When I graduated from Lehman High School in the year 2000 I was awarded the Lungard Scholarship. I would like to take this opportunity to inform you, the Lungard Scholarship Board, of my progress throughout college. With the aid of this scholarship I have been able to accomplish many great things at my time here at Ohio University. I am currently a junior in the college of Education as an Early Childhood major. I plan to graduate on time spring quarter of 2004. Upon graduation I plan to work as an elementary teacher somewhere in the Midwest.
First I would like to inform you of my work background. Last summer I began my work with young children at a daycare center in my hometown. I created instructional materials and procedures consistent with individual learning needs and behaviors. I implemented new activities based on children’s interests. I collaborated with the head teacher, co-workers, and parents to maintain a partnership environment.
Due to my heightened interest in working with children, recently I have been working as a volunteer at the Athens Head Start. This has been a wonderful and extremely worthwhile experience. Working as a teacher’s aide, I created a safe, comfortable, and fun learning environment for children from the ages of 3-5 years. I developed, designed, and implemented indoor and outdoor activities and educational lessons. I provided a full range of age appropriate activities to encourage children in advancing in their development.
I plan to continue working with children this summer in another daycare center. Spending my time working with children has been a great experience for me as a future teacher and I can not think of a better way to spend my time. It is very important to be a responsible role model for these young children.
Throughout my time here at Ohio University I have been very dedicated to my studies. I have been on the Dean’s List every quarter. Because of my distinguished grades I was invited to join the International Education Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi. To become a member you are required to maintain a 3.3 GPA and complete fifty hours of volunteer work. I was able to learn a lot about myself through the volunteer work.
Another important influence on my time here at Ohio University has been all of the field experience that I have participated in through my classes. Numerous classes have allowed me to get out into the teaching field and truly experience what teaching entails. This has been extremely beneficial. This type of hands-on experience is exactly what a teaching professional needs before jumping into their first year of teaching. It is important to have pervious experience and knowledge about working with young children. The only thing that can prepare you for teaching is to do it. All of my lab experiences have genuinely added to my educational experience in the classroom. Through these lab experiences I was able to apply first-hand the techniques I was learning in class.
Now I would like to share with you a little more about my career choice as an elementary school teacher. I will be teaching elementary school students academic, social, and motor skills in public or private schools. I am responsible for preparing course objectives and outlines for course of study following curriculum guidelines or requirements of state and school. I will be teaching children the rules of conduct, as well as maintaining order in the classroom and on the playground. Counseling pupils when adjustment and academic problems arise is the responsibility of the teacher. Discussing pupils' academic and behavioral attitudes and achievements with parents is a very important aspect of teaching.
There is a large demand for Early Childhood teachers. Many of the current teachers are preparing to retire soon, which will leave a large position opening in all areas. Location is not a factor for my profession. There are schools anywhere you would want to live. Basically, first year teachers earn the same salary no matter the location. An average salary of a first year teacher is around $24,000 - $27,000 (http://www.salaryexpert.com). This is not a large salary by any means. If you are in the teaching profession you cannot be in it for the money. It is important to love what you are doing. Teaching is about shaping the lives of young children.
Once again I would like to thank you, the Lungard Scholarship Board, for your funds. They have been of great assistance to me in paying for my college education. I will continue to update you on my career endeavors.