My role is not just about teaching social studies content or preparing learners for state tests. In fact, one of my daily messages I write says, “I”ve come to terms with the fact that you will forget most of what I taught in 505. However, you will always remember how you felt. When I’m faced with content and connections, I will always choose connections.”
As a teacher, I see my role as motivating the learners in 505 to develop their abilities and aspirations to learn. My role involves inspiring students to change and develop their personal, social and professional skills to the best of their abilities. My role is to help learners to understand how to own their learning and development. I fulfill these roles by planning and preparing teaching and learning activities that take into account the needs and well-being of each individual student.
As a former special education teacher, I’m not a fan of labels. I understand the purpose of labels in education – to help provide services, to gain a better understanding of the student, etc. However, once a label is applied, teachers tend to focus on the disability instead of the child. They focus on the students’ limitations and not their strengths. In the case of gifted students, we tend to see the student as a straight A, intelligent, hardworking student rather than a student.
Yes, I read IEP’s and WEP’s. However, I do not read these documents until a few weeks into the school year. I want to get to know every student for who they are instead of what some paper is telling me. Maybe that’s not the best approach, but it works for me.
I’m going to go back to my role as an educator – motivating the learners in 505 to develop their abilities and aspirations to learn. I will accommodate and modify for any student at any time to help them learn. I will do whatever I can for any student because they will always remember how they felt in 505 when the year ends.
Moler's Musings 