In class we were asked to write about what it means to be a teacher to us. I think it is really important to think about this as a future teacher to understand the importance of why your becoming a teacher in the first place. My response was as follows:

“To me being a teacher is about helping your students learn and succeed to the best of their abilities. Education is always changing and there are always so many new resources open to teachers. It is important as a teacher to recognize these tools open to us, and how to use those in the interest of your students. This is done by the idea of reflective practice, and reflecting on past lessons you have taught and the outcomes of those teachings. Chapter 1 of Educational Foundations in Canada talks about reflective practice in terms of diversity in teachers, and teaching styles, as well as students and learning styles. This chapter talks about how no two teachers will teach the same, and no two people that learn the exact same way. This is why reflective practice is so important as a teacher, because everyone is so different, and learns so different one plan cant possibly work for two different groups of kids if everyone is truly learning to the best of their ability. With this in mind teachers always have to adapt, change, or rearrange their plans to suit the needs of their students. Teachers can reflect on what worked well in the past, and what didn’t work well, and how those can be changed or altered to improve the outcome for the learners. There are no two teachers that teach the same, and the textbook talks about teachers learning from each other. If every teacher uses reflective practice and sees what challenges are being faced in class settings, collaboration of each other’s ideas and experiences can lead to more positive learning environments with more successful outcomes. Teaching with reflective practice is important to ensure your students have the best resources available to them, and as a teacher you have to turn to every resource you have to ensure you are giving your students all they need to succeed.”