My name is Alexandra Martinez; coming to you from Nevada. I completed my student teaching in Northern Virginia, and absolutely loved my experience there. I am in the last eight weeks of my masters program in Teaching and Learning: Leadership. I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue my education, and implement that which I have learned in this program, into my classroom and school. I would like to continue to stay in the classroom, and possibly teach entry level education courses at a community college. I would be open to a role in administration down the line, but for now, I love being in the classroom with my students.
This is my fourth year teaching; I am a Freshman and Junior English teacher at our school districts largest high school (we serve just under 2,400 students). Teaching can, at times, be a daunting occupation. Teachers and administrators wear so many hats, and are responsible for the well-being of students, that sometimes I feel overwhelmed. Once scripture that applies to my life now is Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go (New International Version).” I love this scripture because i believe if we put in all of our effort, and be faithful, the Lord will take care of the rest.
In my free time, I love to sing and listen to music. I have a personal preference for Broadway, and singing. I also participate in gymnastics about three times a week. It is my stress relief, so I often prioritize time for it. Without having kids yet, I am able to do that. One thing that I failed to mention while filming my discussion is what I hope to get out of this class. I am not a technological savvy person. I hope to learn about various resources that can make the learning process easier for my students, and the teaching process more productive for me. I hope to be able to have the means to face any technological barrier I may face without having the knowledge that I am excited to gain from this course.
Hi Alexandra,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and I am happy for your accomplishment in earning your master degree! As I read through your post, I could identify with it in so many ways. Especially the path you have chosen in pursuing a degree in educational leadership, as this is the same path I have taken. I also prefer to continue in the classroom, and even tried administration for a while. However, through this experience, I realized that I am a teacher at heart. Not only a teacher, but a primary teacher. I am grateful for the opportunity God has given me to return to my calling, which is the children. Differently than your case, I teach at a small Christian school, in which just under 500 students from preschool through 12 grade are served.
As a mother of a teenager, I admire your work with these special, but also very challenging age group. I couldn't agree more! Teachers and administrators do wear various hats! I believe that as Christian educators, we are called to leave a mark in the lives of students we come in contact with. For that to happen, we must be true to our calling and be in continue prayer over our students. Additionally, the investment in building meaningful relationships with students and their families is the most effective tool for success of students’ academic, social, and emotional gain, as well as it will provide teachers with.
I also feel the same regarding technology, as I do not consider myself as tech-savvy as I wish to be. Therefore, your choice of Scripture is very fitting, as we all need to be strong and courageous and not fear. When it comes to technology, I have learned that teachers can truly benefit from collaboration between other educators, as well as technology-centered professional development.