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Kathy L. Sirois

Secondary Methods I.

Timothy Doak

9/27/2005

Building a House…

            There is a vast difference between the elementary level and the secondary level. At the elementary level, the teacher helps the student build his/her foundation. This is very important because without a strong foundation, it takes twice the effort to rebuild it. Reading, writing, and mathematics are very important at this level. However, this is not all that is important, communication and other “hidden curriculums” are just as important. The secondary level, however, is like building a house over that foundation. Each style of the house is different and unique; depending upon what the student takes for classes and well as his/her interests.

            I want to be a secondary level teacher because I want to help build that house. I love high school because it involves thinking, doing, and even more, asking “why”. I would love to teach high school because I remember high school. I want to give those who are not “book savvy” a fighting chance like those who are.  I want to teach math because it is the perfect medium. There are so many different ideas you can integrate into math.I believe that the only way one can be a great teacher is to be a reflective teacher. I want to be the teacher that is right there working with the students, and not looking down at them. Just problems in a book aren’t enough anymore. Using math in many different career backgrounds, however, is very important for a successful student..

            I want help students build a house that they can be proud of. After they leave high school, they have to build their own roof. With the knowledge that we give, it’s up to them to protect it and renovate it accordingly.