Jaylyn Thrower

Educational Philosophy Statement

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Robert Wolfe- Professor

01W. ETEC 424

 “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.”

These are the wise words of Brad Henry that have stuck with me for quite some time, and will

forever be engraved on my heart. What makes a good teacher? In my opinion, it begins with the

educator’s journey, and throughout that time, the purpose is revealed. I do not have the typical

life story, nor do I fall within the category of having a line of family members who were

educators, and as a result inherited the same career path blood flow. When I reflect on where I

used to be in life, I am elated for what the future holds. I know there will be many innocent lives

that I will influence, and that they will just as deeply impact me. I know that there is a basis for

my journey and experience gained thus far, and it is because of it that I can comfortably and

confidently state that I have found my niche.

         I have always known that I loved kids. My first “job” was babysitting! What I did not

know at the beginning of my college career was that I would want to work with them and be the

light for them, that I desperately needed at different stages of my own school life. The first real

job I acquired was a Coordinator position for an after-school care program for elementary

students, grades kindergarten through sixth. For the five years that I worked in this role, I was

exposed to a lot, both good and bad! This title set the tone for what I knew was going to set my

soul on fire.

 Seven years ago, my passion originated. For two of those years, I dove deeper into the field of

education as an instructional aide, which has opened my eyes even more. I have been fortunate

enough to be able to sub in all grade levels, and work within the specials department of SSI

(Student Success Initiative) assisting teachers and their students academically. As a result, my

confidence has been amplified even more! The more knowledge I have gained, the more I want

to implement change and give to students.  I believe that the field of education is immensely
underrated, and while it is ever-changing, it could still be so much better. First and foremost, it’s

important to me that my passion for teaching never dims, because while it may not be fully

required, a quality teacher knows that a multitude of hats are worn on the job. It is also important

that I provide opportunity, nurture, and bestow love to each unique child that I encounter because

every face tells and hides a story that I may know nothing about. I am not currently a mother,

however, I will be given the gift each year to fiercely equip students with the tools necessary to

be successful academically and socially. Some effective strategies would include incorporating

differentiation, technology, cooperative learning, inquiry-based instruction, and more! I want to

be the educator that many (not all) of mine were not - exceptional! Every morning can be the

start of something new. Once my little learners are able to feel at home in my classroom and

confidently carry their torch, learning can be both a smooth task and a marathon they are willing

to run because they will have me as the coach. With patience and persistence, I know my

students will truly learn something because they’ll be cognizant of the concepts they learn

(academic or not) and apply their knowledge to other things. This could include building onto

other concepts or assisting others by explaining what they know to others, so they too can

understand.  As an educator, I am committed to being there for my students, and advocating for

them; if I can motivate my students to believe in themselves and their capabilities, then that will

be the greatest reward of all.