Why Teach?

If you told me when I first came to college that I would end up pursuing to be a Kindergarten teacher, I would not believe you. Coming to Texas State, I was pretty sure I would end up doing something in business, or maybe even news reporting. But everything changed when I became a Pre-K teacher. I fell in love with my class and working with young children. I realized that teaching children was what I was passionate about; the bonds that you make with your students and watching them grow is so rewarding. 

Teaching isn't something new in my family. Every woman in my family up to my great grandmother has been a school teacher, so of course my family was very excited when I found my passion in teaching. Growing up, I always loved school. I was the type of student who never ever got in trouble, always had my homework done on time, and was actually excited to learn. I had many teachers that I loved throughout my schooling, but it was my fourth grade teacher who changed everything for me. I was and still do love to write stories. She was the teacher who believed in me. She took the time to read all my stories and give me feedback and advice. She always told me that she wouldn't be surprised to see my name on a book in the future. I want to be that teacher for my students. I want to be the teacher that they remember years later as being the person who saw potential in them and encouraged their dreams. I think that is what being a teacher is all about; recognizing the unique talents of all of your students and giving them a space in your classroom to flourish. Clearly what I am most passionate about is teaching English and literature, but mostly I am just excited to be in the classroom to be a light in my student's lives and have them be a light in mine. Not everyone loves school, but I hope to be the teacher that changes that. I strongly believe that all kids want to learn, but not all of them are given the chance. I want to make sure each of my students is given the same opportunity to shine, because I know just how disappointing it can be to realize you aren't given the same attention other students in your class are getting.

The reason I want to teach Kindergarten is for two reasons; firstly, I love working with kids that age because they are so eager to learn and are so bright and full of energy at that age. Secondly, I want their first experience in elementary school to be positive and welcoming in my classroom. Kindergarten is the introduction to the rest of their school career, and I want to instill in my students that enthusiasm and passion to learn that will stay with them through college.