Eighth Grade English Language Arts Teacher

Becoming an educator is a deliberate choice in which it is shaped by personal experiences, values, and a passion for making a positive impact on others. At an early age, I discovered a profound connection between learning which led me to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a teacher and making a change for our future generations.

Coming from a home of immigrant parents, life was often challenging. My mother, for instance, always had a dream of becoming a teacher. At an early age, she taught me the importance of education because she wanted me to become successful. With my parent’s support and encouragement, I was able to make my dream a reality. I also cannot forget the amazing educators that I had throughout my life that made my decision making so much easier. I remember sitting in sixth grade English class thinking, “I want to be just like Ms. Ortel!” Her passion for teaching and commitment to her students inspired me to explore the possibility of becoming an educator myself.

First, when I was a student, I learned lessons of value, respect, and love, which made my decision making even easier. I learned at a young age that I wanted to be an educator and give back to the community that made me who I am today. Teaching in the same district that I grew up in, I saw things from a different perspective. I knew what my students needed, and I was able to make connections with them, being once in their “shoes.” Due to this, it allowed me to be the teacher I am today where I can build positive relationships with my students, knowing that they know I want the best for them. I have always loved working with children, and I want to continue to shape the minds and futures of each child that enters my classroom.

Teaching is more than just standing in the front of the classroom, teaching! It’s about creating an environment where students feel encouraged to explore, question, and discover. A teacher should convey information clearly, adapt to students learning styles, and encourage open dialogue, while making effective communication fundamental. The likelihood of witnessing those “aha” moments in my students, when a concept clicks, is a source of immense joy for me as a teacher.

It is evident that today’s classrooms look very different than what I remember from when I went to school. Our classrooms are diverse, not only with our students’ varying strengths and abilities, but also with the new world of technology we live in. Every student is unique and different in his or her own way. This is what makes teaching both rewarding and challenging at the same time. The prospect of fostering a supportive learning environment that focuses on the needs of each student in my classroom is what drives me every day to continue doing what I love.

Child Development Associate

The factors that helped influenced my profession is my love for children and education. I always wanted to be a positive influence on children. I have many core memories of being in school and I remember the few teachers that have made an imprint in my life and motivated me to pursue working with children and going further to getting a teacher degree. I have a passion for helping others learn.  

I work in a classroom of 4 and 5-year-old students. My responsibilities including assisting the teacher with the delivery of classroom instruction and helping the students to make sure they understand and follow along. I also help plan school events to help raise money for various activities and causes. This is the first time in many years our school has had this many events for the students and everyone loves it. I was able to work with a great team of teachers to help plan the events and our entire building is always looking forward to the next one.