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 excited 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. Because of that passion, I was intentional

about the opportunities and jobs I sought out. For two of those years, I dove deeper into

the field of education as an instructional aide, which 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.