I am teaching junior and senior level English at Lake View High School. My plans are not clear as far as where I want to teach after graduation. I am considering attending graduate school. We'll just see how this unfolds.

I believe that the top three roles of a teacher are: mentor, encourager, and leader. A good teacher teaches more than just the academic content. They also serve as mentors in many different aspects of their students’ lives. Especially at the secondary level, students are going through many changes and making many choices that will affect them for the rest of their lives. A teacher should serve as a mentor and advise them to make the right choices. These better choices will guide them to success and happiness in life. With teachers serving the role of a mentor, student fears that come with the feeling of being alone and unsupported will begin to disappear. A mentor will prove that they always have the students best interest in mind as they guide, advise, and teach students how to succeed both academically and personally.

Teachers should also be encouragers/motivators/cheerleaders. This role is vital to the self-esteem and self-worth that students have. A higher self-esteem will encourage more ambition. Students need this extra support and motivation to see their potential and the options ahead of them. Also, by encouraging and cheering on their students, teachers exhibit a sense of enthusiasm that will rub off on the students. Teachers can show their love of the content and learning through this enthusiasm and, in turn, help students find importance in education, and maybe even a love for the subject themselves.

A teacher should also be a leader. A good leader is a good role model. Students need someone they can follow and look up to. Also, assuming the role of a leader will help to establish a sense of purpose in a classroom. Leaders will treat all students fairly and keep a cool head and demeanor at all times. A good leader will demonstrate and encourage respect. They will commit to a job or goal and exceed expectations.  A teacher who is a good leader has great class management skills. Better management in a classroom leads to more effective lessons and teaching, and therefore, more student learning.

                                                           Anyway, this is my family as of 2 years ago...

 

This is my weenie dog back when she was just a pup...

adorbs, I know.

 

This is my boyfriend petting a random cat...

                                                         And this is my cat studying for finals last semester...