Introduction
Without any doubt, one should note that the position of an elementary school teacher is one of the most challenging, meaningful, and significant professions. Neither humanity nor a modern, developed society can do without this specialist. Thus, a tutor has a colossal obligation – to be responsible for the growing generation, and building literate and patriotic-minded citizens. At the same time, it is an exciting and fascinating creative activity. A teacher is primarily a creator who sculpts human nature as if a master makes a magnificent sculpture out of stone through their labor and efforts. Hence, this person shows a child’s character and personality and, ultimately, their student’s future. Moreover, children are an eternal inexhaustible source of joy, energy, positivity, and happiness, and the more kids there are in the classroom, the greater this source. Consequently, being a teacher is not just a profession because it is a whole life that needs to be appropriately justified. Education and upbringing of young children is a unique field of knowledge, science, and art in one key, the comprehension of which I want to realize perfectly.
Addressing the Ideas
My Experience
There are many moments in the world, and sometimes inexplicable ones, which to one degree or another, can affect the formation and development of an individual personality and fortitude. Therefore, reflecting on the causes and factors that influenced me, warm and vivid memories from the past immediately come to my mind. For instance, I quite often recall my childhood and youth, my friends and relatives-peers, as well as the little adventures that take us into the “unknown valley of dreams,” filled with carefree joy and fun. We often dreamed about what we would like to become as adults, and I remember my answer perfectly in those days – a teacher.
While still studying at school, I have always admired my teachers and their desire to train and mentor others, help in difficult times, rejoice together, and worry about ups and downs. The “radiance” continuously comes from such real teachers who amaze people and, finally, infect them with an incentive to new knowledge and creativity. Probably because I also had such good educators, I chose this never-aging, wise, and challenging profession. Now, already working with children, I am convinced that I have determined exactly the path that I can and want to follow all my life. I realized that pedagogy is mine for life and have never regretted my choice.
Importance of the Practice
It is a precious and valuable experience that has shown me the right path and determined my purpose, which many people cannot find even during their whole lives. In my opinion, not only experience is essential, but also the thought derived from it. Self-reflection, comprehension, and analysis of my past experiences and emotions opened my eyes to my skills and talents, which I can transform in a better light. I realized that I could do small but great, incredible feats to change the world in pedagogy. As the great doctor and educator Maria Montessori said: “the education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him or her for school, but for life” (Worldwide, 2018). After all, it is a teacher who is the hero of our times.
My Passion
For me, teaching in elementary school is primarily a mission, lifestyle, passion, creativity, enthusiasm, and vivacity, but not a practical activity that brings only monetary reward. It is more than just a job because it is a special vocation. Many people work to live, but as a teacher, I get pleasure from something that has not equal in most professions as a reward! When I see smiles on children’s faces, their “burning eyes,” filled with great motivation and striving for perfection, these moments fill me with unique, indescribable feelings.
Major Challenge
Indeed, in every person’s life, some cases and phenomena hinder the achievement of goals and dreams. Hence, for me, one of such problems blocking the way to success in pedagogy was the inability to control oneself, excitement, stress, and confusion in the first periods of working with kids as a young specialist. Undoubtedly, I was already quite at a high level in possession of huge program material at that period, conducting academic and educational work. Meanwhile, my heart was anxious, and I often wondered how my pupils would accept me and whether I would be able to establish the necessary relationships with them and achieve the required results. As a rule, in theory, such moments are always expressed as beautiful and natural. Still, it is often challenging to apply this knowledge in practice since I was faced with an unusual situation. To a lack of pedagogical experience, it was not easy to cope with my thoughts and feelings.
Overcoming the Challenge
In fact, my personal spirit prepares me to overcome such a problem. Thus, for example, my fortitude helps me understand myself, realize and skillfully use my own reserves, and correctly determine the prospects for self-determination and self-promotion. Moreover, it allows me to use the available knowledge about myself as a teacher in professional situations. I began to control myself better, properly allocate time and effort, and constantly engage in self-improvement and self-education.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to be in the role of a teacher for me means to become a wizard and a blacksmith, a discoverer, and a guide on the Road to Life. It is a difficult but, at the same time, fascinating and interesting career that allows me to reveal my real, genuine, and authentic skills, talents, and potential. For me, it is not just a job that will enable me to survive in the current conditions but a vocation, mission, and lifestyle that I strive to justify perfectly.
Reference
Worldwide. (2018). The 10 best Maria Montessori quotes. ScooNews. Web.