Darcie Malcom

Dr. Fiegen

EDFN 338

May 3, 2009

Why I Want to be a Teacher?

When I first considered being a teacher, I had many people advise me not to do so. They said the pay was horrid and that I could do so much more with my life. After graduating high school, I then went on to a technical school to pursue my degree in Phlebotomy. After graduating in this field, I worked for Sioux Valley for a small amount of time. I realized though that I was not happy with the career path I chosen. I decided it was time to go back to school. While working full-time at Children’s Care Hospital and School as a teacher’s aid, I went to the University Center to start getting my general education credits. Working in a classroom with these students was an enormous accomplishment to me. I was so enthused and inspired by the children’s learning. After working with children through daycares and schools, I realized I still had a strong desire to continue working with children. This was truly when I decided I wanted to become a teacher.

I found myself wanting to be a teacher to make sure that my students would know that education is very important for everyone. During my education classes at Dakota State University, I have learned not only am I going to be a teacher to these students, but also a role model. I will not only be there to help these students learn to the best of their ability, but also be a person they could come to and have a discussion with because they trust me. Trust is an important part of a child’s life. I feel with all these situations combined, teaching is more than just a job, but it is an art. It takes a special person to make a great teacher. I feel I will be one of those teachers that will be a friend, a caring person, and do anything to help a child become a better learner.

As an education major I have learned quite a few things. Some of those being there are four different types of philosophical ideas in the education practice. These ideas help you understand what you believe is the right way to teach. Looking back on my education there are a few theories in each philosophical perspective that I like, but the one I am most fond of would be essentialism. Essentialism helps teach students essential information and values in education. It also points out that the teacher has the authority in the room. It is their purpose and responsibility to make sure these students are learning what they are capable of. As I said earlier in the paper, I really feel teaching is an art rather than a job. The commitment to the special care and needs of the students is the most important aspect of teaching. The teacher needs to be there to make sure they are teaching these children to the best of their ability. This is why I want to be a teacher. I will help students learn to the best of their abilities and make sure they never give up on themselves.