By Randii Harrald

 

 

The reason that I educate and teach,

Goes beyond what people may think.

There is so much to be learned,

And for a good life, I want students to yearn.

 

As an educator, I feel it is my duty,

To help them live their lives fully.

To say, “You can do it!” and “Always be better!”

And “Don’t be afraid to speak!” because their voices matter.

 

To always encourage and motivate,

And spread goodness and love, over evil and hate.

To help them decipher what life is all about,

Dr. Seuss said, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”

 

In one of Erik Erikson’s Development Stages,

Identity vs. Role Confusion are the adolescent ages.

Figuring out who they are and what they want to do,

Is a hard realization for students to succumb to.

 

So I am a listening ear when the going gets tough,

Letting them know life isn’t always so rough.

Explaining to them, they are never alone,

To have faith in Him because God is hope.

 

Health and Wellness is what I truly love,

I am overjoyed to share it with everyone.

Seeing someone make a healthy behavior change,

And being a part of that process is a great thing.

 

This past semester, I taught a credit Yoga class,

Where all of my students had anxiety and stress.

I am happy to say that at the end of eight weeks,

They were less stressed and filled with more peace.

Since all students are different and learn at their own pace,

I keep Vygotsky’s Scaffolding Technique in place.

Taking the time to help them succeed,

Creates positive results and increases self-esteem.

 

College students are amusing and wonderful,

And teaching them, I couldn’t be more grateful.

In any manner that I can make a student smile,

I feel like I am living a life worthwhile.

 

The gym is an experience where students can unwind,

But also were they can learn, grow, and thrive.

This is an example of interaction and continuity,

Explained by Educational Theorist, John Dewey.

 

The main reason that I educate and teach,

Is for all the different types of students I reach.

Listening to their plans, hopes, and dreams,

I could not imagine a better purpose for me.

 

References:

John Dewey’s Philosophy of Experience and Education. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.icels-educators-for-learning.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=68#ref

McLeod, S. (2013) Erik Erikson. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html

McLeod, S. (2012). Zone of Proximal Development. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/Zone-of-Proximal-Development.html

 

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