Significant Relationships

In response to Mrs. Steven's Blog, I have had several teachers that have taught me a lot of information, but few of them have actually cared to have a relationship with me. One that did was named Ms. Payton, and is now Mrs. Henderson because she got married
. She did teach me very valuable skills, but the reason was because she cared for her students so much that she did whatever it took for each person to understand.

Ms. Payton was my 5th grade teacher at North Ridge Elementary and I truly believe I was not in her class by mistake. She loved and cared about each and every student and we all knew it. That is why each student tried so hard everyday, because we didn't want to let her down. She pushed us to our limits and made assignments very difficult on us because she knew what we were capable of and wanted us to reach our true potential.

Click here to view Mrs. Henderson's webpage. Just by glancing at it, you can see how much she loves her students by all the pictures she has of them and with them.

She gave us a lot of homework and projects, which not only helped us become more creative, but also taught us time management because we had our daily homework on top of our projects. She gave us life lessons throughout the year during school days because she understood the major impact she had on our life. She taught me to be content with my best, time management skills, how to be kind to all people, and most of all, the grade you earn in school isn't the most important thing in life, but it's how
school builds your character that will go with you the rest of your life.

Mrs. Henderson was one of those people that always had open ears. She would listen to whatever you had to tell her. I could talk to her about school related things and life related things. She was there for us to make us be better students and people and she did everything in her power to do so. She would always verbalize that she was proud of us and she made us feel like we were important.

I didn't realize the impact Mrs. Henderson had on my learning and my life until I got into middle school. I had the knowledge and skill to be successful in all of my classes. She pushed me which made my work ethic how it is today. She helped me to be proud of myself for the work I put into something not the outcome of it. Most of the things she taught me have stuck with me even to this day.

In the process of becoming a teacher, I would strive to be like Mrs. Henderson. I would be available to all students for both school and life. Once students are done with high school, they will be on their own, so it is important to teach them things they will need in the real world as well. I would make sure I am organized and spend the time I have with my students well. I would balance encouragement and feedback. I would set an example to my students on how to be a caring and loving person to all. I would push my students further than they imagined they could go. Sometimes my students might not like me for all the hard work I would be giving them, but they would learn to appreciated it once they realized how much they have improved throughout the year.

Becoming a Physical Therapist and Teacher

In response to Mrs. Stevens blog I did some research on some colleges sports medicine programs because I am wanting to be a physical therapist and this is what I found.

Two possibilities for my future school would be Hardin Simmons University and Dallas Baptist University.

 Hardin Simmons is located in Abilene, Texas. It's tuition costs $745 per semester hour. With another $1,760 for a normal meal plan. They have a sports medicine and athletic training program. And they have financial aid and scholarships that you can apply for within the department.

Dallas Baptist University is located in Dallas, Texas. It's tuition costs $735 per semester hour. Plus $1,740 for a normal meal plan. And anywhere from $1,030-$1,635 for dorms. They have Kinesiology major as well. Scholarships are available for Christian leadership, academic excellence, ministerial scholarships, plus many more.

If I change my mind in becoming a physical therapist, I would consider a coaching career which will include teaching, so here are a few helpful tips in becoming a teacher:

1.Education: must have at least a bachelors degree

2. Earn Teaching Credential: differs from each state, but passing a standardize test is involved

3. Find a Job: certain teaching websites like http://teach.com/ have certain links to help you during your job search

4. Your Teaching Career: your career will develop over time, but by staying involved, keeping current, and using new teaching methods and technology, will help you be successful

Optional
5. Receive Higher Levels of Training

If teaching in Texas, the average elementary school salary in $51,090, the average secondary school salary is $53,160; if you have a masters degree you will have a high salary and the chance to get a higher position like principle or counselor. You can get 15 weeks of vacation per year; if you have a teaching credential from another state, you can be eligible to earn a Texas teaching credential as well; and you must complete 300 hours of coursework and student teaching combined. With a minimum of 80 hours coursework and a minimum of 30 hours student teaching.

I would definitely consider teaching abroad if I indeed pursue a teaching career because of the benefits it provides. You will learn and understand different cultures by experiencing them. And you can observe how educators from different countries teach their students, which will in turn help you gain more teaching methods. Certification may vary depending on where you are teaching abroad, but some countries do not require any teaching experience at all. Though some people, who have already graduated, decide to teach abroad so they can figure out where they are wanting to teach permanently.

Helpful Links

Click here to view a really helpful website that shows different apps that teachers can use in the classroom. For example, by using storyboard and animating students will be able to be creative and use their imagination. Or by using the interviewing and presentation app, so kids can use what they learn and apply it by using the app.

Click here to go to a website that shows a helpful iPad app that will help children with their grammer skills. The game has multiple levels that increase in difficulty. Not only does this app help kids recognize words, but kids are required to match the word to the correct part of speech in the sentence, so they must be able to understand the part of speech.

Click here to view a website for physical therapist that shows many helpful tips for fun exercises. Scooter boards are a fun tool used for people of all ages because they are versatile. They help rehab hands and arms when people push themselves only using their arms. Also, clothespin games are created for people that are needing help with their fine motor skills.

Intro to Me

My name is Jennifer Strawn, and I am a junior at Richland High School. I play volleyball almost all year and plan on becoming a physical therapist. I enjoy spending time with my family and youth group. I have one older sister and three cats. I hope to play college volleyball at a small, Christian school.