I Read. I Write. I Teach.

Hello, I'm Melissa,

future Language Arts teacher.  I am looking forward to teaching the basic elements of writing at the secondary level, encouraging creative and independent thought, and enhancing the students' overall learning experience.  I am prepared to challenge and be challenged by students, the issues they face as adolescents, and those faced by the Guam Public School System.  

Why I Want to be a Teacher

(I wrote this essay as a Freshman)

          Everyone has a dream, an aspiration to make a difference, and mine is to be a teacher. I want to teach the art of language and literature at the secondary level, and it is my opinion and belief that every student has the potential to excel in these fields of studies. It would be a tremendous honor and challenge for me to help guide them along the way.
         I have aspired to be a teacher since grade school. I was lucky enough to have teachers who left imprints on my life that taught me not only about the academics, but also about morals such as character, determination, teamwork, and commitment; all of which are important to me today. I hope to instill these morals in my students because they will be able to apply them both inside and outside of the English classroom. Along with writing and grammar skills, students will be spending a lot of time discussing and comprehending (together) the meanings of stories and poems. Knowing the symbolisms of works of literature will bring students to a higher level of understanding and appreciation for the material, and will be working closely with their peers. I plan to create a learning environment where my students will feel comfortable with the material being taught and enjoy it at the same time.
         I want to teach not only because of my passion for the English language and the beauty and art that is literature, but to help young adolescents understand the meanings beyond the book. Although reading and writing call for mechanics, there is also a lot of room for creativity. It is so important to encourage students’ thoughts and ideas so that they are challenged to think for themselves instead of quoting from the text. As a result, it becomes a fun learning experience for everyone. To me, learning should be fun; not fun and games, but fun in a way that motivates students to want to learn. Anyone can read out of a textbook and assign the various exercises, but a teacher, a good teacher, will go beyond the curriculum to give her students as much knowledge and insight as she possibly can. This is my goal. I have heard about the pure joy and feeling of ecstasy that comes from seeing your students succeed, and that is definitely something that inspires me to be a teacher. 

Present Reflections on Teaching

            1.) Teaching is not an easy task; it requires patience, careful and thorough planning, passion, creativity, knowledge, and good ethics, to name a few. Although it remains to be one of the lowest paying careers, it is also one of the most fulfilling and self-satisfying. However, just as teaching is challenging, so is learning. While there are exceptionally bright students who take responsibility and find enjoyment in their learning, there are students who learn only as well as their teachers can teach.

         2.) Teaching and learning are brother and sister.  In creating a lesson plan, the teacher must consider his or her students' learning styles to ensure the lesson's effectiveness.  Students also play an active role in their educations by choosing to or not to participate in a lesson, practice and assess themselves both in and out of class, and applying the knowledge given in class to their daily lives.

          3.)  Teaching is so much more than a day-job with summers off.  Not everyone can teach. It takes more than a bright mind to pass information to others.  An effective teacher is able to share his or her own knowledge with others in a way that is clear, interesting, and thought-provoking.

I BELIEVE...

TEACHERS introduce students to new information, 
challenge them to apply that knowledge 
and insight to themselves, both in and out of the classroom.

SCHOOLS should take an extra initiative to provide 
the safest and most conducive learning environment 
for its students and faculty members.

STUDENTS should become very familiar and comfortable 
 using resources to enhance their learning experiences 
and should become involved in available activities.

PARENTS need to be involved in their child(ren)'s progress 
and struggles in school to demonstrate their support and encouragement.

LEARNING means taking an active stance in developing the mind, body, and soul 
of an individual.

BOOKS are only one tool conducive to learning.