I Would Like To Teach For America

I am interested on being a third to fifth grade teacher in a public elementary school and have spent the last three years working towards that goal. I want to attend this program in order to better prepare myself to teach students of this age range and be an active agent in curriculum planning. I would also like to continue my education past this level through either self-taught, continuing education, or online courses, and possibly attain a doctorate at a later time.

I believe that my past personal and professional leadership experiences make me a quality candidate for this position because I have 8 years of experience working in an elementary school as a 6,7, and 8th-grade teacher and 2 years of experience working as English Learner (EL) Program Lead in a high school setting. These experiences have afforded me the opportunity to take on many leadership roles. For example, that of instructional leader and coach, science department chair, English Language Learner department chair, English language learner program lead teacher (ELPT), test coordinator, and facilitated scheduling and programming of EL students, MTSS coordinator, and a union delegate.

I have always known that it is my passion to help people. This is why upon graduating I attended Mohawk College to pursue a career as an Educational Assistant. After receiving my diploma I began my career helping children with special needs. On a daily basis I have interactions with social workers and children who are involved with the Catholic Children’s Aid Society. I have had many eye opening experiences during my time spent with them. I have worked alongside our school’s Social Worker and have gained insight into mental health. Being an E.A. is rewarding, but I have come to the realization that I aspire to do more for children in need; I wish to become a social worker.

Teach for America has benefited the field of education. Teach for America provides an education for children in low-income communities by recruiting a diverse group of members who desire to expand their educational opportunities. The program provides an intense training, support and career development to assist members in increasing their impact and deepen their understanding of what it takes to provide an excellent education for students. Teach for America has also produced members that now work at various levels of education, policy, and other professions, to ensure all children receive an excellent education (Teach for America, 2012).

I would like to further explain my interest in becoming a participant in the Teach for America program. It stems from my own personal experience of obtaining my degree and my pursuit of higher education. It is already known that one’s financial status can greatly affect how far you can go, the resources that become readily accessible are far and few, even with such advancements in technology and programs available to assist, it takes a person of fierce, stead-fast determination to navigate the systemic hurdles that were placed in my way. The many obstacles I have faced as a young African-American woman in New York are on par for the norm these days and it is because of them that I feel I would be not only a great candidate but an asset to this program.

While my dedication to teaching at some capacity has been a lifelong passion, I would like to explain why I want to join Teach for America by starting at the beginning of my own academic journey:

I am looking to join Teach For America because I am interested in exploring a possible career in education but also in giving back to my community in a significant way. As a recent graduate, exploring opportunities that help me decided the best possible career choice is a priority. Teach For America provides hands on approach for me to really understand what is required to be successful. I look forward to meeting the high expectations that TFA has. As the first in my family to graduate from college, I understand some of the various obstacles that are present in our current educational system. But I have also been fortunate enough to benefit from the work of those looking to make education more accessible to everybody. I am inspired by the positive

I desire to join the Teach for America organization in order to help me establish my teaching abilities. I have a passion for teaching children. I have always wanted to teach others rather children or adults alike. I first found my love of teaching at Wednesday night bible study class with the two and three year old class. I enjoyed seeing how much they loved learning the lessons and how they interacted with me and the other teacher. I know your organization will help me to achieve becoming a teacher through your training and hands on experience that you offer to your applicants that are chosen for this task. Teach for America will help me to grow and develop the necessary skills that I will need in order to be successful within the classroom

Teach for America is an organization that helps in need schools. Every day my professors tell us that that is where the teachers are needed most. Because of high rates of teacher turnovers, lack of school funding, and the negative impact of society some students fall through the gaps in the education system. I want to be a part of this solution and through Teach for America I will do that.

The simple and honest truth is that I want to make a difference. Joining Teach For America would be valuable to my society, and to myself. I always dreamed of joined the Peace Corps or some kind of non-profit organization following college. I have always had an interest in teaching, because I have had a love of care for and working with children for as long as I can remember. I also have always put a lot of value into a good education. Some of the teachers I had in high school were some of the most influential people I have had in my life, many of whom I still retain contact with. I want the chance to leave a positive influence on a student's developing mind. I believe that the quality of a child's education should be separate from the factors

As a young woman in the United States of America I believe that it is vital we learn to involve ourselves in our communities and understand the logistics of the government. I believe that the involvement of the Student Leadership Advisory Council would prepare me for future jobs involving government and involvement in my community. At John Paul II High School, I am a leader of the Ambassadors club. I serve and assist incoming freshman and their families as they decide on the decision of attending JPII. I enjoy advising and leading others in my school and community. When I was in fourth grade leading into eighth grade, I fell in love with helping special needs children. It has been an interest that I will want to pursue for the rest of my life.

I would like to be an elementary language arts and reading inclusion teacher. I am an avid believer in equality. I believe that everyone should be treated fairly no matter what the circumstances are. Growing up I was always aware of those who were different. I noticed the kids that everyone else chose to look over and I made it a goal to make them feel seen. I have seen so many teachers overlook students that were struggling and favor certain students above others. I believe that every student should be given the opportunity to succeed and that it the teachers job to play an active role in that process. Just because some students need extra help does not mean they should be swept aside. In high school I took a computer class and the girl that

Hello Corrine Johnson, I see in your post that you said you want to teach Kindergarten. Firstly, bravo to you, I do not have kids of my own, but the idea of dealing with so many young kids is something I could never see myself doing. I do have to ask though, why Kindergarten? In your post you made the comment that it was because of your son, but you also stated that he had disabilities and it was put as if these were the reason you wanted to teach Kindergarten. I myself had a learning disability and dyslexia when I was younger, which made me want to become a teacher. I was wondering, have you ever given any thought to working with kids with learning

Knowledge is a very powerful thing, and to be able to deliver this to today’s youth has been a dream of mine for a long time. There are many advantages to teaching. I feel that is a very fulfilling profession. I have seen my sister in the classroom, and it greatly inspired me to want to make a difference in some ones life. Through watching my sister in action I was inspired to follow in her footsteps.

Teaching overseas has been a dream of mine for years. I was blessed to be born in the United States and I desire to use my education and experiences to make the world a better place. I believe small changes have everlasting impacts. Often times I am asked why do I want to be a teacher? People say I could do "so much more". Well, we all teach. We all are role models whether we know it or not; people all around look at you to see what decisions you make, this is especially true of kids. When you realize this it can very rewarding. And that is why I "just teach". I know that it is my responsibility to teach not only academic values but also life skills. It is my calling to help kids get ready and prepared for the real world.