EducationI first knew I wanted to teach when I was about 10. My step mother was a 4th grade teacher in inner city Memphis. Her students were raised from poverty, immersed in crime, and had few positive role models in their lives. I observed as she kept in touch with her students as they grew into young men and women. I remember her going to visit students in jail and letting them know that they can still turn their lives around. Sadly, she went to a few funerals for kids she once called students.
I noticed that there was a bond between her and kids at school. Its like they were her own children. She loved them and provided for them, often times giving rides or buying them meals and clothes. I witnessed the lack of appreciation, embarrassing financial reimbursement, and struggles that she dealt with on a day to day basis. As I became an educator myself, I noticed my observations were a reality. Though there are a million difficulties in the education profession, there are a million more rewards. Education chose me.
|
Accomplishments
-Applied for and received the Farm Bureau School Garden Grant for DuPont Tyler Middle Prep.
-Built school gardens for each grade level (5-8) of the school. -Created an outdoor classroom for students and teachers. -Created and implemented a school recycling program. The program helps special education students develop social skills and responsibilities. The program removes school waste in an environmentally conscious way that generates money for the school on a monthly basis. -Received a nomination for the 2013-14 HE Rumble Student Teacher of the Year Award. -Completion of Stanford University's edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment) -University of Memphis' Dean's list recipient 5 consecutive semesters -Successful completion of the Tennessee Board of Regents Ready2Teach Initiative -Ready2Teach Co-Teaching Certification |