To me, education is one of the most important factors in society today. Education should be child-centered, focusing on the most important person involved. I believe the purposes of education are to: expand knowledge and appreciation for curriculum based subjects; to prepare students for higher education and/or the workforce; and to help students become more culturally and ethnically aware.
    As educators we must be prepared to serve as leaders, role models, team players and good company to our students. We must also present information that is useful and interesting. An emphasis should be placed on learning about issues in society so that children will be able to function and prosper successfully both before, and after graduation. These issues should not only include educational needs, but physical, mental, and emotional needs as well.
    We, as educators, must also be ready to accommodate to whatever our students needs may be. Children learn in a variety of ways and at different paces. Therefore, many different methods of teaching must be used to effectively convey the messages our students need for success. I feel that learning is very active and students learn very well by doing, not by viewing. For this reason, hands-on activities should be incorporated into the classroom as much as possible. One strategy that I will use in my teaching is to enable students to connect, or relate, what they are learning in one class, to what is being learned in other classes. This will ensure that students have a deep and complete understanding of the concepts being presented.
    Through teachers and education, children can be properly encouraged and prepared for a successful future. The children of today are the only hope we have for a brighter future. We must be sure to cultivate all students to be the best leaders of tomorrow.