Why Teach?

 

    Hello, my name is Kirsten Dawson! I am a freshman majoring in elementary education! Growing up I always knew I wanted to work with kids but for the longest time I went back and forth between teaching or becoming a pediatric nurse.  My mom has been teaching kindergarten for almost 30 years. As I got older, I would spend nights helping her in our living room stapling books, putting together folders, cutting lamination, and I would often drive up to her school on weekends to help in her classroom. My Memaw also taught for 32 years so teaching runs in the family! I made up my mind around junior year of high school to be a teacher after giving it much thought. Helping people has always been a passion of mine, especially when it comes to kids. Throughout elementary school I had some of the best teachers who were so loving, selfless, and patient. Every day they showed how much they loved each of their students and it really inspired me. I have dreamt of having my own classroom and it being that safe space kids may need. It's important to me my future students feel they belong and know I will always be cheering them on. 

    I would love to teach 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade! If I had to pick a subject to teach it would be math. It was not always my strong suit in school, but I find it the most interesting and exciting to teach. Teaching young kid's new things and watching their brains work is so fascinating to me. They are very imaginative and creative. Even though we will be teaching kids there is so much they can teach us. I am very excited to have my own classroom one day and to get the opportunity to educate little kids! I can't wait to see where my future teaching career takes me!

    I have been on teachers TikTok for quite a while and one of my favorite accounts is @pbandj4thgrade. They post TikTok's that include classroom tours, teacher outfits, and answer questions of the day from their viewers. Another account I love is @teachinglittlewonderz because she posts different lessons she does with her students. She also gives good tips for decorating classrooms!