Jennifer Emerson

I believe our students are our future. Each student can bring something unique and extraordinary to the classroom and world. Teaching is an important and honorable profession that requires dedication. Classrooms around the world are full of miracles, learning, healing, laughter, sharing, and love each day. An educator can impact their students’ lives in a positive way, an enormous honor that they shouldn’t take lightly. Teaching is full of challenges, frustrations, and responsibilities. However, is also full of excitement, wonder, and joy.

I firmly believe that all children are capable of learning if they have the proper motivation and direction from their teachers. As an educator, I need to be conscious of learning, motivation, behavior, and development theories to connect with my students and push them to reach their fullest potential. I must see that all my students are motivated; this is only fair to the students. In regards to their education, each student is deserving of my time and full attention.

I also believe creating a safe learning environment for all that enters my classroom. If a student should not feel safe in my classroom, whether it is emotional, physical, or social, their defense systems will go up, and learning will significantly decrease if not shut down altogether. It is important that my students, their parents, other educators, administrators, and individuals in the community, look at me as someone they can approach, who will be fair and nondiscriminatory.

A well-disciplined, safe, and organized classroom, with reciprocal respect among students and teacher, provides the environment necessary to maximize the learning process. Class organization is also a key concept to consider when teaching. If students are in a class that is unorganized or set up in a way which impedes learning, it is no win situation for the teacher or students. I find new creative ways to have the room setup, which will promote and help my students learn. Teaching content that is meaningful, applicable and inviting to students which will peak their interest to help them see the point of the subject matter. I also believe that high energy levels and a positive attitude from the teacher are essential elements of a thriving learning environment.

   All students can learn, but they do so at different rates with some needing mediation of curriculum materials or teaching techniques. By having high expectations, students are challenged to achieve their highest potential. Every child has worth, and it is the teacher’s responsibility to also involve the parents and the student, him or herself, in the learning process to optimize educational success.