
I can teach. And not only that I can, but that I am incredibly good at it. I just wish someone would give me the chance to prove this.
I’m not in this for the cutesy things most of my classmates were. Yes, decorating a classroom will be exciting, but just because it will be the first room I call mine. I will be less concerned with “having a fun theme,” and more concerned with having a classroom that is well-organized, welcoming, rich with print, and encourages learning. No, I’m not excited to go shopping for “teacher clothes.” Yes, I feel it is important to present myself as a professional. Extremely important. However, “buying teacher clothes” does not make me giddy. I will not update my Facebook status to let you know “I just bought a new clothes, so now I’m ready to teaaach!!” I’m already ready. Four years of schooling, 3 practica, an internship, countless other experiences & books, and my passion for helping children learn and grow have prepared me. The clothes are just a necessary evil.
I’m not in this because “OMG kidz r sew KUTE!!!1” I love children, don’t get me wrong. They are our future. They are brilliant, hilarious little people who are curious about this great big world. I want to be the person who helps them explore about this world. The person who inspires and encourages and challenges them to further explore on their own. Yes, children are cute; but, I don’t want to dedicate my life to hangin’ with cuties. I want to dedicate my life to educating and inspiring and creating lifelong learners.
I’m not in this for the money. …obviously…
I’m not in this because I “couldn’t think of anything better to do with my life.” Many people have asked me, “Why are you wasting your talents by teaching elementary school?” Hmmm, you’re right. We should only allow the unintelligent to teach. Why would anyone want to be taught by someone smart? *obvious sarcasm, I do hope* Yes, I could have pursued careers in meteorology, astronomy, writing, international affairs, and countless other things. I’m interested in, and in some way good at, all of these things. However, as a teacher, I am part meteorologist, part astronomer, part writer, part diplomat, as well as so many other things. As a teacher, I can share my love for all of these things with a group of young people, and hopefully help them come to love these things as well.
I’m in this because I love to teach. I love to see students learning and growing and getting excited about new things and becoming amazing young people.
There’s so much more I could say… I feel like I barely scratched the surface of everything I’m feeling. But this is long enough for now.
It’s growing harder and harder for me to be happy, sane, and logical. The sick knot in the pit of my stomach grows tighter each time someone else I know gets a job. I’m happy for them, but I can’t stop thinking why not me? I know that’s a selfish, awful thought… but I’m in a selfish, awful place right now. Teachers start back next Monday. I have a week to find a job. HELP.
/rant
I’m so excited to find your blog… I’m finishing my Primary teaching degree at the end of the year, and am in the process of preparing for my final prac, including writing my teaching philosophy/professional portfolio/research project…. It’s pretty intense, and such a joy to find other beginning teachers who have been there. Lovely to meet you Laura! I’ll also be praying you find a job ASAP!!!!!
