Kali Kinser

Vision Statement

I always hoped my future career would be teaching. There was no question; I was
going to be a Teacher. I never doubted my career choice, because I was absolutely sure of
achieving my goal. At an early age of five, I dreamed of being a Teacher and my desire to
be an educator has not waivered since. I knew teaching was my life-long career choice at
a young age and have never considered anything else. I have always been so assured of
my goal because it reaches far past a hope or possibility It is truly my deepest desire in
life. I am deeply honored to think that someday I will be a portal to learning and make a
difference in every student I encounter. I am deeply honored to think that I will be a
portal to learning and make a difference in every student I encounter.


I believe that every single student should be given the chance to learn and know
that they all have the power to be something phenomenal someday. No student should
ever feel less than another and there should be absolute equal learning opportunities for
all, no matter what diversifications may exist. Unity is key for educators. The teacher
models and encourages appreciation for students cultural heritage, unique endowments,
learning styles, interests, and needs. (Texas Teacher Proficiencies 1994) I trust that
without exception, every student has the power to learn and that a proficient teacher
should bring that out in each student. I believe it is the teachers role to bring out the best
in all his/her students.

As a child, I had to grow up quickly. My physically disabled mother
suffered from heart disease, an autoimmune disorder and many other health ailments. I
helped raise my younger sister and had daily chores around the home. Though my
mothers illness prevented her from physically being able to be there for me, she was
always supportive. Like my mother, I want to be encouraging and put hope in students
lives through a stable, positive influence. I also have an unconditional love for children of
all ages. I believe one of the most rewarding traits of being a teacher is that I will be able
to help shape our future leaders. Personally, helping people learn and understand new
concepts provides me with a wonderful sense of accomplishment I have not found
anywhere else. I feel this is my true calling and above all, my deepest, most profound
passion.

To be an effective teacher there are definitely qualities that are essential to being
successful. A teacher is so much more than simply giving instruction over specific
content and assessment. True qualities of a fruitful teacher include sociability, patience,
creativity, willingness to learn, encouraging, caring, fun, and engaging. Great teachers are
loved by their students because their love for teaching is evident to their pupils. Students
can tell when teachers do not really want to instruct and that creates a negative impact.
Teachers should be always willing to learn new things to enhance the way they teach. A
wonderful teachers job is never done.


Teachers also need a set of specific skills geared to educating their students to
their full potential. They must be hard working, insightful, understanding, committed,
persistent, responsible, trustworthy, and above all committed to all students excellence. I
believe that a skillful teacher will know how to use his/her resources effectively and is
involved within the community, which they teach in. I am sure that a teacher must obtain
many skills and take pride in their career.

All classrooms should be student-centered. The classroom should be one where
the students feel completely comfortable and safe. I believe students should get the same
feeling when they walk in the doors of their homes, as when they walk in the door of the
classroom. Discussions should be encouraged for all students and it should be a 100%
non-judgmental atmosphere. Authentic assessments should be used more within the
classroom, giving students real world experiences useful to their future. Cooperative
learning is another important aspect of a student-centered classroom. This boosts
academic achievement, closes the achievement gap, improves student relations, promotes
thinking skills, and creates a more kind and caring school community. (Kagan 2009)
Teachers should always mix things up within a classroom to keep it interesting and
engaging. A student center classroom should be catered to all different types of learners.
There should be lessons geared towards visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning. It is
important to remember, Brains will be altered by experiences students have at school.
The stronger the preference the more important it is to proved compatible instruction to
cater everyones learning style needs. (Jensen 1998) Every student most importantly
should get the help that they need and never be afraid to ask for that help from the
teacher.

Teaching means everything to me. I cannot imagine doing anything else in life,
nor would I want to. A successful educator is driven, has all of the required qualities,
essential skills, and makes sure to have a student-centered classroom. Through this,
teachers hold the most power of any other profession. They make and mold the future of
our world and have the power to make a difference in every one of their students lives.
There is simply no other profession for me.




Resources:

Jensen, E. (1998). Teaching with the brain in mind (2
nd
ed.). Alexandria, VA: Association
for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Kagan, S. (2009). Cooperative Learning. San Clemente, CA: Kagan.

Tarleton State University Department of Curriculum and Instruction. (2013). Handbook
for teacher certification. Retrieved October 12, 2014 from
http://www.tarleton.edu/eps/TEP/documents/Handbook.pdf