Table of Contents

Introduction

My Rationale

Current Resume

Professional Standards

MY RATIONALE

Why Do I Teach?

“The primary goal of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in the independent world (National Council for the Social Studies).”

Why I teach is a difficult and complex question. I have always had a strong desire to teach. This desire began when I was in grade school and then grew stronger over the years. Deciding I wanted to teach was an easy decision for me. However, why I want to teach has continually changed as my teaching experience has grown. Originally, it was simply that I like working with children and young adults. When I thought of having to go to work every single day I dreaded any potential career except teaching. My reasons for teaching have matured as I have. Teachers have the ability to facilitate the academic and personal growth of students. This is a great challenge and responsibility. Teaching also allows and requires me to expect the best from my students and to continually encourage them to strive to do better.

Social Studies may be taught from many diverse disciplines and allows for multiple learning methods. An interest I have in teaching Social Studies was the opportunity to present students with information about what is occurring and has occurred in the world; stately, nationally, and globally and their various effects. Social Studies also enables “students to construct an accurate and positive view of citizenship and become citizens able to address persistent issues, promote civic ideals and practices, and improve our democratic republic (NCSS).” As a Social Studies teacher my main goal and purpose is to encourage students to critically think while emphasizing the values and concepts of democracy and diversity.

While this is presently my primary purpose, my rationale for teaching is a work in progress and will continue to change and expand. The following links of my rationale will explain more in depth my goals as a teacher. However, each part of my rationale is again a work in progress and will continue to change as I develop as a teacher.

Critical Thinking

Democracy

Diversity