When I submitted my application to Michigan State University's (MSU) College of Education in Fall 2005, I had just entered my very own classroom for the first time. Although this was my first experience �on my own,� I had a very diverse and educational experience the two previous years. My experiences included student teaching, subbing, and volunteering. However, I still did not really have a complete understanding regarding how a classroom worked. In reflecting back after reading this essay, I feel that although I have definitely grown in my ability to teach more effectively and more efficiently, I still have the same basic ideas that I go by.

I still feel that a good teacher has the following qualities: 1) loves children; 2) knows the subject matter; 3) dedicated; 4) enthusiastic; and 5) organized. I still believe that all of the above is true, and that successful teachers, need to be life-long learners first. I recently took an on-line test that my principal asked all of her teachers to take from the book Teach with Your Strengths. A few of my top teaching qualities are listed above: being a lifelong learner, dedicated to achievement, and organized.

I still feel that it is critical for me to both give and receive from other teachers. Just like when I applied, I share teaching ideas from others at my school as well as seeking their advice on educational issues. I still participate in multiple list-servs allowing me to interact, learn, and share with teachers all around the world.

In addition, it is now more important than ever for me to be able to differentiate instruction for the many different types of learners that I have in my classroom each year. As a teacher, I still feel that one needs to evolve with the profession to provide the best education for all students. Teachers that do not do this need to get out of education in my opinion, as they are not providing the best educational opportunities possible for their students.

The past few years of teaching have made me realize even more so how I need to connect what my students are learning today to how it will help to prepare them for their futures. This includes instilling a lifelong love of literacy and learning.

I feel as though had I not had the two years of subbing and volunteering experiences before I applied to the program, my essay would have been written differently. Subbing and volunteering provided me with a better understanding of teaching in a variety of schools with students from very different backgrounds. I truly feel that the experience that I had those few years, allowed me to have a better understanding of the world of education before I entered the program.