In reflecting on my school years I
acknowledge that I have had quite a few excellent teachers; however, there is
only one that I hold on a pedestal. Mrs. Shirley Strange, who taught 5th
grade Social Studies, was the most amazing teacher. She challenged us with high
expectations and encouraged us to think outside the box. Her energy and passion
for the curriculum never allowed us to be bored, uninterested, or ambiguous.
She loved and respected her students at such enormous levels. She even
addressed each student as Mr. or Mrs. As 5th graders we found this
very impressive. Mrs. Strange simply had a way of getting her students excited
about learning and always thirsting for more knowledge.
In thinking of my worst teacher, I
scrolled through memories of personality conflicts, boring classes, and
subjects I disliked, and I kept coming back to one teacher…Mrs. Jenkins. Mrs.
Jenkins was my 6th grade math teacher. Did we have a major
personality conflict, yes, but that is not the reason for giving her the title
of Worst Teacher. She did nothing to make her lessons interesting, relevant, or
lively. We were given loads of worksheets and were told constantly to work
quietly. There was a monotonous routine in her room and we all dreaded her
class. It was as if we were in a gray cloud for 55 minutes five days a week.
Mrs. Jenkins just did not have the passion and energy that a great teacher
should possess.
Through college, and now in my own
classroom, I have strived to be as great an educator as Mrs. Strange. The use
of technology in the classroom provides the opportunity for many layers of
learning that she presented to us. Educational technology also provides the
opportunity for assessment. When the students utilize technology and facilitate
their own learning, they are able to assess their own learning. Technology
makes it easier for me to assess their knowledge also. The world we live in
requires a high level of technological knowledge; therefore, the use of
software and websites within lessons allows the students to increase their
skill sets for the real world. Upon graduation my students have been exposed to
a wide range of resources that will aid them in the workforce and/or college. I
want my students to look back and say, “Mrs. Lowrey’s class was awesome. She
really cared about us and we learned a lot.” That would be the greatest
compliment anyone could pay me. I work hard to make the students’ learning
environment fun, relevant, and engaging. I set high expectations for my
students because I want them to work hard and achieve what they deem as the
impossible. By doing this they will leave my classroom with a high level of
respect and confidence in themselves. This will give them a great leg-up in the
real world.
I did not start my college career as an
education major; however, I have allowed God to guide me and I am home. I love
my students and my job. I would not change the path I have chosen and I look
forward to growing as a professional in order to be the best teacher I can be.
I have had great role models and I hope to make the teaching profession proud.
