I remember sitting in my sixth grade science classroom looking at the Bunsen Burners sitting in a lonely

cardboard box while my teacher strived to teach us a seemingly important concept about life science. I
couldn't help but ignore my teacher's lecture and daydream about the future science classes where we
would be able to use the Bunsen Burners and do what I thought was real science.
Teaching is a multifaceted profession in which the teacher takes on many roles. Teachers have a unique
responsibility to do more than teach their content area. They inspire the daydreamers, develop the
youth, excite the uninterested, and probe the students who haven't given their all in order to prepare
them for life. I believe providing hands-on experience in a social environment which allows the free
exchange of thoughts and ideas throughout the classroom is essential to reaching students and
capturing their interest. Creating a community within the classroom will help students to foster
connections and provide students with a sense of belonging. Promoting science inquiry and allowing
students to explore their own questions and ideas helps students feel responsible for their own learning
as they make connections to their own personal life. I believe teachers should teach students how to be
lifelong learners rather than teach students what they should learn.
It wasn't that long ago that I was sitting in my sixth grade science class daydreaming about the day I
would take make things explode in a chemistry class. As a future educator, I believe that connecting the
material to what students are passionate about is critical to engaging and preparing students for the
future.