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Welcome to my Classroom
A general teaching philosophy
To me, there is no proper way of stating why I want to be a guidance to remember in paragraph form, for a teacher is the speaker of the classroom. Thus, I have composed more or less a speech that I would like to serve as a welcoming lecture for my future students:
“Like every teacher, I want to be some form of an inspiration for all of you. Surely I could say that this lecture of mine will bore you, excite you, or even anger you but honestly, I have no idea as to how this lecture will affect all of you in the long run; and that’s the beauty of it all. Now whether you choose to roll your eyes, sleep, pass notes, or actually listen, I will begin.
I am pretty sure that it would be impossible to relate to any of your lives. Ever since the day I was born, I have lived within a world of too many privileges: my father has paid for every single one of my educational expenses and I have already seen some wonders of the world that many have yet to see or will never see in a lifetime. Now I am not trying to brag. I am only here to help place all of you at the start of your life’s tunnel.
We all know that every single one of us in this classroom has a different background, has different strengths and weaknesses, or lives by a completely different lifestyle. Therefore I am here to try and show all of you that life and hope do not stop at a difference, but bloom. I have told all of you about my different world. By no means am I saying that my life is the right choice. I am simply saying that no matter what, all of you will have the opportunity to have a privileged life like me. But you all must understand that each and every one of you will become successful in different ways and at different times. In that case, what is success exactly?
Success is a messy term in our modern American world. Today society tells us that one’s success is determined by another being's judgment. Yes, society will continue to judge every single one of you until your day of victory has come. Again, your own individual success will come at a different time – maybe sooner or later than society’s desire. But, it’s not up to society to give you your success and happiness. It is about your own personal will power and I am here to help you find that inner power. Of course, I don’t want to force anything upon you guys, but there is something that is a basic must to accomplish in order to succeed in success – education.
Whether or not some of you proclaim yourselves as not very bright students, it is because that inner power has not been challenged enough. Yes, some students are more gifted in subjects than others, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try. If you fail at a subject it is not because you are dumb, it is because you didn’t try hard enough or gave up. So before you decide to give up on a certain subject, do NOT be afraid to ask for the teacher’s help – we are here to help you. In all honesty, to give up on an education is like giving up on life. Yes, unfortunate consequences may occur along the way but while they’re not here, take the opportunity to expand your minds. As a teacher I may pull you off to the side and say ‘hey, I can see you are struggling with this aspect of this chapter, how about we go over it’, but it is really up to you on whether you want our help or not. Again, I am here to help - not to dictate.
Maybe this rant is something all of you have heard before. Maybe my rant has gone through one ear and out the other. Nonetheless, one teacher after another will give you all a different version of my speech; and whether all of you decide to listen or not, it is your own individual choice. I can help you with getting your life started, but each and every one of you has the complete control. Just remember that I am not here to force anything upon any of you. I am here to help you, to guide you, to share knowledge with you, and to learn from all of you as well; and while I am your teacher and would love to see you all succeed, I am still society and I urge every single one of you to aim higher than me”.
In short, I have a lot to learn along the way and I know I will encounter plenty of challenges throughout my teaching career until the day I retire; and as a teacher to be liked or despised by my students is not on top of my list, but the opportunity to do everything that I possibly can and more for my students is my number one mission.