Adirondack Excitement!

My name is Heather Bennett and this is my LAST course before I receive my diploma. I like to think I saved the best for last! When I first enrolled in the Master’s program here at Cortland State I found out one of the classes I could take would involve a week at the Adirondacks. I automatically signed up for this course because I truly love the outdoors. I am taking this course to hopefully learn more about how I can integrate science and knowledge I gain from this experience into my teaching.

As young as I can remember, I have always had the passion to become a teacher. I love to be around children and to be a part of their development as learners. Children are such unique and energetic characters that it helps me to remember that life does not have to be completely serious. I cannot imagine another job that would keep me young at heart. Not only do I like the fact that children keep you young, but a career in teaching does not end my education. I also enjoy the fact that a teacher is a professional and lifelong learner. I look forward to the educational setting where my methods in which I perform my job are always changing. I feel a teacher is never done learning, is always adapting their point of view, and using their imagination constantly. To me, choosing a career in teaching is the most important job one can hold. Teachers are the people who produce future doctors, lawyers, politicians, and other various important people that make our society as powerful as it is today. No matter the background of the child, his race, his gender, or his societal worth a teacher is able to give a child a chance at future success. That is a gift of a lifetime that no other career can provide. I can honestly say that I am excited to make teaching a lifelong career in which I plan to learn, grow, develop and reflect into the best teacher I can be.

My goals as a teacher are to provide the material and information so each of my students succeeds in whatever path they choose. Maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment will encourage students to use problem solving as well as risk taking. Creating an environment in which teachers facilitate a student centered classroom allows for active learning in critical, creative and reflective thinking. Providing students with this experience and support will allow for academic and personal growth. Every student has the opportunity to learn and be part of a classroom environment. Honoring diverse learning styles and praising individual accomplishments will allow students to feel part of a classroom environment.

My goal for this course and the Adirondack experience is to free myself from any fear and try new things. I hope to take what I learn from this course and apply it not only to my teaching but to my personal life. I have heard many great things about the Adirondacks so I am looking forward to the experiences I encounter, new knowledge I will gain and the friends I will make. Can’t wait!