1. Teacher Nick Scott

2. Becoming a Teacher Before me lies a pathway littered with obstacles and detours—it is my task to maneuver this course and ultimately: Graduate college with honors Attain the position of elementary teacher Change the lives of children—for the better

3. Goals Maintain a 4.0 GPA through graduation Attain a teaching position at a local elementary school Imbue students with the sheer joy of learning Instill a sense of respect and responsibility in my students

4. My “Holy Grail” I believe that if I am able to maintain a 4.0 GPA through graduation, I can motivate my students to achieve the same level of standards. “Aim high!” I’ll tell them.

5. Making the Children Laugh Education should be fun and exciting. As a teacher, I plan to keep their spirits high with humor, while expanding their minds with interesting lessons.

6. Do unto others… To learn respect, the students must experience it first hand. Children must be held accountable for their duties: attendance, homework, etc. To earn your trust, create an atmosphere reminiscent of a family dinner—show love and use manners.

7. The Roots of my Philosophy I draw my philosophy for teaching on experience. I have been surrounded by children my whole life, from a little brother, baby-sitting, mentoring at Ameri Corps’ Energy Express program and ultimately being a father of two wonderful children—my son and daughter.

8. Philosophy of Teaching As an elementary teacher you must know how to think like a child—what makes them tick. Establishing yourself as an authoritive figure is a must. There are rules of engagement that must be adhered to. Younger children must be taught respect, responsibility and self-worth.

9. Philosophy of Teaching You are the captain and your children the crew. They look to you for guidance and support. Give the children your mind, heart and soul; and most importantly your time.

10. Global Understanding Most children do not watch the news or read the newspaper—rendering them oblivious to the outside world. Connect the curriculum to world events. Promote social interaction. This will force your students to tackle problems through creative, deep and logical analysis.

11. Abstract Problems Challenge your students to answer the questions of how and why—not always what. Ignite creativity in your students and allow for them to express their ideas and opinions in a respectable manner.

12. Individual Responsibility Students are in control of their academic careers. Every students has the ability to learn, to obtain knowledge and to succeed. Failure under any circumstance is unacceptable. Accepting failure opens the window for acceptance later in their lives.

13. Passion for Continual Learning Show your students there is much more to learn beyond the confines of the school walls. Teaching should be a promotion of continual learning—a lifelong process.

14. Knowledge Obtained Through my EDUC 209: Technology for Teaching course I have become proficient in the following: Microsoft Excel, Word, FrontPage, Publisher and PowerPoint E-mail Navigating the World Wide Web

15. Knowledge Obtained Through my BIO 100: Biology for Elementary Teachers course, I gained a wealth of knowledge: Creating both lesson and unit plans Teaching Applying creative computer software to lessons Creating a learning center

16. Experience Mentoring at the Energy Express program, gave me first hand experience in the role of teacher.

17. Who is the Teacher? It is important for teachers to realize that they can learn just as much from their students as the students from them. Teachers must be flexible and continually seek growth for improvement.

18. My Greatest Teachers I credit much of my knowledge and growth to my children. They have taught me to keep things simple and enjoy life.