Jessica Hall

Shaping people, society, and the future is no small task expected of educators. Often, unrecognized as one of the most influential persons responsible for the outcome of others, teachers persevere for the sake of the children they have the opportunity to impact. I consider this one of the greatest professions and I am continuously thankful that I feel called to aid in the vigilant fashioning of the future to come. The basis for quality teaching and learning is possessing proficient communication skills. As a teacher, I face the challenge of instructing students that have different language and communication skills other than my own. Understanding that language acquisition proceeds in an ordered pattern helps me instruct the areas my students need more focus on. Each student I encounter brings a personal backdrop of experiences to share enhancing the class environment. The uniqueness of others is celebrated, appreciated, and accepted. Every student is an individual. Each citizen of the classroom has something to give and share, reflecting their thoughts, beliefs, language, and culture. A multicultural environment leads to many avenues of interest in learning. As an accepting and nurturing teacher, it is my personal duty to encourage the students to develop a sense of community that reflects approval and cooperation with others. Planning for instruction is as valuable as the instruction itself. As a teacher, I reflect on my students’ needs as I plan instructional practices. I constantly ask what academic, physical, and emotional levels my students are on to provide the best instructional opportunities. Incorporating the family is a necessity and cherished. The student, family, and school personnel being a team establishes the paths for success a student needs. Together we make the ultimate difference. Using various strategies to reach individual students reflects their uniqueness and importance as classroom citizens. Encouraging each student’s distinct identity enables alternative assessments to be successful and reflect accurate abilities of each student. A continued pursuit of knowledge is an added benefit to my instructional practices. I will never cease to exist but ripple through time as a whisper of hope, of things possible.