​Logan Toomey

           In order to teach, one must desire to learn. I believe that nothing has been taught if nothing has been learned. In my experience teaching, I have observed that leading students to discover, rather than holding their hands for the duration of the journey, is substantially more fulfilling for both parties involved. While students learn the material, I, as the teacher, learn more about my students. When I hear exclamations of, "Mr. Toomey, I get this stuff!" or, "Mr. Toomey, this makes sense!" I have thus learned how my students learn. This knowledge is of utmost importance to me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           I've come to embrace the student-centered classroom style. There is nothing quite like student-led education, in that they are learning how they wish to learn. It gives students a reason to come to school, and it gives students a sense of fulfillment like no other. Something as simple as watching students discuss topics of calculus can tell a teacher everything he or she needs to know: Who is engaged in the lesson? What have they learned so far? What do they know/not know? Additionally, facilitating a student-centered classroom has also led me to adopt a more technologically-friendly approach. At first, I was skeptical about technology, but after finding new uses for it in the classroom, technology has become a staple for me. Times have changed, and pencil and paper will simply not cut it for kids today. We have to realize that the students of this generation have grown up with computers, smart phones, tablets, and the internet. There is nothing wrong with this. It simply means that we, as educators, must adapt to this new age by applying these devices in the classroom. Websites such as YouTube, Kahoot!, and Socrative have thus far proven useful and effective for my students, and I do not plan on giving up on technology anytime soon.

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last, I wholeheartedly believe that connections with the students are vital. We must make ourselves available and show the students that we care. As a naturally outgoing person, joking, laughing, and smiling with students is such a pleasure. Students appreciate being able to step away from integrals and derivatives sometimes, and frankly, I do too. So long as we are able to work mutually toward a specific goal, these types of student-teacher relationships are rational, attainable, and worthwhile. When I make my students laugh in class, I know I've done my job, because that means they are engaged and attentive. Seldom do students remember the teachers that spent the entire class in front of the room, or the teachers who never cracked a smile. I plan on being the teacher who is memorable, knowledgeable, and relateable. I aspire to be the teacher who is simply unforgettable.

 

Danielson Domain: Professionalism