Jatzmin Estrada

Vision Statement
Teachers can have a big impact on their students whether they
realize it or not. There are different ways to reach different students
when considering making a difference in the students lives. My vision
statement consists of setting a good example for my students by being
a good role model who shows them how to make good decisions, by
creating a safe/positive environment, and not only empowering them
in the education aspect but also in life long lessons by creating
opportunities for active engagement with course content and
materials.
Becoming my students role model, setting a good example
for them should be stressed. It is important to know that a teacher or
an adult has affected everyone, either positively or negatively like Rita
Pierson explains (2013).Teachers should role model the love of
learning, and they should have enthusiasm about their job (Jensen,
2005, chap 5). By doing so, it will inspire a passion for learning. This
also includes being open with students. If you are open with them they
will open up to you. Sharing your interests and dislikes could be a way
for you to open up. In order to accomplish this you need to be a good
role model inside and outside of school.
Creating a safe/positive environment can motivate students
to put in the hard work. Something that caught my attention about Rita
Pierson (2013) was when she explained, students do not learn from
people they do not like. This includes setting high standards, if you set
high standards your kids are going to work harder because they think
you believe in them that is why you expect so much from them. Rita
Pierson (2013) talks about positive grading; I think that makes a big
difference when it comes to motivating students to do better next
time. Making your classroom be a safe environment is important
especially for those students who do not feel safe at home. School can
be their escape from such environments. Although these students may
not be as academically caught up as others, it can give them the little
push they need to improve. Overall the point is that we work hard for
those who have a positive attitude because a positive attitude is
contagious and so is a negative attitude, knowing this we need to
remain positive and make our classrooms that kind of environment
(Kagan, 1994, chap. 16.10). Teaching lifelong lessons in a classroom is
possible when using the right opportunities. I want to leave a legacy of
relationships that can never disappear just like Rita (2013) Pierson
speaks about in the video called Every kid needs a champion. When
you incorporate real life situations you can make it possible. There are
going to be students who come from not so pleasant homes, their
guardian probably never taught them how to be respectful to others.
This is something that teachers can change for kids. Setting
class/personal goals can set kids to a higher standard. We as teachers
spend more time with our students than their parents/guardians
Jatzmin Estrada

actually do, we can be the person who teaches them something they
will never forget.
Creating opportunities for active engagement with course
content and materials is highly important for the students learning. The
students will increase their attention and focus by being engaged
during the learning process. The students will be motivated and
happy, engaged students are usually happier than disconnected ones
who have isolated tasks to do (Jensen, 2005, chap 3). As the teacher
its important to adopt a student-centered approach of instruction to
increase the students engagement. The more the students are
engaged and give more attention to the learning also usually means
better results (Jensen, 2005, chap 3). The teacher will be able to
provide student-center instruction that will motive the students to have
higher-level critical skills and meaningful learning experiences.
Ideally I want to be the kind of teacher who makes a difference in
at least one student. I hope to accomplish that by putting to practice
my points. Frist, by letting my enthusiasm for learning come through in
my classroom. Second, by creating a fun, safe, and education
environment. Lastly, by incorporating engaging opportunities for all my
students. Overall a teacher can choose to make a difference in her/his
students or just be ordinary like all the other teachers.
Jatzmin Estrada

References

Jensen, Eric. (2005). Teaching with the Brain in Mind 2nd ed.
Alexandria, VA. Association of Supervision and Curriculum
Development.
Kagen, Dr. Spencer. (2009). Kagen CooperativeLearning. San Clemente,
CA. Kagen Publishing.
[TED]. (2013, May 3). Every kid needs a champion/ Rita Pierson. [Video
File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=SFnMTHhKdkw&t=17s