“Everyone needs a teacher.” When friends, family members, and acquaintances ask me about my teaching aspirations, who I want to teach, where I want to teach, and why I want to teach, I simply say, “Everyone needs a teacher. I want to be that teacher”. For me, no statement is more concise, or accurate. I teach because I want to. I teach because I believe understanding and compassion are neighbors, just as ignorance and fear are. I teach because I champion the former pairing. In the words of the late and great Whitney Houston, “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well, and let them lead the way,”. This is pivotal, because not only does it suggest that education should be student-centered and student-led, but at the heart of the sentiment, is that teachers play a part in sculpting the future—and if it’s done correctly, the future can be brighter and fuller for those very students. I intend to be the teacher that every student can trust with something private, but also revered as a person of authority, worthy of the same respect I give to each student. I desire to be received by students, families, and colleagues alike as a lover of the arts, literature, people, and life. I want to set the precedent of a strong work ethic in my class, by modeling what it means to be committed, and offering the meaningfulness, as well as tips, tricks, and tools for those seeking it. Lastly, I want to treat my students not as the kids or teenagers sitting in my class in the moment, but as the respectable citizens of the world they are becoming. If I treat every student like the CEO they will one day become, maybe—just maybe, they will be a step closer to a fulfilling and happy future, whatever that may look like for them.

Currently, I intend to find a job next year, in any school district within the Kansas City Metro area. I would like to see myself pursuing a master’s degree in a loosely related field to what I’m currently going for, and likely through a different university, for a wider breadth of knowledge base. I could see myself going higher up than teaching, perhaps into administration, or college-level instruction, but my heart says to stay in the classroom as long as I can. Beyond that, I’m keeping my options open.