Do you have passion?

So often we lose sights of why we do what we do, or why we fight so hard for what we believe in. We wonder is the end result really worth all of the stress we put ourselves through? I believe, that all the blood, sweat, and tears, that we put ourselves through is worth it at the end of the day, when we see a classroom full of successful students. The good out ways the bad any day, and the successes in a child is by far the greatest fulfillment an educator could have, at least in my opinion it should. I realize we all face difficulties, such as challenging students and burn out, but doesn't the passion and excitement to educate motivate you to keep going? I am very new to the world of education, and some may call it being naive, but I call it having passion. When your having a bad day, feeling over worked and burnt out, I challenge you to look into the faces of the children you teach, and ask yourself, is this few minutes of upset really worth it, especially when you see the passion you've created in their faces!

Inspiration

According to Merriam Websters Dictionary, inspiration is defined as, "a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation." I think inspirations means exciting someone to be and do better, and there is nothing more inspirational then a teacher in my opinion. I have got the great privilege to be inspired by three great teachers in my life, two teach at South Alabama, and one was a High School science and English teacher. Mr. Cook, was my freshman year biology and English teacher. I think the reason he was so inspiring to me was because he encouraged my creativity, and allowed me to express myself in a fun way. Our class was always doing fun projects, playing games, and challenging each other, to enhance our learning. Everyday, I could see and hear how excited he was to be in class and interact with his students, his passion for teaching instilled in me a passion for learning. The other two inspirational teachers in my life are Dr. Danneker, and Mr. Sullivan. Both teachers have inspired in me a passion to do better and do good for those who need extra help, for special education children. I've had the privilege to be in Dr. Dannekers class and listen to how passionate she is about helping special education children, and how happy it makes her. Seeing the spark that lights up her face when she teaches, inspires me to want to be that positive influence in another students life. She has made such a difference in the live of so many, that I too want to make a difference. My feelings about Mr. Sullivan being an inspiration are feelings that are shared by so many! Mr. Sullivan is a motivator when things seem to fall apart, and a true advocate to teach others to help one and other. He is always there to lend a helpful had or an encouraging word, and when you ask him about what he is truly passionate about, his face lights up as well. The things that make me want to be a teacher and make a difference are the same passions that these three teachers radiate in their classrooms everyday. Making a difference is what these three teachers do, by encouraging, motivating, and creating a learning environment that challenges you as an individual and as someone who is a part of team. I feel like I am truly luck to have been influenced and inspired by such incredible people. I challenge you all to find someone who inspires you and motivates you to be better, "then you were the day before."

Motivating Students and Parents

As a teacher or a future teacher it is our job to make a difference in our student lives. It is our responsibility to allow our students to be creative and allow them to express themselves, it is our responsibility as well to do everything we can to gain parental involvement. I'm very concerned with the amount of parental involvement that I see in schools now days, and the line of separation between teachers and parents. It is in my opinion, and maybe I'm wrong, but I still cannot help but feel that parents and teachers should work together and build a learning community for their children together. We seem to live in a society where parental involvement is at a minimal, and I am very confused as to why! When I was younger, you couldn't get away from parents, they were everywhere, and now I hardly see them, and I worry that it is because of the attitudes that teachers and faculty. Being a teacher at times can be misinterpreted by stepping into a dictator type role, but that is not the case. I believe when you take on the responsibility to educate people you are taking on the responsibility to educate in creative enthusiastic ways, that motivates the students and parents to get involved. We are there to motivate both, not boss them around. We are teacher not dictators! My question to you is, how can we as a teaching society, motivate our students and our parents?