I made the decision to become a professional teacher through an introspective process of career counseling followed by participation in the Teacher Licensure Program.  The self actualized progression of the career counseling sessions had me analyze many aspects of the teaching vocation including but not limited to expected industry trends, impact the career change would have on my family, and the financial implications of becoming a teacher.  But what I found most compelling throughout my journey was how my personal attributes matched those needed to thrive in the academic environment.  My personality type (ENFJ), along with my lifelong process of socialization, has blessed me with an inherent need to help others and be personally invested in their achievements.  Once personally committed, I enrolled in the Teacher Licensure Program (TLP) to fulfill my aspirations.

Through the TLP I have acquired the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful and professional educator.  This all encompassing education has ranged from broad philosophical theories of education to development of course specific lesson plans, yet there is still one aspect of teaching left to obtain: experience.  I believe that the cooperative teaching experience will be the most valuable part of my learning process, and it will solidify and validate my personal motivations for pursuing a lifelong career in teaching.

Some of my prior work experience in fields vastly different from teaching has given me some practical skills that can be used in education.  The most glaring similarity comes from my experiences as a trainer in a factory setting and training owners at the end of construction projects.  I trained fellow employees at Merillat Industries in using new computer based machining equipment.  I was also part of several groups/committees in which I took part in writing standard procedure manuals and safety processes for employees to follow.  I equate these experiences to the development of curriculum and adherence to standards of learning.  As a construction supervisor I routinely train building owners, staff, and maintenance on how to use different building systems upon turnover.  I feel a great deal of pride in the fact that these experiences have always been productive for both the trainees and me, professionally and personally.  However, the best learning tool I have in my arsenal is the experience of raising my own children.  I have been active in my church as both a children’s church and Sunday school teacher, which involves engaging a diverse age range of children in the weekly lesson.

Other personal characteristics that I possess that lend themselves to teaching include good communication skills, ability to take a leadership role, loyalty, dependability, attention to detail, results oriented, and the ability/need to work as part of a team.  I feel that I have a lot to give and receive in the interconnected environment of a school.  My goal is to not only connect to students on an academic level, but also form a bond of trust within the classroom.  By accomplishing this, I believe that students will maximize their learning abilities and enjoy the social experience that inherently accompanies academia.
This is my teaching philosophy/approach