As a teacher of mathematics, I have the ability to open students’ minds to the beautiful world of mathematics, however, I believe I am first a teacher and then a teacher of mathematics. As a teacher, I am dedicated to growing as a professional. I do this is by being a lifelong learner, reflective practitioner, grateful servant, and compassionate professional.
As a lifelong learner, I am committed to learning how to become a better teacher. This appears in several different ways in my career including collaborative with other teachers, observing other teachers, and reading various teaching resources. I love sharing activities and lessons that worked well with my colleagues and also those that didn’t because there is always something to be learned from failure. I also love reading teacher-help books and various mathematics education research to improve my teaching. I believe that I will never be done learning. There is always something to be learned especially from those around me and various resources.
As a reflective practitioner, I am committed to constantly reflecting on the ways I am succeeding as an educator and how I can continue to grow. I love receiving feedback and identifying my strengths and goals I have to improve. Without actively looking for ways I can improve, I find I become static. This is why I am constantly taking notes and trying to refine my skills as a teacher of mathematics.
As a grateful servant, I am committed to recognizing the positive aspects of everyday when I open my classroom door to when I close it. A few weeks before I began student teaching full time, I began a gratitude journal. In writing a few things in my gratitude journal every week, I found that I was filled with optimism. I have also recognized that in sharing my gratitude with my students and colleagues, it helps them maintain positive attitudes and feel appreciated. Teaching is hard, but with a grateful heart, I find that I am more loving, more joyful, and more compassionate.
As a compassionate professional, I am committed to showing my students, their parents/guardians, and colleagues compassion. I believe in offering grace, even when it is not deserved. I once had a student approach me in tears about an assignment she didn’t turn in because she was having a hard time at home. Since the assignment was a significant part of her grade, I offered her time to turn in it for credit. The look on her face of relief was heartwarming and I learned that at times we all need grace, even for ourselves.
Being a teacher of mathematics is truly rewarding. I get to see students explore the beautiful world of mathematics and watch as their faces light up. Teaching is also rewarding because I have the opportunity to grow as a lifelong learner, reflective practitioner, grateful servant, and compassionate professional. As a lifelong learner, reflective practitioner, grateful servant, and compassionate professional, I believe I take part in a larger part of my students’ lives aside from their mathematics education.