Over the entirety of my student teaching experience I have learned so much valuable information about what makes a teacher successful. Every tidbit of information I have learned and gathered is important to the whole of my classroom climate and culture, the lessons I implement and my relationships with coworkers, students and parents. While my peers went through the same courses as I did during our art education experience, what separates us all is how we use the tools we were given. I have struggled in the past with comparing myself to my peers, worrying I am not doing enough and doubting if I will be a good enough teacher. During student teaching I have realized that I need to make space for myself to be my authentic self. Who I am and my differences are what make my approach to teaching one-of-a-kind. I don't need to be a carbon copy of any other person I know who is an educator. I want to continue to show myself grace, believe in who I am and above all else, be myself.
I truly believe that teachers are forever students. We will always be trying new things, learning new things and face new obstacles. Just like our students, teachers are unique people with their own stories and perspectives. We do not need to hide or get rid of this part of us when we are in the classroom. We need to use them to our advantage, let them become our "sparkle". In the future I want to continue to remind myself of this. I know I will experience this doubt time and time again as new challenges arise throughout my career, but with every one of those experiences I become stronger and more confident that when something arises once again, that I can do it.
I want to look at these accomplishments throughout my career as the jewels in my crown, the adornments within me that make me the educator I am and will be. My skull represents this perfectly. It has many layers that each bring their own unique touch to the bull skull. These details make it unique, one-of-a-kind and captivating. I will use my past, current and future experiences in my career in this very same way.
I truly believe that teachers are forever students. We will always be trying new things, learning new things and face new obstacles. Just like our students, teachers are unique people with their own stories and perspectives. We do not need to hide or get rid of this part of us when we are in the classroom. We need to use them to our advantage, let them become our "sparkle". In the future I want to continue to remind myself of this. I know I will experience this doubt time and time again as new challenges arise throughout my career, but with every one of those experiences I become stronger and more confident that when something arises once again, that I can do it.
I want to look at these accomplishments throughout my career as the jewels in my crown, the adornments within me that make me the educator I am and will be. My skull represents this perfectly. It has many layers that each bring their own unique touch to the bull skull. These details make it unique, one-of-a-kind and captivating. I will use my past, current and future experiences in my career in this very same way.