Running head: AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL

Autobiographical
Lewis, Beckie
Dr. LueLinda Egbert
EDUC. 201: Foundations of Education

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Abstract
Teaching is the most important job anyone can do. It provides individuals with the knowledge it
takes to succeed in life. Teachers also teach students valuable skills they will need to know for the
future. Teachers supply people with good careers and lay the foundation for future societies.
Teachers also help students be the best individuals they can be and help them form not only who
they are, but who they will become. One who wants to make a difference should become a teacher.
Nowhere else will one have the opportunity to help and support others like they will in education.
Children need education in order to succeed in life and be a valuable member of society. They also
need to be educated in order to avoid being taken advantage of. A high majority of quality jobs
require one to be educated. Generally, the higher education one has, the better job they will obtain.
By working hard in school and doing the best one can, they will discover skills that will help them
later on in life and with their future careers. They will be more willing to volunteer and help others,
because they will know the importance of it.

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Autobiographical
Teaching has always been a dream of mine. I have always wanted a career, where I could
make a difference and really matter. My educational background, work history, services, and
extracurricular activities have helped me form who I am and what I want to become. I have set
short term and long term goals in order to achieve my target. Education is the ideal field for me
to grow and develop like I have longed and desired for.
Educational Background
I attended the Valley Elementary School in Eden, ID for kindergarten through third
grade. I then transferred to Hazelton, ID, where I attended Valley Middle School. I was there for
fourth through sixth grade and remained there for one extra year, while the new Valley School
was being built. I received the remainder of my education from the Valley High School, also
located in Hazelton, ID, where I graduated in May of 1999. I went on and received my Medical
Claims and Billing Specialist Certification from At Home Professionals. I am now currently
enrolled at the College of Southern Idaho, where I am working on obtaining an Associates of
Arts degree.
My education has made a huge impact on my life and Im grateful for all of my
educational experiences. I have been blessed with many great and inspiring teachers that have
believed in me and instilled in me a love of learning. I enjoyed elementary and middle school,
but loved high school the most. I had many great instructors and coaches that pushed me to
succeed. With the support of my teachers, I was able to graduate fourth in my class. The College
of Southern Idaho has also been a blessing in my life. I have been able to stay in the same
community and allow my children the stability of remaining in the same school. I have also had
the opportunity to take many great courses and meet many amazing individuals. I would like to

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follow the example provided to me by past educators, coaches, and friends, and become an
inspiration in others lives as well.
Work History
While still in school, my first job was hoeing beets and picking rock, during the summers,
for multiple farmers in my community. I was able to do this for three years before being old
enough to receive a job at McDonalds in Twin Falls, ID. I was able to continue this job during
the summers until I graduated from high school. I then obtained a job at the Valley Elementary
School as a paraprofessional. I was able to work there for two and a half years before my second
daughter came along. I decided I wanted to spend time with my children and took a job at a local
daycare facility. I was able to work there for three years before the owner moved to Alaska and
the business closed its doors. I opened a small daycare in my home and cared for children for
five years before my youngest daughter of three started school. I then took a paraprofessional job
at the Valley High School, where I continue to be employed.
My work history has contributed to my development as a professional educator by
helping me become organized, understanding what it takes to succeed, and how to effectively
communicate with others. By working as a paraprofessional, I have had the opportunity to
observe many teachers instructions and learn what teaching consists of and what is expected. I
also have had the opportunity to assist and teach small groups of children. I have discovered that
every student learns differently and alternate teaching methods are sometimes required for
students to reach their maximum potentials. These experiences will help me in the future by
understanding what is expected of teachers and what is expected of students. I have also
observed and learned through my work history how to incorporate hands-on and understanding

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into the classroom. I also understand what processes and procedures need to be followed in order
for students to get the most out of their educational instruction and experience.
These attributes are important, because I will need to know possible scenarios or things
that may happen, prior to becoming a teacher. This is one way that I can prepare myself to deal
with situations when they occur. I will not be able to see every possible incident that may arise.
The more prepared I am, the better off I will be. I have also discovered ideas and strategies that I
would like to include in my own classroom as well. I have learned through these experiences
how important it is to be prepared, patient, and understand the diversity in others. These
attributes are very important to me and will continue to be for the remainder of my life.
Service and/or Extracurricular Activities
Sports have always been a very important aspect in my life. I was able to participate in
volleyball, basketball, and track throughout middle school and high school. I was also able to
participate in cross country my senior year. While previously coming close, I was finally able to
achieve my goal of winning the 3200 meter State Track and Field Championships my senior
year. I have been able to share this passion by coaching multiple teams in my community. I have
had the opportunity to coach basketball, volleyball, and soccer for the Valley Recreation District.
I have also coached a Girls Idaho Prep Basketball team as well. I have also had the privilege to
serve in my church as a substitute teacher.
These activities have helped contribute to my development as a professional educator by
understanding what it takes to be dedicated, determined, committed, reliable, and part of a team.
I now understand the importance of working hard and never giving up, because nothing is
impossible. I have also discovered the importance of giving to and helping others. I have had no
greater feeling than helping others and watching them succeed.

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Reasons for Choosing Education as a Career

I first considered education as a career at a very young age. My grandmother was an
elementary teacher and was an excellent role model for me. She was retired by the time I came
along, but spent many years substituting and volunteering her time by tutoring young children.
She put a lot of time and effort into preparing for each and every student. She experimented with
many different learning styles until she found one that was effective. I could tell that she
sincerely cared and wanted everyone to succeed. She was a great example of what I would like to
become. My decision to become a teacher was also reinforced by my love for children,
enjoyment of a challenge, need to constantly learn, and by my desire to be a good example for
my children.
I had previously considered medical claims and billing, secretary work, childcare, and
secondary mathematics education, but none of these measured up to my desire to become an
elementary school teacher. I anticipate that nowhere else can I experience lifelong learning,
constant interaction, benefits, great hours, continual change, and consistently making a
difference, like I can in elementary education. I love the idea of always being on my toes and
never experiencing a dull moment.
Professional Goals
My main short term goal is to receive an Associates of Arts degree from the College of
Southern Idaho. I want to graduate with a 3.5 GPA or higher. I am also striving to successfully
continue to work and go to school, while making time for my children as well. I plan on
accomplishing this by working hard and keeping my eye on these goals. I will take things day by
day while keeping the big picture in mind.

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My long term goals are to receive a bachelors degree in elementary education, receive a
teaching certificate, find and receive a teaching job, get my masters, and potentially receive my
doctorate. In order to achieve this, I will need to graduate from the College of Southern Idaho
and transfer to Lewis and Clark State College. I will take all of the courses required along with
any others I feel may benefit me along my journey. I will continually work hard and take things
step by step in order to avoid being overwhelmed with what is yet to come.
Conclusion
My educational background, work history, service, extracurricular activities, reasoning,
and future goals have made me who I am. I am grateful for all of the good and bad experiences
in my life, because I wouldnt have been able to grow and be who I am without them. I am very
excited to be pursuing a degree in teaching and cant wait until I can achieve it. I want to make a
difference in peoples lives and theres no better path to accomplish this than in education.