!"# %&''()*)+,-( .

''(/0-,/1+
Personal Essay

Becoming an educator opens doors to many possibilities to teach, learn, and contribute in a variety of
contexts that include but are not exclusive to schools. What are your goals as an educator and what
qualities and experiences do you bring to the challenge of becoming one? Provide examples.
My goals as an educator are three fold. First is to challenge and gain further knowledge of my own
understandings, ideas, and methods around education. Second is to be able to use the formal
qualifications, newly acquired theory, practice, and previous experiences in the public school context to
positively lead and impact students in their ever changing and challenging learning environments. And
my third goal as an educator, albeit a more selfish one, is to provide myself a greater work life balance
allowing me to align work better with my childrens schedules and spend more time with my growing
family. Growing up in a family of educators, I took for granted the benefits and sacrifices my parents
made for my family and having a family of my own now, I realize the importance of the education
system. I want to be a part of the change or evolution from within so I can positively affect my family
and other children. As a mature student with many life and working experiences, I have gained an
understand the importance of continually educating oneself and to impact students one must lead by
example, be adaptive to their audience, environments, and foster mutual respect. I have many
experiences in different teaching capacities and contexts and feel that my qualities are the foundation to
my successes. I have a contagious enthusiasm and passion for learning and teaching new things. I am
patient, compassionate and understanding to individual needs and preferences. I am flexible, and
responsive to changing and challenging work environments. I work well collaboratively and
individually. I am competitive and determined to do well in what I do. Reflecting back my life I have
come to an understanding of what gives me a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction from
my work. This stems from teaching when I am able to be apart of helping others to discover, develop
and learn. The emotional expression from a students realization, understanding, or accomplishment,
gives me great deal of self worth. Whether it has been one of my adult learners at RBC comprehending a
concept or method in the financial industry, a gymnast accomplishing or perfecting a new skill, a middle
school student grasping a mathematical equation, or even my son developing new words or expressions,
I receive a deep sense of reward knowing I was a part of these learning experiences. This is likely what
drives my passion and enthusiasm and I believe it has a lasting affect on those I teach. Having an
excitement about what I am doing has always had a contagious effect on those to whom I am trying to
relay and connect with. Patience, flexibility and collaboration have proven helpful in both personal and
professional aspects of my life. My patience has been challenged working with children and adults with
specific needs and preferences, but through colleague collaboration and an understanding of different
comprehension styles and learning preferences, adapting my own has always given me my greatest
successes.