My Purpose, My Beliefs, My Superbowl Thoughts

I'm not a big philosopher so summing up what my philosophy has been difficult to get my head around.  I've been mulling over what we talked about in class on Tuesday to try to get to what I believe.

First, let me look at our thoughts for this week's blog.  My purpose in being a teacher on the surface is pretty cut and dry.  I love kids, I love books, I love the idea of equipping kids for a future full of opportunities that they can choose or not choose (and isn't not choosing a choice too?).  I've come to this path of teaching in a round about way.  My first love was reading; as a kid and as an adult.  I chose to study English Literature when I went to college.  I'm good at many things, but my dream job has always been to be a librarian.  In substitute teaching after my kids got a little older I began to assist/sub a lot in the library.  Now, as the long term Library sub, in order to obtain the position, I need to have my teaching license.  No problem, off to CNM I go.

Well, in my position at the Osuna Elementary Library, I see this opportunity to get kids interested in something new.  In my classroom, I get to see every student in the school.  My purpose is to share my love of books, corny right.  I run additional programs because I think it will reach more kids.  They may think it's just for fun or an extra, but they're learning or going on reading adventures, or at the very least seeing my passion for books and get to wonder, "What is it that she thinks is so great?"  One little question may open a door.  It may be corny, but I'm good at it.  It's not a job for me, it's fun.  The kids respond.  The teachers respond.  I'm not perfect, by any means.  I think I'm in the right place.  I'm fulfilling my purpose.

Larger society?  That's easy.  I'm modeling for the kids a passion that I have.  They won't have my passion, but they each have their own desires.  I believe the purpose of education is to equip people to grow up and find their purpose, their passion, their "thing" and go do it.  I believe that the more kids are exposed to in life and in school, the more learning opportunity they have, and the more they absorb, the more choices they will have later.  Be what you want to be.  If you want to be President, a construction worker, a lawyer, a teacher, or the fry guy at the burger joint, be that, but give yourself the most education in life and in school so you can choose any one of those instead of not having any options.  Sure, it's going to be harder for some than others.  Some will come by it easily if only because they were born into a home that has the tools to get that kid to their place in life, but all have an opportunity in America.  Larger society will see the impact of what I do for students because they will be a little closer, have a few more tools, and be equipped in a few more ways after I've had the opportunity to teach them.

That's enough of that....now for the Super Bowl....I don't know about point spread, but I'm thinking there might be a bit more middle age spread happening after I eat all the yummy food.  I will probably choose the NY Giants because I'm an east coast girl from way back when.  :-)