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For as long as I can remember, I have always been mesmerized by the strength
and knowledge embodied by teachers. Teachers play a vital
role in society and are given the task to educate the young minds of the
future. Day in and day out, they give so much of themselves and asked for
so little in return. I don’t believe that anybody ever decided to
be a teacher to win the biggest trophy or to receive the largest paycheck.
No, in fact, I chose to be a teacher because I love the look a child gets
when he or she discovers something new about him or herself, or the surrounding
world. A teacher is a leader and plays a role that has been highly
respected for thousands of years.
Physical
education is a subject that others often regarded as a break from “real
learning.” I am a strong believer that a healthy body is as essential
as a healthy mind, and in reality, it is obvious that one feeds off of
the other. A sound mind and a healthy body can combine to create
some of the most magical things one could ever imagine. Something
people fail to acknowledge is the amount of learning that actually takes
place within the walls of so many gymnasiums. Many sports and activities
promote problem solving and cooperation, which are an essential part of
everyday life. Perseverance, courage and the will to continue on,
whether ahead or behind are all life skills that can be applied across
a variety of other fields. On top of this all, physical education
teaches one to respect the body and promote a healthier lifestyle. Thus,
physical education courses are important components of a well-rounded curriculum.
A
teacher should be someone a student can turn to for help, regardless of
whether or not the problem is scholastic. A teacher should not impose his
or her beliefs but instead give the student’s the tools they will need
to formulate their own opinions and decisions. Teachers should serve
as a guiding light, steering children in the right direction. Oftentimes
the gentle guidance of a teacher can be much more effective than the forceful
persuasion applied by other adults, including parents. A teacher
should be an inspiration and motivator. Teachers should teach out of love
for the subject, and will their students to share this love. History
shows that there is no better leader than one who leads by example.
Teachers should instill a sense of wonder, a desire to drive forward into
the unknown in search of further knowledge. Because of this opinion,
I am opposed to the system commonly used in the elementary system here
in Quebec. The grade three teacher can never be expected to be a
master of all subjects. So, there is a possibility that during the
course of a single year, a student can become disenchanted with one or
many subjects, which is a shame. Why not have individuals who teach
a specific subject for the entire school. Such as Mr. Brown, the
Mathematics teacher. This would be just as cost effective, while
using an inspirational individual for every subject.
As
a teacher, there is a fine line between being an authority figure and a
compassionate leader and motivator. I think that when I become a
teacher I will first play the role of disciplinarian to gain respect and
place myself in the role of the leader. Slowly, during the year,
the tough outer exterior can be let down and the teacher can soon be seen
as a confidant, whom the students can trust and confide.
Yet
another role of the teacher is to encourage and praise the students, and
being positive and constructive when giving criticism. After parents,
teachers play the biggest role in helping children self-actualize and build
self-esteem. A positive self-image is rooted in a deep acceptance
of oneself, despite ones shortcomings, mistakes, or disabilities.
It includes accepting responsibility for ones well being and taking full
charge of ones life. To try new and different things that promote learning
and health, while being provided a safe environment in which to practice.
Finally,
I believe that teachers need to inspire their students, allowing them to
open their minds. They need to encourage ambition and convince their
students that with persistence and dedication, any task in the world can
be achieved. In fact, I believe that it is the teacher who gives
a child hope in others, hope in oneself and hope to reach his or her dreams
sometime in the future.
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“What lies behind us and
what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies
within us."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
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