WEEK THIRTEEN- Weekly Journal

Co-op has proved to be an amazing experience for me; one that I will never forget. I look forward to being there everyday, and this is a requirement for a future in this field. Teaching is something I can see myself doing because being a student now, I see how much influence teachers have had on my life. They work so hard to make sure that each of their pupils understands the lessons. They go above and beyond what they are supposed to do, just for the well being of their students. I have learned so much from every teacher I have ever had, and I would love to be able to touch a child's life, just as so many teachers have already done to me. Kids and teens see their teachers almost everyday, and they become sort of a unit. I am definitely a people person, so always being in an environment where I am around people would be an advantage to me. After each day of co-op I feel refreshed and just happy to have an opportunity like this. The students have responded really well to my presence, and I can't be more thankful of that. It has just occured to me that some of these kids will probably remember me for a long time to come, and hopefully I have set a good example for them to follow. This thought really motivates me and makes me want to work in this field even more.
I do realize, however, that I do need to improve in certain areas for me to be a great teacher. I have my strengths, but I also have my weaknesses. One of my bigger weaknesses is my conflict resolution. I have been focusing on this area, and really trying to improve on it. I have come a long way, am I am very proud of myself for it. I do think that with age and experience I will improve drastically, because I will have more knowledge and authority. I will also need to be able to adapt very quickly to gel with students' behaviour and learning styles in order to be successful. I need to be able to respond to anything that may occur in the classroom, and this will come with education and more experience. The reason co-op is so great is because I get a head start in figuring out what aspects I need to improve on. In order to follow this career, I will need to get a University Degree, where I would get a Bachelor's Degree (eg. Bachelor of Arts), and then my Bachelor of Education. I then think I would get a Masters Degree to deepen my knowledge in this field, even though I could teach without getting this. I am a very motivated person, and believe I have the power to do whatever I want with my life.
Mme. Mercer has talked to me about this field when I have asked or espressed visible interest. Also, for one of my assignments, I had to ask some questions that pertained to teaching, where I learned a lot about what I would have to do to be successful. Mme. Mercer always slips me important information about teaching at random times, and I really appreciate this. I always remember the valuable advice she gives me. People at my placement enjoy their chosen career because it deals with helping kids triumph and learn what they are good at. They are constantly doing their best, and I can only compliment them on this. I can see that they love being around people, and teaching others what they know. And to be a great teacher, this is a quality that one must possess to have fun and teach others.