The 5 C’s

     I think we've all had those teachers, whether it be high school teachers, elementary school, or maybe even college level teachers who, for whatever reason, do not feel invested or interested in what or who they are teaching. I can think of several teachers from when I was in high school that seemed like they were only there to collect a paycheck. Maybe at one point in their life they felt the fire and urgency to mold young minds and inspire the next generation to learn and grow, but at some point they lost the drive or they were discouraged to the point of not caring. It it easy for us to be the judge of those, not so effective, teachers, but I can also see how in today's environment it could be easy to feel discourage and for lack of a better term "give up" on bettering the next wave of adults. I've been around my share of today's children and teenagers and coming from someone that is not so removed from being in their shoes (11 years in May) I already feel a disconnection and difference of mindset than the people I went to school with had at that age. I could not imagine the disconnection that could happen with someone who grew up in the 80's or 90's. 

    I come from a long line of educators. Both of my parents were teachers. Mom was a Special Ed. teacher, My dad was a History teacher, principal, and supervisor over the span of his career, and both of my grandparents on my father's side were teachers, so I have a strong connection to the profession. As I have gotten older and decided to pursue teaching, my father has taught me a lot about the real world of education, and he has taught me what things worked for him and what didn't. I am grateful that I have this insight from my family, and I have no doubt it will benefit me going forward. 

    Concerning the "5 C's" of a good teacher, I am always doing my best to improve myself. I certainly am not perfect, as I'm sure my wife can attest, but I do my best to be the person I need to be. Until recently, I have always had a problem with personal commitment. I would get started doing something, whether it be a job, hobby, or relationships, and just feel like I wasn't the best at it. That always made me shy away from things because I have an issue with not being the best. I think I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best, and when that inevitably doesn't happen, I feel insecure and retreat. Recently, however, as I've had kids and gotten older, I find myself being a little more reasonable with my commitments, and expectations of myself. This is an area in my life that still needs work, but I have improved drastically over the past few years. 

    One thing about me, and I think my wife will tell you the same, is I am a full blooded optimist. I think a lot of how your life goes and how your problems and obstacles are dealt with has a lot to do with your mindset concerning them. I almost always assume the best in people even when there seems to be a disagreement or an offense that's been taken. Sometimes, I will admit, this leads to disappointment. Sometimes the good thoughts you have about things or people turn out to be untrue, but just like before I will normally find myself saying "everything will be alright" even when things disappoint. That being said, I think that speaks to the care that I bring to teaching. I will always do my best to encourage and nurture them. Not every child is the same, and sometimes it takes some personal and customized interaction with them to unleash their potential. A lot of times kids feel disconnected, left out, or dumb because they don't learn the same way most other kids do. It is important to recognize these kids are not trying to fall behind or make bad grades. They may just need educated in a different way. 

    The previous 'C' goes right along with the next. It takes courage to be willing to take a different approach win trying to do what's best for each student. I have never been a teacher in a classroom so it's difficult for me to say how hard it is to get the best out of every student. I know my intention is to do the very best I can. 

    Teaching is certainly not for everybody. As a leader of a classroom the teacher is expected to be the example of how students should act and conduct themselves. Being conscious of your actions and words is a big part of the example that teachers set for their students. I consider myself to be a very patient person. I do not say that to brag, but I have three children under the age of 4 who are quickly learning watching words and action to emulate. Having children repeat words and actions that you do will make you learn quick about what is okay to do and not do. This area of being conscious has quickly become a big area of my life. I am not perfect but I certainly want my children to grow up and act in a certain way, and I am very committed to that. 

    This is another area where I believe we've all had teacher who have neglected. Being centered in the class room is something that when I think about who my favorite teachers are, they were all teachers who were very engaged and interactive with the class. I am a avid history junky and love all things history (which is my major). I hope I can engage with my students in a meaningful way that will get them as excited to learn about history the way that I get excited about history. It may be easy for teachers to sometimes lean on technology or text to almost do the teaching for them. I hope to be more personable in my teaching. 

    I think that I am fitting for a teacher. At least going of my genetic tree it would seem that way. I am certainly not perfect in any of these areas, but I have the most confidence in myself that where there is work to be done, I am there to do it.