Buy one, get many more!

I think one of the things I like most about the idea of being a teacher is the idea that "teacher" does not mean one job, but it means many jobs.

I'm sitting here staring at a chart that explains the many roles of a teacher during language arts instruction - organizer, facilitator, participant, instructor, model, manager, diagnostician, evaluator, coordinator, and communicator. Just reading the list is a little overwhelming, but exciting at the same time.

I think this list and others like it help me to realize the importance of every teacher I've had, and my importance as a future teacher. I'm will not simply be an adult standing in front of a class trying to teach, but I will go through an entire process of getting students ready to learn, helping them learn and interact, and assessing and encouraging them along the way.

I believe that one of the most important roles on this list is "participant." This also goes along with the role of "model." It makes me realize that I will be a student all of my life - even as a teacher I will still be a student. I remember my 5th grade teacher (amazing woman) would always remind us that she never asked us to do anything that she hadn't done herself. She would then either work on a project together with us, or show us her filled out worksheet or activity. This effort on my teacher's part to show us the work she put into our lessons gave me a true respect for her. I want my future students to understand that I'm working with them through this learning process.

Of course, all the roles of a teacher are important, and I'm beginning to understand that it is going to take a lot of work and effort to really influence these children in a positive way, but I am looking forward to it.