For as long as I can remember, I have known that I was meant to be a teacher.

At times, my interests have

veered towards other career areas, but I always found myself back on the road to be an educator. Within
early childhood education, I will be able to teach all of the academic disciplines, in addition to working
with children at all developmental levels and from different cultural backgrounds. I also look forward to
mentoring my students about becoming good citizens within the community. Mostly, I want to make a
difference in the lives of others specifically, young children and I want to en!oy myself while I pursue
these goals.
As a young child, I used to play school with my stuffed animals and dolls. I took attendance, taught them
how to read and write, and I even designated times for lunch and recess. As I have grown older, I have
been able to transfer this childhood "game# into reality, and actually teach children. Whether babysitting,
leading a group of campers, or educating students in a classroom, my passion for teaching continues to
increase.
$ven now, I still consider my grade%school teachers to be role%models. &hey showed me I was cared for
and also made sure I was safe in the school environment while receiving the best education possible. I
have tried to transfer the e'perience my teachers created for me into how I interact with students in my
field placements. &his past semester, I was placed in an immensely diverse second grade classroom for
field. I was able to work with a wide range of students from high needs, to $nglish (anguage (earners,
to typically developing students, and even gifted children. $ach student brought uni)ue characteristics
and personality to the classroom environment, and I was fortunate to have been able to work with so
many e'ceptional individuals.
For a teacher, there is nothing as satisfying as watching a student grasp a difficult concept. &hat e'act
moment when the light bulb clicks on in a child*s brain creates such a sense of accomplishment within me.
Whether big or small, I know I that this student learned something new because of me+ I know I have
made a difference in the life of another individual.
,esides working well with children, I am able to establish positive and professional relationships with my
peers and colleagues. I work well on my own, but I am also productive in a group setting. It is crucial for
teachers to be well organized and to have the ability to think on the spot and act )uickly. (astly, teachers
must be able to develop a sense of community within a class, but also encourage independence within
each student. &hrough my own education and e'periences outside of school, I have developed these skills,
which are necessary to be a successful teacher. -owever, I know that the process is !ust beginning, and I
look forward to learning more every day.