Beginning the Journey to Becoming an Excellent Teacher

After reading about Grant and Gillette’s 10 actions, “to put yourself on the path to becoming an excellent teacher”, I took time to reflect on my own teaching experience and how I have (or haven’t) incorporated these things into my teaching, and how I plan to incorporate them in the future. 

1.  Get experience with all types of learners and their families. 

I defiantly agree that this is an important aspect to becoming an excellent teacher.  This is an area in which I will continue to gain experience as I encounter more students.  I have learned to know a variety of students from different cultures and backgrounds but can continue to strive for relationships with all my students and their families.

2.  Become critically active.

I have had a number of valuable experiences during my college experience that have helped my professional growth.  My membership to ACDA, and my participation in an IMEA board meeting have helped me to feel active in the world of music education.  This will be something to remember as I enter into my professional teaching career.

3.  Take your education seriously.

I believe that I took my education seriously.  I could have pushed harder in a few areas, but I worked hard and learned a lot about music education.  I feel that I was prepared for student teaching and am ready to begin a program of my own.

4.  Become aware that you are a role model and act accordingly/ become active in your community.

I realize that I am a role model, and I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to impact the students that I work with.  In the future I will work to find ways to engage in my community.  I may help in sports at my school, volunteer with some organization, or join a church and help with activities there.

5.  Volunteer in or join an organization or get involved in a group comprised of people who are significantly different than you. 

In my college experience, I enjoyed spending time with the international students on campus.  I helped a friend from Rwanda with a traditional dance and found conversations with international friends to be very interesting and rewarding.  I have also enjoyed attending a Spanish speaking church in my area.  Cross-cultural relationships have become important to me, and I intend to continue in finding space for these relationships in my life. 

6.  Develop ways to “recharge your battery”.

There are a number of things that I can do to refocus my mind when I become stressed.  I know that when I go for a walk, talk to God, spend time with friends/family, read my bible, or play guitar, I will come away feeling refreshed. 

7.  Practice Democratic principles.

This is something that I have been aware of in my classroom, and will continue to implement.  I have found that children often make hurtful comments without realizing what they have said.  With this in mind, I strive to educate students on more than just material, but how to be sensitive and aware of differences that surround them. 

8.  Learning to identify allies.

Especially as a teacher of the arts, it will important for me to find people who support what I am doing.  In the future I can seek out teachers in my school to help with music activities.  I will also continue to participate in supportive organizations such as ACDA and IMEA that will enable me to make outside connections.

9.  Study effective teachers.

During my college experience, I have had the opportunity to observe many effective teachers. This is something that I have done a lot of thus far, but I realize that observation will become more difficult as I begin teaching full time.  With this is mind, I will need to be intentional about taking time for observation every now and then when I have a free period or day off.  Observation will continue to give me inspiration for my classes and also provide support.