By Virginia Prairie
Teaching has been the career of my ancestors since the beginning of time. In fact, those before me may not have invented the wheel, but they kept busy teaching others how to improve their lives with this useful invention. As time went on, we were known throughout the land as pedagogical guides.
With a history as rich as mine, what other choice did I have? Teaching is now a calling, not a career. My blood flows apple red and the chalky whites of my eyes burn for the chance to experience the excitement of knowledge on a young student's face.
Not only do I love teaching; I actually live for teaching young teenagers! Adolescence is such an important time in our lives. With bouncing hormones and aching bodies, it is vital for these students to have advocates praising them and boosting their self-esteem.
Structure, movement, ownership, and especially laughter are all crucial in middle grades education. At this age, structure is lacking in the lives of many kids. My classroom provides structure as well as consistency in order for students to feel in control of their environment at all times. Students know what is expected of them and are not surprised by daily changes and interruptions within our classroom.
Growing, aching bones need comfort as well as movement. My classroom is equipped with homemade pillows for students to sit on while their bodies are adjusting into adulthood. I also encourage students to move around the room. Whether we are involved in group projects, role-playing exercises, or study games, minds are more receptive when students are rotating within our classroom.
Adolescents do not have control over many decisions in their family's life. Therefore, I try to give them ownership in their classroom. Bulletin boards, walls, and room configurations can be such outlets for young, creative minds. Students love to decorate and add their own touches to their environment. Although curriculum is not debatable, the many ways to tackle it are. Students are more willing to learn when they are given the opportunity to create lessons and projects.
This philosophy of education requires my role to be a facilitator; students see me as a learner and as an equal part of the classroom. Many teachers do not believe in this style. These teachers are also missing out on getting to know their students on so many different levels. Students trust teachers who laugh, cry, make mistakes, and are human.
As a young teaching couple, my husband and I are excited about the lessons and students ahead. Overseas teaching would be an experience of a lifetime. The chance to live in foreign lands and learn about fascinating cultures is an opportunity that we are not willing to miss.
By Shane Prairie
What a satisfying feeling coming home at the of a school day knowing that not only have I mentored and influenced young lives, but also striven to set a good example. Being a teacher is a profession in which I am proud. It gives me great satisfaction to encourage middle schoolers to spread their wings, set goals, and achieve success. It is also rewarding to have a genuine bond with adolescents that will shape the way their families, communities, and society as a whole will function.
The influence that teachers have over students is not to be underestimated. I have gained experience, both positive and negative, by enduring life. I feel quite comfortable sharing trials and tribulations with students and encourage them to do the same. I constantly stress that school is a place to learn about life. Kindness, compassion, and doing good by others are qualities that make a student well rounded. If pupils I teach can not only grasp educational concepts but also understand and practice those qualities then I consider my efforts to be successful.
Upon entering my classroom students are greeted with a large mural that states "Your 'I will' is more important than your 'IQ'." For the first few days we explore the meaning behind that mural and why it is prominently displayed. They all possess the tools that will allow them to succeed, they must simply find them and use them. I implore them to put forth effort and try. I could give students the answer they are looking for but that wouldn't be nearly as gratifying as if they investigated and found it themselves. Nothing is as rewarding as seeing a young face light up when they find an elusive answer or solve a challenging puzzle. With tiny successes, confidence snowballs.
I believe that teaching is profession that involves personal commitment and dedication. I love interacting with students on a personal level outside of the classroom environment. I know, and fully accept that along with my profession comes the responsibility to be a positive role model. While sponsoring school activities such as gymnastics and rafting I try to set a good example of how to conduct one's self. I praise positive behavior and discuss negative behavior. I encourage students to join me in neighborhood clean up as well as charitable food drives, in hope that doing good for others makes them feel good about themselves and the world they live in.
Venturing overseas would be the opportunity of a lifetime. The chance to absorb foreign cultures while enriching children's lives would surely satisfy my soul. My wife and I are looking forward to spreading our enthusiasm throughout a school that demands caring, committed educators who are excited about teaching as well as learning.
