“Educators value and care for all students and act in their best interests.”
Educators uphold a deep commitment to the well-being and development of every student under their care. They demonstrate this through fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where each student’s unique needs, strengths, and challenges are recognized and addressed. Educators strive to build trusting relationships with students, actively listening to their concerns and perspectives. They advocate for equity and fairness, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to learn and grow. Educators continuously seek to improve their practice, staying informed about best practices and adapting their approaches to meet the evolving needs of their students. Ultimately, educators act as advocates and mentors, dedicated to nurturing the academic, social, and emotional growth of each individual student.
Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be.
Rita Pearson
In practicum I collaborated with my coaching teacher, EAs, and ELL teachers to create lesson plans that were inclusive and included every student. Looking at IEPS, grade level, what the students liked or disliked up to that point. In my second practicum a student did not like writing I wanted to make sure that there were minimal writing so that this student can be engaged and learning. There was also a student with autism. Knowing where they were at, making sure they felt included and not missing out on learning was really big for my lessons. In my first practicum there were no IEPS. Still knowing where the students were at and what they liked or disliked was still beneficial. One student loved to create so one of my lessons had a project where they could create clay creatures. It built a connection with the student and did not exclude them. Working to not exclude or have a student leave the room was my big goal. Making sure every student feel welcomed and encouraging them they can accomplish anything in my lessons. Yes, some students will need to have a break or take more time but that doesn’t mean they need to be belittled or assumed they can’t do something. Listening to the students’ needs is what I’m going to carrying into my own practice. The more educators listen to our students the more we all can accomplish. In my second practicum the whole staff and admin at the school cared and worked for the students. Even when they had a hard day they still wanted to return and do whatever it takes to help the students. The students knew that the whole school was a safe place and that if they went to anyone they would care and help. Acting in the best interest of student is not always academic. I haven’t had to be in the situation to really push for my students outside the classroom. I know if I had to I would always act in the best interest for them while being professional. The reason I got into teaching is for the students. Some may not have a lot of people on there side or some may have a lot but what is one more?
