Introduction

Hello!  My name is Valerie Waloven.  I am a graduate student at SUNY Oswego.  I am in my last year of the MSED program in Childhood Education.  I received my Bachelor’s degree at the University at Buffalo in Health and Human Services with a concentration in Early Childhood. 

During my senior year at UB I had the chance to complete an internship at a preschool.  I’ve always liked working with children but I didn’t really consider teaching as my career path until after I had this opportunity.  I learned a great deal about children and found it to be a very rewarding experience.  There I was exposed to various cultures and diverse backgrounds as there were children from eleven different countries attending the school. 

Currently I am working at a day care/learning center.  I work with children with ages ranging from six weeks to twelve years.  By helping the lead teacher plan and implement the childrens’ daily program, it is providing me with more preparation in curriculum development.  It also allows me to demonstrate my leadership skills as well as practice good classroom management skills.  I’m learning a lot, not only about the children, but about myself as a prospective teacher as well.  Everyday I’m able to reflect on my interactions with the children; to see what works, what does not, and any areas for self-improvement.  I’ve always been a hard worker and am determined to succeed in guiding the children in attaining the knowledge and skills necessary to become responsible, well-adjusted members of society. 

I feel that a very important part of being a successful teacher is to make sure that every student is offered the same opportunities to succeed.  Teachers need to be able to benefit all learners from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities.  I believe I can fulfill the needs of a diverse group of students, as I realize a good teacher takes each individual’s differences into account, and is able to teach in a way that accomodates multiple learning styles.  My goal in the classroom is to motivate my students to learn, and to do so in a way that is relevant and meaningful.