My Educational Motivator

In 9th grade I had to repeat Algebra for the second time, my esteem was low, and my mind was full of negativity. Not only was it a fact I was repeating Algebra but my teacher was also a lady, and from my experience lady teachers gave lots of notes; which I didn't know what to do with just taking notes and trying to pass. As the year progressed on I recognized that she was not like all other teachers, male mainly, and definitely not like the last woman teacher. She gave clear notes, multiple examples, gave lots of independent time, and I could feel like she really cared that we ALL passed - her actions were very clear, she was always available to help you get the concept. Her favorite phrase was, "We won't go on until you ALL have it!" And she really meant it, her word was her bond. Due to her actions, I knew I had to put more work in and pass this class this time or I would find myself repeating Algebra over and over again. My esteem was no longer so low I just sat in class but participate, my mind did on occasion get filled with negativity but I knew I could go to her or even a peer and get help. I was no longer afraid of math or even having others see that I struggled here and there. I was not going to let math conquer me, so I better conquer it for sure. I try to emulate her teaching behaviors with every interaction I have with my students. 

My Educational Deflator

My first year in college I was enrolled in Statistics, my professor was also the Head of the Mathematics Department. Knowing such fact made earlier insecurities flare up; he is going to be hard, he is going to be hard to approach, and I am going to fail! Epic fail! On the second day of class we were going to review the provided homework set. I remembered telling my self, "There are no stupid questions," that's what has been engrained in my mind since I was little. AND, even though I never upheld such thought I was going to try today. I raised my hand, proceeded to ask my question, and was immediately made to feel smaller than an atom. His response was, "That is a stupid question. If you are asking such question you are not ready to be in this class." Stunned, mortified, and ready to run out I turned and asked my peers if they got it for which no one could reply 'yes.' I asked them to speak up and their faces reflected their unified sentiment, 'No way José!!!' At the end of that class I disenrolled and waited for Summer where I passed. I knew the only way I was going to be successful was to be in a class where there were no judgments, access to curriculum and support was equal, and with a professor who did not think he was above everyone else. 

My Aspirations

As a teacher I want to make sure that I maintain a since of balance in my teaching behaviors. Where I know when to be nurturing and when to be a teacher who has command attention for the best interest of the learning. I will avoid providing instruction in one learning style versus another learning style. I will remind myself to motivate all students by getting to know who and what motivates them internally and using that knowledge appropriately in the class setting.  Most importantly to always ask questions of my students and make them understand I am here to help them all!