R2P 1 Post

Who Are Your Gurus?

What started your interest?

Growing up in my household, I was surrounded by my parents, Joanne and Cory, my older sister, Paige, and my younger sister, Cori.  My sisters and I are only a few years apart, so we spent a lot of time together.  We had so much fun whether we were making jokes, swimming in our pool, or our all-time favorite pass-time… dramatic role-playing.  No matter what the topic was, we assigned each other’s roles based on our ages.  Of course, our favorite dramatic play topic was a school setting, so for example, since Paige was the eldest sister, she always played the part of the principal – or the one with the majority of the power.  Cori, being the baby sister, was always assigned the role of the student, only leaving the middle child, yours truly, with the assigned role of the teacher (how could I complain though?).  I always enjoyed being the teacher because I was able to get creative with my own tests/quizzes, homework assignments, or class projects.  I was able to assess my sister on how well she performed, and most of all – I was able to share my “older sister” knowledge, and it excited me when my youngest sister would learn!  You could say I experienced that “WOW!” satisfaction early on in life.

Who reassures you as an ERCH educator?

My parents are big supporters of my career choice, as well as my boyfriend, Mike.  Although none of them have experience in teaching or working with children – aside from my mom who is a Pediatric RN – they see the passion that I have for being an educator and they continuously praise me and give me positive reinforcements for my efforts as a future teacher.  Although it may not sound very reassuring, I take pride in the fact that they notice my efforts as a whole to become the best educator I can possibly be.

Whose pedagogies are shaping your path?

I have always been a hands-on learner.  I learn best by doing, and by interacting with peers who can assist me and further my knowledge on certain topics.  Because of this, I relate closely to both Piaget, and Vygotsky, who both focused their theories on social-interactions, as well as hands-on learning techniques.  For my students, although all children learn differently and each child is unique when it comes to their learning styles, I believe that you could never go wrong by implementing a hands-on activity in your lesson.  You could get creative with your lesson, give your students a fun and educational experience, and possibly open up a whole new learning perspective for a student who has never learned by doing.

Who is teaching you about the WHY and HOW in the ERCH field?

The children that I had the privilege of befriending and teaching, currently as a Child Care Center employee, as well as a Summer Camp Counselor in the past, are the reason why I continue my path as a future educator.  I have worked with children since my Sophomore year in high school – I am now a college Senior – so, yeah, I’ve built quite a mountain of experience with a diverse amount of students.  Each individual child that has crossed my path as an educator has given me something in exchange for my: 1) presence, 2) thoughtfulness, 3) challenges, and 4) knowledge, though.  No, I’m not talking about my 1st-grade students buying me a new car or anything.  What I received from each kid, was 1-4 in return, and that is all I ask as a teacher.  Of course, there are always up’s and down’s – let’s face it, we can’t always get what we want, and sometimes we pout and curse because of that – but, the efforts that my current and past students have put forth for me, really show me that this job is rewarding in more ways than one.

Who speaks truth to you?

My older cousin, Dave, and his wife, Lauren, are the two individuals who speak truth to me.  Dave is a 6th-grade history teacher, and Lauren is a 9th-grade health teacher, so, being the only other educators in my big family, I tend to ask for their insights and opinions about school-related stuff more than others.  I appreciate all criticism they give, as well as praise for my ideas that I may be unsure of.  Although they constantly talk about how much they enjoy their positions as teachers, they do regularly remind me that the field is tough and I will face certain instances that will make me question my entire history as an educator.  However, these are the reminders that prepare me for what will come and I greatly appreciate them for it.  If it hasn’t scared me away yet, it never will!