Valerie Castrejon

VTFT II
Mrs. Frierman
March 8, 2015
Philosophy of Teaching
Children are the lesson plans to our future. What we invest and teach to them
will affect all of our lives. Do people ever lie in bed at night smiling because they
made a difference in at least one life? No? Its probably because they are not
teachers. Teachers are saints to their students. Saints are people who sacrifice
everything for others and that is exactly what teachers do. Children often lack the
love they need to grow when they are in their homes, and that is why teachers must
do their best to make their classroom a second home for that distressed student.
Throughout my many years as a student Ive had every kind of teacher.
Some teachers have a calling for it, and others have it as just a job. Regardless, the
choice to become a teacher is in your hands, and it is one of the most underrated
and underappreciated jobs in the world. In countries like England, teachers are
considered to have more power and are more respected then in America but its still
not enough. Everywhere you turn there are teachers and students and learning is
what binds them.
Teachers are more then robots in front of a classroom. They are humans and
should be there for their students in all aspects of their life. My second grade
teacher definitely influenced my passion for the teaching field. Mr. Pierre walked
into class everyday with a smile on his face ad the sound of laughter never escaped
the room. I speak for my whole second grade class when I say he was one of our
best friends. That is what a teacher should be. Practically every day when I am
leaving my internship there is one student who opens her arms to give me a hug
and I can only hope she says me as a friend more then a student teacher.

Valerie Castrejon
VTFT II
Mrs. Frierman
March 8, 2015
Philosophy of Teaching
Empathy is key in being a successful teacher. From inside the
classroom to outside, people should listen to each other and try to understand the
way they are feeling. I am hardworking, passionate, and driven about everything I
invest myself in, but particularly about making a difference in the world and that is
what teachers do. I have been a student in Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow for two
years, but I have been given countless opportunities. If I had to be taken back to
my sophomore year when I was choosing classes I would without hesitation
continue to pick this class. VTFT does not get enough spotlight but it exposes
student to the teaching field, in and out of the classroom. At this point I have been
able to attend symposiums, FEA competitions, internship at Linkhorn Park
Elementary, and do projects and papers that matter. Regardless of what profession
I end up doing I will never forget my time with Mrs. Frierman and all the students in
VTFT. I will especially never forget my internship students from this year in Mrs.
Kampfmuellers third grade class. I have seen these students grow as learners and I
have created a special bond with them. When a student calls me Mrs. Castrejon I
am reminded of whom I am meant to be, a teacher.
At the end of the day every other profession emphasizes who you are and
why that matters to yourself. Teaching is different and who you are does not just
matter to yourself but to the lives of many. Children of every kind, with or without a
disability should be taught in a way that the lesson plan is morphed to fit their
needs. Everyone is different and we all have different aspirations but in order to
reach our goals we must open our hearts to the teachers that surround us, and
allow them to teach us in a way they know will benefit us the most. A good teacher

Valerie Castrejon
VTFT II
Mrs. Frierman
March 8, 2015
Philosophy of Teaching
has no definite definition, but they should be looking out for the best interest of
their students and their futures. Hopefully one day teachers receive the recognition
they deserve but until then they will remain our saints.