My name is Marissa, and I just received my degree from the University of New England. With a minor in special education, I graduated with a bachelor of science in early/middle education. I had the excellent opportunity to work as a first-grade teacher and complete fieldwork in a variety of classrooms at the school, including speech and ELL, academic support, and two distinct Special Education settings. I was able to learn so much about several content areas because of my varied experiences.
Since elementary school, I’ve wanted to be a teacher because of the significant influence my mother’s work as a preschool teacher had on me growing up. Looking back, it is the only profession I had imagined myself having.
William Butler Yeats once said, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” This is one of my favorite quotes. This quotation perfectly expresses why I desire to become a teacher. This demonstrates that learning includes giving students the chance to explore and discover with comfort of a safety net to fall back on. For various learning outcomes, different instruction is needed. You should take into account the individuality of each student as a teacher because every individual thinks differently. There should be a variety of teaching techniques available to students. In the past year, I have been able to put this saying into practice during my student teaching placement at Eight Corners Primary School, which has allowed me to pursue my passion.
Throughout my student teaching experience, I aimed for each student to feel empowered by academic success from their perspective. I helped create an environment in which each student would be able to work in a productive classroom atmosphere as part of a community where they would all feel welcomed and excited. I was able to identify and acknowledge students’ specific accomplishments and assist them in reaching their desired outcomes and specific objectives. I am motivated by the knowledge that teachers may have a profound impact on their students because I believe that every kid is capable of learning and that having a positive impact on a student’s life can make a difference. The University of New England has promoted a good learning atmosphere and created self-assurance in students which I have carried into student teaching.
Being the leader of a student-run cheerleading squad, the head coach of my own youth team, and volunteer tutoring were some of my other activities at UNE.
After graduating, I’m eager to follow my passion and make a difference in the lives of students. I have learned from my professors, mother, and other influential figures in my life, and all I have gained from student teaching and continue the path to learn more within this career. I am excited to help light a fire for my future students.
