Podcasting

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"Why I Chose to Become a Teacher"

I’ll start off with a little biography about me, and then I’ll talk about my educational philosophy, and then I’ll finish with what I hope to accomplish as a teacher.

I grew up in south Denver, and attended the Denver public school system for most of my childhood. It was a very formative time, and I learned from a lot of great teachers that fostered in me a love for education, and always pushed me to do better. I went to Sabin Elementary School, Henry Middle School, and JFK High, all located in a Denver Suburb called bear valley. Shortly after my 16th birthday, my family and I moved to Littleton, and I went to TRHS shortly after the move.

I suppose that’s what started it for me. After I graduated from Thunder Ridge High school, I attended Colorado State University. I started out as a mechanical engineering major, but then after two years I decided that I’d change my major to history, with hopes of either becoming a lawyer or becoming a teacher.

In February of 2010, I took the LSATs, and did well. I chose to become a teacher, however, simply because I think I’d like it more. I like the idea of working with kids, as in the past when I’d volunteer to help teach Sunday school, or to babysit, it’s been a lot of fun.

As far as my educational philosophy is concerned, although it’s a little early in my educational career to settle somewhere for good, I would have to describe myself as an essentialist. I feel that there are certain things that a child must learn in order to be successful in today’s America.

As far as my philosophy regarding inclusion is concerned, I would have to say that I’m against inclusion with the following proviso: I believe that inclusion is more about a state of mind in a school environment as opposed to a place. I would much rather our exceptional students have what they need to succeed academically, and belong socially in a school than the reverse. Simply, while I certainly don’t want any special needs student to have his/her learning experience disrupted, I don’t want the general ed’s learning experience to be altered to significantly at the hands of accommodation. Accommodation is a wonderful thing, provided that there is a sense of balance, and a welcome atmosphere in a school community.

Finally, as a teacher, I hope to accomplish a lot for my students. I hope to instill a sober sense of confidence in them as they tackle life’s challenges. I hope to instill a fearlessness of failure as well, and to teach them that while good grades/test scores are important, they aren’t the most important thing in life. I still have a lot to learn as an aspiring educator, and I look forward to the opportunity to grow professionally and personally in the coming years. Thanks, and see you in class.