Elementary Educator Essay

To become an instrument of education is a privilege that allows one to free ignorant minds. Next to food, clothing and shelter, education sustains an individual’s life. And this education has the most impact in the early years of childhood. Counting a few years into the future, I would like to have the opportunity to play an important role as an elementary educator. Early Education What we are now, what sustains us as we become adults, is the culmination of our experiences and education through the years. Education in the early stages of life is the most crucial. The things we are taught when we are young are carried over the years when we become adults. As one book title goes, â€Å"all I ever need to know I learned in kindergarten,† and that I believe in. At some point in our lives, we will always go back to the basics. Early education accounts for all the basic skills that we need to know — arts, music, math, science, language and social studies. It begins with learning through play. Later on, the elementary educator becomes responsible for gradually changing the medium of instruction from games to more formal means such as classroom teaching. More depth into the subjects is now incorporated and various modes of teaching are practiced. It now involves passing on knowledge from the teacher to the student in the most effective way possible. For the most part, it is important that educators are intelligent and well-educated themselves. Not only do they need to have the desire to teach but they also need to have the desire to practice lifelong learning. Teaching entails accurate and up-to-date knowledge in the various areas of study. The daily routine involves preparing lesson plans, creating visuals, learning and teaching technology, administering examinations, evaluating presentations and overseeing activities among others. It is the educator’s responsibility to pique his students’ attention and to keep them focused on the goal of learning. The responsibility, however, does not end in the technicalities of the job. Apart from formal instruction, there are other classroom duties that the educator needs to oversee wherein students can also learn (Wingo and Schorling, 6). These duties teach students to be responsible and develop soft skills such as management, leadership and organization among others. Therefore, it is also important that educators understand and are able to practice these soft skills themselves. To be considered a successful teacher, however, requires going beyond these roles and responsibilities. To be a great teacher is to provide guidance toward emotional and social maturity (Wingo and Schorling, 15). And to do this, the educator’s sincerity needs to be seen by the students to inspire respect and trust. Once the respect and trust is established, the relationship will take on a higher level of confidence. Given these roles and responsibilities, it is only appropriate that those, such as me, who wish to be educators, be required to have earned at least a bachelor’s degree (a degree in Childhood Education is required for those who wish to teach in private institutions), completed an approved teacher training program and be licensed (Teachers par. 1). The degree ensures that the educator is equipped with the right knowledge and tools to teach. The training ensures the educator is prepared to take on the challenge that he is about to be involved in. But only experience can teach the educator establishing effective learning and personal relationships in the actual environment. Envisioning a Lifelong Career The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 1 in 4 Americans are enrolled in educational institutions. This fact equates to 13 million jobs in the education industry. To further add to the statistics, employment is highest in elementary and secondary schools. School attendance is compulsory until age 16 – more students, more teachers needed. As for the wages, it increases as the level of educational attainment increases. Elementary school teachers are reported to average at 43,000USD. Given these numbers from the BLS of the U. S Department of Labor, I can assess that I am looking at a promising career in the education industry. There is a demand for workers in the field given the number of students required to take early education. I am looking at job stability with this demand and its fair share of wages. In a few years, expected retirements will also create job openings. If eventually I come to the decision that I would want to move forward in my career, there is very high potential that I will be able to do so. All I need to do is pursue my studies further so I can move up the next level of teaching. The good thing about being in the education industry is that the need for learning will never cease. And the learning areas that exist are endless. There are a number of options one can have from preschool education to middle school and secondary education to vocational and special education. One can choose to be in a public or private institution. Learning becomes very rewarding because it becomes possible not only for the students but for the teacher as well. A curriculum exists to be followed but the creativity in the execution of this curriculum is left to the teacher. However, as with any other career, frustrations can arise with learning motivation problems. And it is an educator’s duty to understand his students and inspire motivation (Wyse, 2). Behavioral issues are also concerns of the teacher. Even violence whether minimal or very brutal (i. e. killings as reported in the news), is possible. Handling these kinds of situations can be very tough but it is part of an educator’s duties. Resolution of these problems requires the establishment of good teacher-student relationships through gaining trust and respect and the development of a healthy classroom environment. Overall, I look at being an elementary educator with more advantages than downsides. The potential for my growth in this field, given the degree that I am pursuing, is something I am looking forward to. To be able to contribute to this nation’s progress through honing the skills of our students and enriching their minds is an honorable achievement.