"Teaching is performing brain surgery daily." --unknown
So it took about 3 years, but I think I am finally what the majority of people would consider a teacher. I really feel as though I finally know what it's all about being in front of a classroom, and none of my 6 years of educational studies could give me that.
When I was an undergraduate, I was often asked what my philosophy of education was. Maybe I knew what it was then, and let me tell you, it was filled with flowery phrases and nieve optimism. Most of what we 'philosophized' about only served to stroke our professors' egos. Sure, every child can learn, but not every child can learn linear algebra or the symbolism of the novel Animal Farm. And you know what? That's just fine. God gave everyone special talents, and we must never try to be what we are not. But NEVER should the student or the teacher give up. I think that's why we have 12 grades (13 if you went to Kindergarten). Students get that much time to see what they are good at. As such, I believe that students do not have the right to fail a subject because they don't like it. I was good at English; but I also got an A in Chemistry. There's a certain pride that comes with acheivement-- I think students have forgotten that...
I am going to create a website for my students, and when it's complete, I will put a link here.