After reading all the material included for this week assignment,
I could not avoid reflecting upon my own experiences as a student. Along my elementary
and high school years I have the blessing of having great teachers; those who
ignite the love for learning and create an inviting classroom environment, and
those who put you to think why they chose this career because of their doubtful
actions.
I remember one time in high school when a physics teacher
made me cry so badly, I thought on quitting the course. I worked part time and
attended school, sleeping only a few hours a day and being tired most of the
time. That day I was exhausted and fell asleep during her class. This got her
crazy and started to yell and tell everybody that was better to stay at home and
skip classes instead of going to sleep during a lesson. Oh gosh, I was so
ashamed. And after she left the room, I cried with my heart all broken. I was doing
a great sacrifice living on my own and working to meet my needs, besides of
studying to complete high school at the age of 18 and got humiliated for doing that.
At the time I could not imagine I will become a teacher, but I decided never to
behave that harmful way with others.
Now that I work for a living as an EFL teacher, I have the
goal to be the best teacher ever for my students. I want to be empathetic,
receptive, affectionate, kind, a bit crazy, and passionate about my subject. I
would like to teach them with love and energy and communicate effectively and
properly, according to my students’ characteristics and needs. I do my best to
create a safe environment where respect, cooperation, kindness, and generosity
rule all our actions and behaviors. Is it easy? No, of course it is not, but it
is worth all the effort put on it. When you meet your former learners, and they
greet you effusively and smiling at you, you may assure you did something
right.
