“Educators value the success of all students. Educators care for students and act in their best interest.”
Standard 1, in my opinion is the foundation of why you are a teacher. It is because your passionate about learning, surrounding yourself with students, and understand that everyone has unique differences that can be enhanced through various ways of learning and teaching so that all can succeed. Educators have many hats to fill besides teaching them the basics of math as an example. An educator’s role is to care for their students in every way that they can, whether that be intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and overall, their well-being. The child is the heart of the classroom, without students, we wouldn’t be teachers. We must embrace all they have to offer to value to success they each offer. As a future educator, my goal is to create a classroom environment where students feel safe and welcomed as they are. I believe that the world needs more expectance for who people were made to be. I want students to shine and express themselves, whether that be through their culture, their interests, their exceptionalities, etc. I want students to feel confident in who they are where they have a space that they feel they can thrive in. My job as a future educator is to take steps to build trust in my students that is built upon communication, trust, empathy, and encouragement. I believe that every student who walks into my classroom door or sees me in the hallways should feel valued, heard, and feel that they are making a positive contribution to our classroom (and school) community. When I reflect on what standard one means to me, a key word I think back to is “connections”. Connections mean everything when it comes to being an educator. It is the foundation of our job and is what allows student to thrive. I know that connections with my students mean everything to me and standard one is not possible without having those meaningful connects. As an educator, my goal will always revolve around creating an inclusive classroom where all students feel welcome and heard. Whether that be identity, sexuality, culture, and/or exceptionalities, creating a safe, welcoming, empathetic classroom, that all feel welcome and supported in, as well as making sure all students feel heard and seen in my classroom and that they feel supported on their educational journey. My students will always be put first when it comes to their support and growth.