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Katelyn Khounsourath

Professor Montavon

ECE 103

16 September 2021

Autobiography

“Teacher! Teacher!” is one of the most exciting things that a new educator can hear.

When it comes to being a new teacher, there are many “firsts” that they have yet to

experience. However, my educational experiences have only just begun by taking

multiple big steps to get a head start. As a senior in high school, I am right on the edge

of starting a brand new journey into elementary education. Children are my absolute

favorite group to learn and grow with. Although it may seem that they are always

learning from you, you can always learn a thing or two from them. When the students

you are helping love to learn, and come to school, you know you are teaching in the

right direction.

Starting off my checklist of goals is to go to major in elementary education at the

University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. After going through the DMACC

Teacher Academy, I have learned that throughout all of my observation hours, the

kindergarten age group is the one for me. Many experiences encouraged me to go into

childhood education. Within my family, I have a one-year-old niece who is the happiest

baby I could ever meet. I have learned so much about the developmental stages that a

child goes through not only from watching my niece grow but from my child

development classes. When I started observing Mrs. Myers’ room, I felt an endless

amount of love from the students. They were always excited to see me when I walked
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into the room. It was always a “Hi! Teacher!” or “look what I made for you, Katelyn!” that

showed I was building a relationship with each of my students. In addition, when I

taught my lessons, I had their full attention, and they were always willing to encourage

me when I made mistakes. One of the students said,”It’s okay Katelyn! We understand.

It happens!” and it truly warmed my heart. Students have a way of making teachers

realize that they are human, and they are willing to be adaptable just as much as you

are.

As a young student going into college soon, I have educational goals that were

influenced by a large group of people. Many family members, teachers, and community

members have taught me the importance of being kind. Offering a helping hand can be

such an encouragement to others. I treat people how I want to be treated, or in other

words, the golden rule. When I meet my students and their families, I want to make

them feel as important as they are, which includes their mental health and the way they

treat others. These years are the foundational years, and teaching my students to be

good people and to learn from their mistakes by growth is what is best. Constant

encouragement and positive reinforcement will occur throughout my role as a teacher. I

had enjoyed every single moment with my teachers because they had a passion for

helping others become better people. All of the students that I have worked with are

always curious with questions and are always willing to learn more. Working hard is part

of what I would want my students to demonstrate through their work and that was clear

through my observations. Each lesson, we always found a way to make it fun and find

something to giggle about. Learning is not about strictness, it is about having

educational fun and building strong relationships with your students.

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There are many characteristics early childhood educators should possess. Being

enthusiastic and engaged means that they love being around children and meeting their

needs. They help them find solutions to problems and are involved in their activities. I

am very bubbly and love to share exciting moments with the students I work with. They

come to school, and when they are asked to share good news, multiple hands are

raised. When they walk in the door, they tell me the exciting things that happened over

the weekend and I do the same. Educators should also be caring and committed to their

students. The students’ needs are always above theirs and there are relationships built

amongst positivity and encouragement. An important example would be from my

placements. Each of these teachers was passionate to teach and they got enjoyment

out of helping their students grow. Mrs. Sutton said, ”I love seeing students reach their

lightbulb moment when they realize something.” and that showed me that I felt the same

enjoyment. Each student learns differently and finding out how they learn is how

lessons are adapted. Some students are verbal, others are visual learners, and how I

learned that was by getting to know the students I had. Many would describe me as a

positive influence, and I believe I am very encouraging towards others and the students

I am with. They helped me realize that you have to be a good role model in order to

teach them to be good ones.

By using these characteristics along with mine, I can help future students to love

learning and to grow from where they are at. These students are my number one priority

and I look forward to finding new memories in the future. To be able to experience my

own “firsts”, and use my teaching philosophy is one way where I can connect with the

younger generations. Having a passion for teaching is about the enjoyment of learning
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and helping students build their knowledge. I am excited to see what the future holds for

myself and my future students.