Teachers need to be an inspirational guide for all students that step into their

classroom. It is no secret that anyone who receives a high school diploma or less has

very limited prospects in the real world. Therefore, inspiring students to pursue their

passions once they graduate through some kind of higher education is vital to their

growth as human beings and transition into adulthood.

As a mathematics educator, I believe the philosophies of progressivism and

constructivism should be present in every lesson. Within my lesson plans, I hope to

assign tasks that empower students to problem solve within small groups. Small group

work allows students the opportunity to look to one another for help instead of always

relying on the instructor.

As an instructor, I hope to facilitate more than lecture. In my graduate studies

and student teaching, I have learned that students need to be allowed to productively

struggle through a task in order to maximize their learning potential. I plan on

incorporating one group work assignment per week. Facilitation as an instructor can

serve two purposes. The first is that students who aren’t struggling with the material

have the ability to play the role of instructor to students who are struggling. The second

is that the instructor has more time to focus on questions that are troubling three to four

students instead of just one.

My goal is to bring my passion for teaching to the classroom and help young

people believe in themselves and reach their academic potential. I am excited to devote

my career ahead as an educator and a person that children can look up to.