Block 4 – EDUC 401 Know Your Why

Attached below is a journal entry I had written in Block 4 explaining my ‘WHY’ in Education 401.

I came across a quote once in one of my most cherished books, Tuesdays with Morrie. The quote by Henry Adams read; “a teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” This is exactly the kind of impact I want to have on children. An everlasting influence that can be carried on throughout the lives of many. I believe teaching largely expands outside of curriculum requirements and that valuable life lessons and skills are to be taught as well. Having a positive, kind and memorable teacher makes a world of difference in the classroom. I come from the small northern community of Hazelton B.C, surrounded by many Indigenous communities. I want to become a teacher who makes everyone in my classroom feel included, important, safe and valued. I have witnessed and experienced racism and oppression firsthand throughout my educative experiences. As a Gitxsan First Nations person, I recognize the significance a teacher has on one’s understanding and appreciation of self-identity. Every student deserves the right to the same education, resources and treatment. I have always been a very sensitive, caring and giving person. People have often told me that being sensitive is a weakness; however, I see it as one of my greatest strengths. 

Through the trials and tribulations of my previous experience within the educative system, I believe I will connect with many students on a deeper level because I am approachable and understanding. I have seen a great deal of bullying and suicide within my small town, especially in the Indigenous population. It is because of these issues I wish to return to a small northern community to teach and provide a safe, caring space for those facing adversities. When I look into the eyes of a young child, I want nothing more than to provide them with what they need to become the best versions of themselves. I recognize that I will face many challenges, but I cannot imagine anything that excites me more than those challenges. Throughout this process, I have grown to become a more adaptable learner and educator. In the High Fivearticle, it states that “people who recognize, value and nurture their own fluidity will better adapt adequately to their changing environments” (Redekopp et al., n.d.). I strongly believe that as an educator, I need to maintain grace and fluidity within my own practice to keep up with our ever-growing and ever-changing society. In order to prepare my students for uncertain future careers, I need to support their learning journey as well as their destination. Teaching the whole child with a differentiated approach is necessary to support their individual strengths and characteristics. 

Many aspiring teachers commonly state they want to become a teacher in order to make a difference. I believe I am a part of that difference. There is no other career that will fulfill me as much as becoming an elementary educator. I believe I teach from my heart, and my heart has led me to this career path. As educators, it is significant that we support student “values, beliefs and interests with every decision they make” (Redekopp et al., n.d.). While doing this, we also need to ensure our students are in a safe and supportive environment. Teaching is one of the only careers that allows you to make a significant positive impact on the outcome of a child’s life. It is just as important to teach a child to be independent as it is to become a contributing community member. My pedagogical philosophy has shifted over the course of this program, and I anticipate it might for the rest of my career; however, I do have one core belief. Relationships foster learning and the hardest relationships are the ones that matter the most. 

References

Albom, M. (2017). Tuesdays with Morrie; An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson. Broadway Books. 

Redekopp, E. D., Day, B., & Robb, M. (n.d.). The ‘High Five’ of Career Development. Learn UNBC. Retrieved July 7, 2021, from https://learn.unbc.ca/bbcswebdav/pid-213206-dt-content-rid-1984966_1/courses/30085.202103/High%20Five.pdf