Teaching Is POWER

I have had two very influential teachers as a student. Each of them not only had wonderful teaching techniques but also helped to encourage my confidence. My grade five teacher took the time to not only help me with different subjects that I struggled with but she also made sure to give me positive feedback when I was on the right track. I remember that she would only ever write a positive note on an assignment that was handed back, whether you passed or failed. She made sure to encourage you in what you were doing right. The more encouragement she gave me, the more work I wanted to show her so that I could get that positive feedback. I craved her praise on my work and knowing that I had done something right.

The other teacher that I had as a science teacher allowed us to explore and learn for ourselves. He would teach us about safety of a task and what to look for, how to work the equipment and then he would allow us to find the answers ourselves through trial and error. He was always so proud of us when we finished and had done it ourselves. He fostered a positive sense of independence and always encouraged us to help each other.

These teachers that helped me to develop my confidence the most did not tell me how to do an assignment or how to get the right answer, they both encouraged me to find out how to get to the right answer myself but they each encouraged me with positive reinforcements on the way.

Developing a positive sense of self within the classroom and outside is one of the most important jobs that a teacher has. I believe that confidence cannot be developed without creating a sense of independence. Students who do not believe in themselves will not be able to participate as well and being withdrawn during learning periods only hinders their overall development.

When I am in a class one of my main goals is making each individual child feel successful. That feeling of success can enable them to more freely develop and follow a passion of theirs without as much fear. I believe that it is going to be a long and difficult process but one that is attainable with careful planning and hard work. I want each one of my students to walk into my classroom in the morning and feel like they are smart, they have the ability to learn and that mistakes that are made are just stepping-stones to the right answer. I do not want my students to be afraid, but excited to come to school and develop a further sense of exploration and learning. I believe that it is the teacher’s responsibility to help each student be successful and not just to help those who are confident and good students, but also to show those that struggle that they are just as capable and smart. I want my classroom to be a safe place where each student feels like they can make mistakes and help each other learn.