I slacked off during my elementary school years not doing my homework, getting poor grades and receiving my fair share of trouble from teachers because of it. At 12 this irresponsible attitude caught up with me and my grades really plummeted that year. I flunked out of parochial school and the sadness I experienced led me to turn my life around. I will receive my college diploma in June and plan to become an elementary school teacher after finishing the teaching credential program. As my graduation date approaches I feel more nervous now that my past will be discovered and no decent school will want to hire me. I still live in the same area I went to elementary school in and even though I haven't seen those teachers in years I dream about them every once in awhile. Last night I had another dream which prompted me to ask this question. I am 12 again in the dreams. How can I defend myself against others (teachers and parents) if they find out? Teachers are supposed to be good examples.
2007-04-02 17:15:22 · 25 answers · asked by M N 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
Laurence, I live in CA (:
2007-04-02 17:22:34 · update #1
You know, you are talking about 10 years ago. Teachers in one parochial school 10 years ago have long forgotten you. Perhaps one or 2 would remember you--if they were still teaching. The chances of seeing them if they haven't retired, and of their even remembering you if they haven't, are low.
And if they do remember you, II think those teachers will be thrilled to see how much you have accomplished, and will welcome you to the profession.
I am not a Pollyanna. I'm a realist. Teachers are always always happy to see that someone has made it, despite a poor start.
2007-04-02 17:23:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your funny, the answer is NO. Your past education when your were elementary, Jr. High and High school, possibly have taught you how to teach, especially those that do the same thing, you all ready know and see it coming from students. I do not encourage anyone to do that intentionally.
The best teacher I had worked with every type of student, taught spelling by giving us a sheet after our reading session, and we had a time limit to write the words as she said them the one that one, got to pick out of a basket a small gift. (approved by the school of course). No your past is more than like to prevent children from going through what you feel or think now. You will be fine everyone needs an angel, with some strength. Fire Dog Fire Protection
P.S. I hope you don't mind if I did not word this properly. I like to type and don't live to review.
2007-04-02 17:26:31 · answer #2 · answered by Firedogfire 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only thing that most businesses look at are high school and college. As long as you don't let the information out to the parents and other teachers you will be fine. You might even be a great teacher because you know where most of the slacker kids are coming from.
2007-04-02 17:18:53 · answer #3 · answered by Alicia E 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
don't worry. that's my best advice. teachers [especially elementary] know that they teach children. every year they get 20 to 30 immature students that have a long life in front of them. they know that children can screw up in elementary and do great in high school and college. that's basically what you did. if parents and other teacher find out, then you can turn it into a life lesson: tell them that even the least motivated and worst students can make it in life, and that hard work can and will pay off. just be patient. i hope this helps you out. =]]
2007-04-02 17:47:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that your experience will make you a more effective teacher since you can identify with the students who are less motivated. I don't know why your past would even come up in an interview...at least not THAT far in the past. Use your life as a way to show that people can change if they really want to.
Most teachers did well in school and enjoyed school. This makes it difficult to understand the unmotivated students that are in every classroom.
2007-04-02 17:22:40 · answer #5 · answered by dkrgrand 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your personal experience can be used in a positive way to help and encourage kids how important it is to study hard thru out school. No one can condemn you for something you did as a child...you didn't kill anyone, and you corrected your mistake. So don't be ashamed. When you learn from a mistake, it becomes a lesson. I think you will be a more effective teacher for having been thru this in your own life. So be proud of your accomplishments as you graduate. And be the very best teacher you can be. CONGRATULATIONS!
2007-04-02 17:30:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If everyone who slacked when they were that young were destined to be failures, then I fear there would be a dearth of teachers, scientists, doctors etc. The fact is you got your act together and went on to complete college and now are fully qualified to enter into the most noble profession of all--teaching others. I have a feeling you will be a great teacher.
2007-04-02 17:31:19 · answer #7 · answered by flax9 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every day we make mistakes.......we have to face them in order to overcome them.
If I were you I would visit them and talk to them, to let them know you manage yourself to succed finishing what you planned in the past. Usually high energy students get into trouble...but you succeded in areas that others have failed. You are going to be soon a college graduate. Ask them what they did to motivate you become a teacher, tell them you want to do the same with your students
Tell them you realize all the efforts they did to try to help you, and that they plant the seed for becoming a better you. Just be honest.
Good Luck.......
2007-04-02 17:29:52 · answer #8 · answered by MARIA 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont think they will care really. You have done good through hs and college and thoughs are the only years that matter. It not grades it degree. They wont bother to look at who you were at 9 it matter who you are now. And now You are an adult with a degree ready to help children. Its not like you went to jail or anything right. I wouldnt worry about mistakes you made as a child the children you teach wont see that and niether will your employer.
2007-04-02 17:23:17 · answer #9 · answered by *Aimzie* 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know what its like to experience hardship as a child. If, and I doubt they will, someone asks you about it point to that fact. Everybody hits a brick wall at some point in his/her life. The strong (and perhaps lucky) ones overcome their setbacks and make something of their life. Clearly, you are just such a person. Use your experience to help others through their problems. If I were to guess, I would say that hardship probably had something to do with your desire to teach. That's wonderful, noble, and good.
2007-04-02 17:21:29 · answer #10 · answered by Charles1898 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋