Recently, I was exploring various web pages on the topic of beliefs. One particular page stood out to me, as it explained that a belief is when we hold something to be true, even if we cannot fully prove it. In this section of my digital education journey, I am excited to discuss my passions and reasons for pursuing them. I wholeheartedly believe in the work I do each day.
What am I passionate about?
I've been working as an early education educator since 2013. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with many different students, each with unique characteristics that have helped me better understand human behavior, particularly in children. From my experience, I've come to realize that children are like a mold, with the ability to be shaped and molded like clay or polished to shine like a diamond. I've encountered many challenging situations with my students, but I've also had the pleasure of teaching brilliant students from day one. My passion for education stems from the contribution that teachers make to society, which is crucial in laying the foundation for all career paths. I've developed a deep connection with my students and care about their well-being. While some may argue that emotions have no place in the workplace, it's impossible for me not to care about the value that each student brings. Even the smallest achievements bring me immense satisfaction, knowing that I'm making a positive impact and helping to sow the seeds that will grow into beautiful plants in the future.
Emerging Issues
In any work environment, there are challenges that must be addressed. I would like to highlight two pressing issues related to digital education.
Improper utilization of technology
Firstly, the misuse of technology in classrooms is a significant problem. As a substitute teacher, I have witnessed students spending their entire day playing games on tablets instead of engaging in meaningful learning. While there are many resources available to teachers, it is important to find appropriate tools that keep students engaged and motivated while still achieving the intended learning outcomes. Teachers must be trained to make effective use of technology in the classroom and avoid these poor teaching practices.
Bilingual Learning Instruction​​
​Another issue is the lack of organization between the languages spoken in our country. Although English is the official language, Spanish has become increasingly prevalent in speech. This presents a national-level problem, as the bilingual education system is not sufficient for students to develop proficiency in both languages. It is common for children to feel confused and stressed when trying to learn both languages. Effective, well-planned strategies must be implemented to ensure students acquire proficiency in both languages without feeling pressured.​​
As members of a society in need of significant change, it is important for all of us to contribute to creating productive learning environments. This requires a collaborative effort from teachers, parents, school directors, and government agencies at all levels. We must work together to achieve real change and provide our children with valuable learning opportunities.
What is right or wrong?
Explaining what is good or bad in education is a difficult task, as every system has its flaws. However, we must learn from those flaws and constantly improve.
For instance, safety within schools has been a long-standing concern. Unfortunately, there are people who want to harm others, and fatal cases have occurred. We have learned a lot from past experiences, and protocols have been put in place. However, it is unfortunate that human lives had to be lost for us to learn. Instead of blaming anyone, it is essential that as teachers, we instill values and love for respect of life in our classrooms. Furthermore, always following safety protocols is essential.
One issue facing certain school districts is a lack of teachers. This may be due to a shortage of individuals who are passionate about teaching and committed to the profession. Some people argue that teachers are not adequately compensated for their responsibilities and hard work and that the prevalence of violence in schools puts their lives at risk. Additionally, some suggest that certification requirements for teaching are becoming increasingly challenging.
Our nation has resources and wealth, and we have many positive things that we can take advantage of to get ahead and face all social problems, but we need more dedicated and passionate educators who prioritize their students' success over money. I love teaching and strive to make a positive impact on my students every day. Devotion to education is crucial, and I encourage those who pursue teaching to do so with enthusiasm and affection.
My CORE Beliefs
When it comes to my core beliefs, I am a teacher who enjoys implementing innovative activities that involve technology. I genuinely believe we can look forward to a bright and promising future thanks to the incredible technological advancements we're witnessing. Although I was educated with a different teaching method, I believe that if digital tools are used correctly and with an educational purpose, students can achieve significant learning. I do not dismiss traditional learning methods as they have many positive aspects. Still, in a society that is constantly changing, it's essential to address the emerging needs of this new era. This is why I enjoy the concept of Blended Learning, which combines the old and new school methods. I appreciate its flexibility and the priority it places on learning.
I strongly believe that by utilizing various digital tools, I can assist my students in developing their skills and competencies, which they can then apply in their everyday lives across different subjects such as English, Spanish, mathematics, and science, among others. As teachers, we can confidently say that with the incorporation of technology in the classroom, both our students and ourselves will gain valuable experience. This technological advancement will prove to be a beneficial tool for students to learn and develop as apprentices.
The image on the left reflects all the words mentioned above. You can see the CORE belief as a cycle of personal and professional growth.
In conclusion
After considering all the previous points, I can conclude that being a teacher in this new era requires great task and commitment. We must educate our students with love and patience, while keeping in mind the ultimate objective which is the student's learning. Our goal is to mold the adults of tomorrow. However, we cannot accomplish this task alone. We need the support of the entire society, including parents, educational and government authorities. If we work as a team, we can bring about positive change and see the fruits of our efforts. We should strive for this change, and we will be grateful to witness it tomorrow.
References
Learning Philosophy – Learner’s Mindset….. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2023, from https://tilisathibodeaux.com/wordpress/?page_id=1539
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STOP STEALING DREAMS: Seth Godin at TEDxYouth@BFS. (2012). [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXpbONjV1Jc
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Stop Stealing Dreams. (n.d.). https://seths.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/stop-stealing-dreams6print.pdf