Webster’s Dictionary states that a teacher is, "A person who teaches to give instruction for a living."  That is exactly what I had in mind when I decided to become a teacher.  As a teacher, I want to be able to make a difference in at least one of my student’s lives, and  I hope to teach every child what is necessary for them to live and survive in the world.  My philosophy of education explains the importance of learning and teaching knowledge to my students.
     I feel that it is very important for each child to know that they are special and unique.  Each student in my classroom will have different abilities and interests, and I want to encourage them to have self-confidence in everything that they do.  Another aspect that I want to teach my class is knowing that their choices, ideas, and decisions are significant to my classroom and their everyday lives.  They need to know that every choice they make should be from their own values, and that they do not have to conform to the world around them.  If each individual can start making decisions at a young age, then when they are on their own, decision making will not be such a challenge.
     I believe that the student is the most important aspect of my classroom.  I have learned from experience that a child has to feel that someone cares for them and is interested in what they want to do.  Most children that do not feel that they have a place in school or enjoy learning, will not want to be there.  In my classroom, I want to encourage each child everyday, and I want the children to encourage one another.  When someone is encouraged by their peers, I believe that it makes a world of difference in their attitude towards school and learning.  Self-esteem is so important for everyone in society to have, and if the idea of it can be instilled at an early age, then they can grow up knowing that they are worth something.  During the many years as a student, I have discovered that I learn better and more when I participate in the learning process.  I want to be a teacher that involves the students in the classroom experiences and activities, and allows them to make conclusions from their own participations and reflections.  Also, as a teacher, I want to show my students that having values and morals are an important part of life.  It is necessary to have a focus for your life, and to have goals to reach for.  I want to instill positive motives into each child, and allow them to see through my actions that there is a hope for their future.
     As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher.  My family has been a huge influence on my decision to be a teacher.  My dad is a teacher, and I have seen the difference that he has made in his student’s lives.  To this day I meet individuals that had my dad as a teacher, and they always tell me what a wonderful teacher he was.  If I can take a little of my dad’s abilities to touch lives like he has always done, then I will have fulfilled my calling to be a teacher.  I love children, and I love to see their minds grow as they learn many new things.