Reflections

What follows is the "script" from a podcast assignment in which we are to explain why we want to become a teacher and what our philosophy of teaching is....

My name is Michelle Keizer and I am going to tell you why I have chosen to go back to school and pursue a career in teaching.

I am the oldest of three girls by a margin of five and fifteen years. Because of the large age differences between my sisters, in many ways I feel as though I have always been a teacher. I am quite comfortable in this role whether it be at home, as a teacher’s aide in high school, as a youth basketball coach, in my children’s school, or in a variety of work settings. While still in high school, I considered becoming a professional teacher, but in the naiveté of youth, dismissed it for various reasons. Teachers work long hours, they don’t make a lot of money, there isn’t much prestige, and certainly no fame or fortune to be had from becoming a teacher. I was too immature and selfish to recognize that the immaterial rewards of this career path might just out weigh the cost. So, directly after high school, I went to college and majored in Business Management believing that was the path toward my happiness and reward both spiritually and financially.

I have worked in the business world for several years now and as an adult I have come to realize that there is more to a career then making money. There’s the satisfaction that comes with knowing you have done a good job and knowing that what you did made a difference in the world in some small way. In my current career, I don’t feel as though what I do makes a difference in the world. I have often pondered what would satisfy and challenge me. I realized that I am most content when I am in the role of teacher or mentor whether it be helping others learn a process or procedure or teaching a training class to co-workers. I long for more then just financial rewards from my career. I want to know that what I do makes a difference to people.

When my children began school, I started volunteering in their classrooms on a regular basis. One of the tasks assigned to me was to help administer spelling tests. Although challenging and at times down right difficult to keep the kids focused on the task at hand, I would leave feeling enriched and satisfied. No spreadsheet or power point presentation has ever allowed me that feeling of accomplishment. I began to understand how much I love learning, aiding in the process of learning, and being part of a school community. With this in mind, I began my journey to change careers and become a teacher.

My philosophy of teaching centers around the concept that ALL children can learn. I want to have a classroom where all youth feel safe to be who they are.
I believe in the educating of young minds to establish a foundation for becoming life long learners and thinkers.

I am sensible enough to know that this is not an easy profession and that there will be many tough issues to deal with. But when I pause to reflect on my life, I want to know and I want my children to see that I pursued and achieved that which inspired me. And with any luck, I might just inspire a young adult to pursue what really inspires them.