Proofread By: Amanda Poppen, Pearson Writer

Kelsey Poppen
Professor Tim Fiegen
EDFN 338
Why I want to be a Teacher
When I was growing up my teachers or parents would ask me every year, What do you
want to become when you grow up? Doctors, lawyers, singers, or astronauts were common
answers. From the very beginning, my answer remained teacher. Everyone has progressed to
where they are in life now with the help from teachers, someone who helped to guide them and
show them the ropes. John Wooden, a basketball player and head coach for UCLA, once said, I
think the teaching profession contributes more to the future of our society than any other single
profession. Teacher, as defined in the dictionary stands for one who instructs the direction of
others. To teach means to communicate skills and give proper instruction. I want to become a
teacher for the lifelong benefit of the satisfaction of helping children, not because of the salary,
nor because I want weekends and holidays off. Teaching to me is more than the material wealth
gained. I truly have a passion for making a difference in others lives. Teaching seems to remain
one of the most fulfilling occupations in life for me. Becoming a teacher to me means helping to
shape the future of another person. I am willing to take on the challenge of becoming a teacher,
just many teachers before me have. I have seen the way a students face lights up when they
solve a new problem or complete an academic goal. As a teacher, I will be able to help get the
students wheels turning and that has always enticed me.
I myself am a product of some of the best teachers in the world, in my opinion. As a
child, I grew up in a small rural school called De Smet, South Dakota. When I try to think back
to which teacher inspired me most multiple ones come to mind. My high school English teacher,
Mrs. Sanderson showed me that hard work is not always the most enjoyable route to take, but it

is the route that will take you the farthest in life. Mrs. Sanderson also taught me that no star is too
far out of reach. If I put my mind to accomplishing a goal I can accomplish it. Also, I come from
a family of teachers. My grandmother, great aunts, aunt, and mom all chose the teaching
profession. So before I was certain I wanted to be a teacher, I had already had some hands-on
work behind the scenes work as a teacher. Of course I have grown, and I have had other
important teachers, some whom surround me daily and inspire me to do all I can to succeed.
These wonderful people in my life have led me toward the teaching profession. My favorite part
of becoming a teacher will be seeing the smiles and seeing the young children work hard to
figure something out. Each profession has its benefits and drawbacks. I can think of two
struggles that may pose difficulty. Some parents that when something goes wrong, or if their
child got a question wrong they blame the teacher completely. For example, if a child got a D on
his or her report card, some parents are apt to blame the teacher for ineffective teaching. Also, if
he or she got hurt while playing at recess parents may think that again, the teacher should have
been watching more attentively. My only other concern will be when a student asks a question
and I dont know the answer. Just because I am the teacher, does not mean I have all the answers.
It is best to reply with, Good question, I will have to do some research and get back to you on
that. With every profession there is good and bad, I hope to learn to deal with these difficult
situations flawlessly.
One of the most important parts of teaching is to create a positive climate that will
nurture respect, participation, and trust. If students do not feel comfortable in the classroom, they
cannot properly participate in discussions and projects. Students must be engaged in learning
because enthusiasm is contagious. I believe teaching is key, but students must have a want to
learn, otherwise no information will be absorbed. Through experience in the Kindergarten
classroom, I have seen that every student is different. Therefore, it is my responsibility to use

various teaching strategies to reach each student. During studies in chapter five I learned about
educational philosophy and psychological orientation. I found that I will most likely be a
humanist educator. This shows I consider learning from the perspective of the human potential
for growth, becoming the best one can be. My beliefs according to this type of teaching then
include: human beings controlling their own destiny, people are inherently good and will strive
for a better world, people are free to act but must be responsible, behavior is the consequence of
human choice, and people possess unlimited potential for growth and development. Naturally
humans want to learn, which will flourish if nourished, encouraging environments are provided. I
hope to continue to grow in my knowledge of teaching as I continue my education, so I can help
instill a love of learning to my students. In closing Sean Junkins states, So often the students
you are trying to inspire end up inspiring you.