My Teaching Platform - TCH 130

Why am I studying to be a teacher?

• I am studying to be a teacher because I have always wanted to make a change in the world. I want to have a lasting impact on people. I want to say that I was a part of shaping the next group of young people that will run the world. I have always felt that I wanted to be a part of something bigger than me, and that will have a lasting effect on the world.

• I have had teachers in the past that I remember changing my life. I want to be like them for my future students. I want to be remembered by my future students as someone who changed their lives, made them feel listened to, and made them feel they are in an environment they can learn in.

• I am going to especially come back to this "why" on the hard days of teaching, as a reminder of why I did it and what I am passionate about and to motivate me.

What is the purpose of teaching?

• To make students feel welcomed and able to learn.

• To make students feel listened to, and represented.

• To provide students with knowledge, and to give them the tools needed to take on their future endeavors and to keep learning.

• To make students feel excited to learn, and make them feel excited about their accomplishments and to see their potential.

What kind of work should students do?

• Students should be engaged in their work. If it is work that doesn’t have students’ engaged, it is not the right task for the class.

• Students should be assigned tasks with variety - this allows them to discover their learning style, and what works best for them.

• Students should be assigned both group and individual assignments - students should be able to work both by themselves and with others.

• Students should be given work that is purposeful in learning. They should be doing activities that will help them understand what they are learning, instead of just preparing for a one time exam.

• Students should also be assigned work that helps them in the future - work that gives them the tools that they will need in their future experiences.

What should the curriculum be?

• The curriculum should be modern - students get uninterested and do not want to learn about things that have no connection to them.

• The curriculum should also acknowledge history, but it should be about how we can learn from history.

• Curriculum should be expanded so it represents everyone, and gives students representation.

What does a learner look like?

• A learner is someone who is constantly adapting, and listening.

• Every learner is different, and every learner has potential to do great things.

• Learners are underestimated.

What does a teacher look like?

• Teachers are also learning everyday - learning about their students, learning more about themselves, learning what works and what doesn't in their classroom.

• Teachers are underappreciated. Teachers shape the future of the world, but everyone thinks that people only go into this major because it’s easy. It is not.

• Teachers are leaders and examples.

• Teachers can make students feel welcome by listening to them and being there for them.

What kind of school climate is the best?

• A great school climate is welcoming, flexible, and accommodating.

• A great school climate is a community, listens to its community, and works together.

• A great school community respects everyone and celebrates their diverse identities.