Running head: [A Positive Mark] 1

Morgan Risinger

Paris Junior College

EDUC 2301.200

Dr. Marian Ellis, Instructor

July 6. 2021
[A Positive Mark] 2

A Positive Mark

It is my goal, as an educator, to create a safe, positive, and accepting space in which

learning takes place. To me learning is more than what is taught out of a text book. Learning is

about personal development, life lessons, and acceptance. When students are in my classroom, I

want them to know that they are appreciated and loved. I want them to know that they have

someone in their corner to support and cheer them on every step of their educational journey. I

want them to know that the only limitations that they struggle with are their own, and despite

what “limitations” they think that might have, they can bust through those barriers and persevere.

I want all of my students to succeed and I will stop nothing short of obtaining that goal!

Everyone is different, and we all learn in our own ways. It is because of this that I feel that as

teachers, we ourselves, can never stop learning. We must be able to adapt each and every lesson

in a plethora of ways, and we must know which of those ways, or combination of ways, will best

reach each student in the best way.

Gifted and talented students are those that have exceptional knowledge. They need to feel

challenged. Our duty as educators is to promote their critical thinking and intellectual growth.

We must challenge these students not only on a knowledge basis but also creatively.

When it comes to the special populations category, we must remain flexible in our

teaching methods. These students, whether they have a learning disability, visual impairment, or

hearing impairment, it is our job to make sure they feel included in the day to day running of the

classroom. They should not be made to feel isolated, but instead be assimilated into the

classroom. We should be able to do this in a way that does not draw attention to their disability,

especially in a negative way.

[A Positive Mark] 3

To many of our youth are at-risk of dropping out due to the stress of failing, home

situations, bullying, or mental health. These students may have struggles beyond the surface.

They are more at risk for substance abuse, self-harm, and suicide. To me, these students are the

most heartbreaking. It is our job to know and acknowledge any and all warning signs of trouble.

Each and every student that walks through the school doors are equally important. They

should all feel welcomed, included, and loved. We should talk with them, guide them, and

support them every step of the way. No child should feel like they have the weight of the world

on their shoulders. They should never feel alone. It is our job to advocate for them no matter

what, and I intend to do just that. I am determined that regardless of their intellectual ability,

impairments, or mental struggles, I will be one their side. I will support them. I will love them. I

will leave a positive mark in their lives. As I am sure they will all leave a positive mark on mine

as well.