Reflection #1 - Why Be A Teacher?

When people ask me why I'd like to be a teacher, a million thoughts float into my mind. There are so many ways I can answer that question, but I often find it difficult to make others understand why teaching is so appealing to me. The best way to describe the experiences and feelings that led me to wanting to teach elementary can best be grouped into three categories: creativity, love for learning, and desire to improve.
I have always been a creative person. I love to write and scrapbook, often putting my own twist on things. I feel that this is a quality that most of the best teachers I know have. They use creative ideas to make even dull subjects exciting and find way to reach all students through creative integration. I have always felt that my creative nature will make teaching a fun and rewarding career choice for me.
I'm always learning. Whether I'm watching shows on the Discovery channel or surfing the web for facts on a topic I've recently discovered, I'm always finding out new things that I didn't previously know. Because of this, I love watching others learn and I enjoy being part of the process that teaches them. I think part of my love for learning is taking what I've learned and teaching others to love it too.
My desire to improve the education system is also a key factor in my wanting to become an educator. People are constantly complaining about how inferior the school system in America is compared to other countries, but none of them ever do anything about it. Though I had many great teachers throughout my own public school experience, I also had some that made me think "I know I could make this class or subject so much more engaging and entertaining than they are". This belief has led me to hope that by being a teacher, I can make parents and students believe that our education system is not worse, but different than those of other countries.
I believe that all of these factors will play greatly into my success as an educator. I am always excited to see the way these traits will affect my role in new classes and this is no different. I'm excited to use my creativity and love for learning in this class. I know that by doing this, I will awaken my desire to use technology with my own students and implement it to improve their public school experience.