Engagement

           Based on Episode three of The Story of Schools and entry number 49, I was able to see an aspect I wish to implement in my classroom. I found this entry in the section labeled Engagement in Teaching Hope because it allowed me to see the impact other cultures play on education. It is interesting to learn about different cultures and I want to embrace my students’ different cultural backgrounds. I find it fascinating to learn about students’ lives and this is one aspect that is important in making that they are. I want my students to appreciate where they came from and where they are now. I look forward to diversity in the classroom, and would love having an ethnic day where we learn about one another’s cultures. I believe this would help the students accept diversity and become closer to their classmates. I really enjoyed what this teacher did and the impact it had on this one women. It was a moving story and a wonderful demonstration of her passion for her students.

            Another case in this book that showed a teacher’s passion for a student from a different culture was in entry number 72. This story was so moving and something I truly enjoyed reading. The standardized testing system is not a test I enjoy but it is required so I choose to accept it at this moment in time. However, I do believe it is an inaccurate representation of students due to language barriers, types of learners there are in the classroom, and the fact that is one day that could be a bad or good day for the student. It is better to see how student progress over the years than it is to judge their ability after one day and one test. I found it powerful listening to what this teacher and their colleagues did for this student who had dreams and worked hard to advance in education to make her dreams come true. It was a remarkable way to show how special each student is for what they bring to our classrooms and as a teacher I choose to remember this entry and the message it presents.

            Lastly, I could not forget the first entry in this section. It is really entry number 46 and as I read further I was constantly brought back to this entry. It was the perfect entry to start this section because the job of being an encouraging teacher involves these aspects such as care, passion for subject, respect, and such for each individual student. I hope that even after teaching for many years I can have the same love and enthusiasm for students and my classes. Her story is encouraging to so many because it shows that we should care for students no matter what. We should get to know our students and know about their life out of school as well. This story just moved me and allowed me to think about how I want to be a teacher like this. I want my students to say I care too much and I want to show them my passion for the class and each of them. This is the most important aspect to being an encouraging teacher.