Emily Ude February 6, 2013 EDUC 201-01 Reflective Journal This week the focus of our lesson was

on the American Educational System. Much of what I learned was about the responsibilities and requirements expected of the community, state government and federal government in order to support the school districts throughout the nation. A key focus question that struck me was, what is the average cost to educate an American student? Before learning the answer, I thought it was to be about five thousand to six thousand dollars. After studying the chart on the power point, the national median for student education is ten thousand one hundred and eighty-nine dollars. Across the country there is a large range for the cost of student education, from six thousand dollars to eighteen thousand dollars. The reason this struck me is because as teachers, we must be prepared for what ever state and district funding that we will receive. Many people in our society are discouraging us, future teachers, from pursuing our dreams due to the job market. But what people do not realize is that there are many schools all over the country that are in need of educators. Whether it is because of funding, salary, location, or even poor reputation, people are not willing to teach at these in need districts. As future teachers, I believe that it is important that we are willing and prepared to pursue a career at whatever district we are given the opportunity. Teachers should not choose a district based on these aspects but be eager to enhance the minds of students wherever they are granted the opportunity.

If I am grateful enough to receive a teaching job out of college, I will be sure to maximize whatever funding my district may receive. Personally, if creating a lesson that my students will benefit from most means purchasing supplies out of my own salary, I would certainly do so. It is the duty of a dedicated teacher to take whatever measures in order to expand the minds of each individual student. Coming from a district that has a bad reputation, there were not many dedicated teachers that would pursue a career in our school system. Such lack of involvement and dedication ultimately hurts each individual student. As a future teacher I do not expect the ideal job or tools placed before me to teach, but will do my absolute best to expand the minds of the students put before me.