Interview Preparation/ Information
The day I realized that I wanted to be a teacher it was like an invisible light clicked on in my head. I was volunteering with children in my spare time, as a volunteer in an after school homework program, and as a classroom volunteer in a grade 3 classroom. I realized that I loved working with children. Watching children learn and grow is one of the most rewarding experiences. I consider myself very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to attend Trent University to receive my Bachelor of Education to fulfil my dream of becoming a certified Ontario teacher.
As a teacher I think one of the greatest assets I can bring to my classroom and share with my students is my life long love of learning. As a teacher I know without a doubt that I will pass my love of learning onto my students because a desire and passion to learn will be passed on to children if that desire and passion is modelled for that.
In regards to my time as a teacher candidate, I have been very fortune and grateful to have the teaching experiences that I've been given. At Trent I had three different classroom practicums working with students of varying ages and grades, as well as a supporting literacy placement where I learned strategies for teaching students with exceptionalities. I think that these placements gave me invaluable knowledge and really allowed me to apply the theory I was learning into practice. I feel like I've learned a lot about myself as an educator as a result of my experiences during my placements.
I know that I will be a teacher that provides a positive teaching and learning environment for my students. I will show my students that I care about them as individuals, and I will take the time to get to know their background and their interests.
As a teacher my goal is to create a community of learners. A community of students who treat each other like family. I know I will be able to create an inclusive environment where all students feel accepted, safe, cared for, and free to learn and grow with me and their peers. I will show all of my students that I care about them, and give all of my students the opportunity to have their opinions and voice heard
I will be sure to treat my students as individuals, and this includes differentiating my instruction to ensure that I am meeting the individual and diverse needs of my students. I want to ensure that all of my students can be successful in school.
As a teacher I will utilize backwards design and a variety of assessment and evaluation techniques to ensure that I am properly tracking the progress of my students' in order to better inform my planning.
Finally, as a teacher I know that I will always want to continue to improve myself and my practice as an educator. My attitude as a teacher is not “How can my job or school benefit me?” but rather “How can I benefit my classroom and school community?” As a teacher I will promise to consistently seek out opportunities for personal and professional development. In order to make the most difference in the lives of my students, I have to be the best possible teacher I can be, and this means seeking out any possible opportunity to improve and further my knowledge of education.
Teachers are given the unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children. This is why I wanted to become a teacher. As a teacher I will ensure that I am the best possible teacher I can possibly be.