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Ben Kullos
Professor Tim Fiegen
EDFN 338
9 April 2013
Why I want to be a Teacher
Of the many motivations I have in becoming a teacher, there are a few that stand out.
When reflecting on my time in high school, I remember the best times of my life. I want to
recreate that experience for all my future students. Every child deserves the teachers I had, and
the guidance I received. Additionally, my mother has been an elementary music teacher for over
twenty-five years. From her I have gained knowledge, both good and bad about the profession.
After many talks with her and my father, I decided this is school is where I want to be, pursuing
a major in education.
It is my belief; every student has that favorite teacher who had a major impact on them.
My first experience with a teacher, who impacted me significantly was in second grade.
Although it was many years ago, I still remember the lessons she taught me not only in the class
room, but out of the traditional sense as well. At that age I was just another young boy running
around during recess and a mess in the classroom. She was able to take my love of sports and
translate it to the classroom. She made learning fun and interesting for me. I realize now how
much her efforts really mean. She went out of her way to include me in the learning and not
allow a child to be forgotten or just passed along to the next teacher. The other teacher who has
impacted me greatly was my high school math teacher. I have always been exceptionally good at
math and logic, but never took the subject overly serious in school. She, like my grade school
teacher, went out of her way to reach out to me. While in here algebra class as a freshman, she
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noticed I always did well on my tests, but never turned in homework. After sitting me down in a
one on one meeting, she challenged me to take the advanced placement math courses. She then
continued to be my math teacher for the next 3 years of high school. Whenever I had any
questions, she was always there and most definitely went beyond her duties as a teacher to help
not just me but any other students. As I previously stated, I have heard the positives and
negatives about the profession from my mother. I think I will love getting to interact with the
students. I have always wanted to be a part of a team, or community, and I think I will definitely
achieve that goal as a teacher. The only negative I can foresee is the same as my mom has told
me on numerous occasions. The time commitment a teacher puts in is unmatched. For instance,
the out of school activities, will make up a vast amount of time. The majority of which, will go
unaided.
When it comes to my personal philosophy, I believe myself to be a mix of progressivism,
perennialism, and reconstructionism. It is my belief the teachers role in the classroom is not for
discipline, but more of a guide who engages students and asks question to why a student came to
his or her answer. Additionally, studying the topics that have stood the test of time must be
present in the classroom. However, I understand technology advances rapidly and then results in
a change in education. Students must learn topics to help them prepare for post-secondary
school, but also gain wisdom for life outside the classroom. Discussions on social issues for
instance, can provide students a wider range of knowledge when they graduate. Every citizen has
the right to a free education, and should therefore have a say in the educational system.


Edited By: DSU Online Writing Lab (OWL)
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