Blog # 1

Why do I want to be a teacher? That's a very good question. Out of high school I had no idea what I wanted to do, and for the next couple of years I still hadn't figured it out. It occurred to me one day, that I had always done well in my English classes. I'd always helped the teachers with students who needed to catch up or some tutoring. I loved reading and analyzing works... so it finally hit me that I should think about teaching English. I don't think that I could deal with regular classes in high school, but I always loved being in my AP English classes. The behavior was like night and day. So that's my goal, to teach higher level English classes in high school. Or perhaps even teach at a CC.

The worst teacher I've ever had... I was never any problem through all my years in school. I was usually at the top of the class, and never turned in any late work. I remember the first day of class the teacher assured us that even if we didn't do great on the tests if we did our work and participated we were sure to pass. I did all my work, all the extra work, all homework and participated as much as I could. I worked hard and was tutored. I did well, except on tests. I got the flu and had a family member pass away in that same semester, but would always have all my work to give into the teachers when I got back. I never was behind on turning anything in. All my teachers had me down as missing 7 days (you can only miss 8 or you have to take summer school classes). My teacher said I had missed 9 and needed to sign up for summer school. A week and 1/2 after school let out we were supposed to go on vacation, but I signed up anyway and worked my tail off to get done in 1 1/2 weeks with my summer school, the teachers said that was the fastest anyone had completed it with an A. I did all this, and in the end when I got my report card back during the summer, the teacher failed me by one point anyway! I was so upset, it was the first class I had ever failed. I didn't fail one since then, either. So I guess it's obvious why I didn't like her to much. I talked with her repeatedly through my class with her, asked if there was anything more I could do for a better grade, and I was under the impression I would pass her class. She was NEVER friendly to me, never extended any kind of helping hand... although she was very helpful and nice to other students. I don't know if I somehow got on her bad side, but she seemed to not like me from day 1. Other students in the class noticed her attitude toward me too, although I never said anything.

Now, for the best teacher I've ever had... It's a tie. In high school I had the best English teacher. She didn't ask for to much, but wanted to challenge you at the same time. To me it seemed that she looked at each student in a different light, and would challenge them to there own abilities. She was fair, but not easy. She got the whole class involved on topics, and broke the mold for the 'usual' teaching methods. Onto Sandhills, I had an incredible teacher. (To bad I can't name names here!) He made everyone in his class think. Many of the things he taught I will never forget. He took the time to actually get to know people, and again expected just enough out of each person. He was ALWAYS friendly, I don't remember seeing him in a bad mood - ever. His positive attitude reflected on the whole class. I took as many classes as I could with him, and enjoyed going to his class everyday. I think that the main point with both of these teachers is that they loved what they did. It was very clear that they wanted to be at the front of the classroom teaching it. Fair, kind (but still firm), intelligent... those are just a few of the reasons they were great teachers. I also don't remember any behavior problems out of any of there students.