Flexability

One of the most important things I have learned though the years is to be flexible! Having a ton of different things going on at once, it means a lot to me that most of my teachers are willing to work with me and help me get through my assignments. I think that being available and understanding that my future students are in fact human will be one quality that would help students in so many ways. Have you ever had a teacher that was BY THE BOOK, and no if and or buts? I have! and let me tell ya I didn't like them.
Knowing how to be flexible can have so many advantages! For example: A student does not understand the assignment for that day. You go over it a million times, but they just do not get it! As a future educator I feel that it is my personal responsibility to think of another way in explaining the criteria, compromise with the student. By that I mean find what interest them and work off that ( another reason why you should know your students).
I feel like if I'm not flexible with my teaching strategies and can not successfully teach my future students then instead of being doctor and thinking something is wrong with the child, I fist need to evaluate myself!

Know Your Students

When I become a teacher, the first thing I feel that needs to be done, other than provide them with a wonderful education, is to know them! I believe that it is so important for me to know about my students memorize their name, know where they come from, and understand them. The last thing I would EVER want to do is embarrass a student in front of my class, so I need to know their strengths and weaknesses. I would never call on a student who has trouble with math, to go up to the board and do a difficult math problem. Not only does that hurt them, it causes all their self esteem to dwindle away.
I remember being the kid who never made A's on my assignments, but I had wonderful teachers that knew who I was and knew when to ask me questions in front of the class that would make me shine! Cause isn't what what we are here for? Making students feel confident in learning and showing them that education is POSITIVE! So many children get funneled away from education and it would be so sad for me as a teacher to say: am I what caused that child to hate school?

Hands-On Activities

YES I want to be an elementary teacher!! One of the most important things in teaching is the process of learning, and I feel (from experience) that students learn BEST from hands on activities. I took this class when I was at Mississippi Gulf Coast it is called "Art For Elementary Teachers" and I feel that that class was a major asset to my teaching career. I learned how to incorporate activities in learning.
Growing up the assignments I remembered longer and even until this day was a result from some sort of hands on activities. I think that it is also very important to incorporate change in the classroom. Sitting in your desk all day and listening to the teacher gets very boring very quick. It is so important to keep your students attention!

Technology

Wow has my view on technology changed over the past year. My EDM 310 class has prepared me for any technology glitch I come across. I am happy with the results from my EDM 310 class because it has helped me see what is yet to come with the technology and how much it has evolved. Before that class 2nd graders knew more about technology, and what it has to offer than I did. I feel confident going into my classes and being up to date along with my students so we will all be on one page.
I feel that teachers should know a good bit about technology, because it opens this whole new world in the education area for students. The use of technology can lead to fun activities on line, or internet pals in other countries. Their tons of learning experiences that can come from technology if you just give it a chance.

Don't be Afraid to Learn From Your Students

Growing up I had a lot of teachers that would hate to be corrected! I totally disagree with that. I feel that if you are teaching a lesson and you make a mistake and one of your students correct you EMBRACE THAT MOMENT! That is a learning experience for you and your student. Admit you were wrong I'm sure that the students would respect you more for it. I feel that when a students feels good and comfortable with their learning environment, so many positive things can happen. When students are afraid of you, and afraid to speak their minds, their learning will be put to a stop. Don't be afraid to learn from your students, and they will not be afraid to learn from you!