‘Admissions Essay “Teaching has always been a life long dream for me. From thetime | was litle gir remember setting up a classroom In my basement and teaching a group ‘of very inteligent beanie babies! In my pre-college years, I taught a variety of things including martial arts, swimming and plano, While attending MidAmerica Nazarene University | taught private plano, started a small music studio and eventeally seamed a Bachelor's in Music Education. This past year, Lwas given the chance to be long-term substitutein a irs grade classroom followed by an opportunity Ina kindergarten classroom. set upa bright and cheerful schoolroom, planned lessons, and nurtured relationships with each ofthe students, Itwas through these experiences that {realized that my tru desire was not to bean elementary music teacher, butto be in an elementary classroom, building relationships and fostering the love of learning in the lives of my students ‘When setting up my classroom, [hope to createa warm and welcoming learning environment which the stucents feel safe and loved while they learn new content and life sls. As par of «well-balanced classroom community in which | ‘would integrate healthy Interpersonal skills, I think that every learning environment should include teaching and modeling healthy boundaries between individuals In my experience itis important for children to learn healthy boundaries early on, so that they can grow into adults who are well-balanced and productive members of the community‘Asa student centered teacher, belive that itis important to plan and teach lessons with the individual student n mind, My students will enter the classroom ‘with various needs and learning abilities; where they wl be value, cared for, and Inspired to learn believe that the hear of teacher should be that ofa nurturer so 1 consider it my responsiblity to provide such an environment, ‘Along with social development think that teachers shouldbe differentiating their lessons so thatthe learning styles of their students will be addressed during the instructional period, admit that this ificlt, challenging, and time consuming task but will try to structure the lessons to engage as many students as possible. asked, my plano students an the children regulary substitute for, would say that my teaching styles fan and engaging, Oftentimes | willhavethe kids uupand moving, or working in groups. have als used musieand speaking in rhythm when giving directions. The students are encouraged tolsten closely tothe directions and, asa result [rarely have to repeat the instructions more than once! When thinking bout my teaching philosophy, strongly align myself with ‘the core values seen in Classical Education. The foundational elements ofthis curriculum are centered on writing, literacy, the ars, and brain based instruction. It is my goal to include elements of this system into daily instruction. By Incorporating Classical Education in the classroom, [hope to accomplish my goal of equipping my students tobe lifelong learners and productive members in thelr communities. _Attor reviewing several well-qualified graduate programs, Ihave concluded that University of Saint Mary isthe one that wil help me meet my professional goals. The three objectives that I hope to focus on are; to network with teachers andadministrators in various districts, to continue to polish my classroom management strategies, and also to refine my uniquely creative and effective teaching style. Lam. excited to start in the program and am looking forward to the many learning experiences that will take place during my time as. student, Emily Miles 118601 west 66 Ter. Shawnee Ks 66218, 913-233-6666 Emnicmiles15@gmail.com