Role of the Teacher
The teacher must be a role model that not only creates a positive learning environment, but also is able to adapt to students needs and create an understanding, by being fair, yet firm. They need to persevere and bring enthusiasm to different subjects in an attempt to ensure every student has an understanding of what is being taught. It is essential that teachers create an environment that encourages students to discover their learning abilities and take pride in what they have accomplished. Along with my belief in active learning, my beliefs regarding the role of the teacher is to help students “develop knowledge, skills, and characteristics that will lead them to become personally successful” and grow as a human being (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2014). I do not believe that the state, social status, or peers should determine success. To be personally successful, I believe, is determined by individuals themselves. Society puts pressure on students to continue education in order to secure a high socio-economic status. Individuals in our society are looked at as being more successful if they have a high socio-economic status and material items that come along with that. Teachers have the ability to empower students to seek out what makes them feel personally successful, whether that is in the popular subject area of science or the arts, which is not a focal point in the current curriculum. Whatever students’ passion may be, it is the teacher’s job to empower students to chase their dreams. I think that by having a classroom that is student focused, with the teacher there for guidance and support.