Why do I want to be a teacher?

Why do I want to be a teacher? That's a good question. Isn't it? 

I already have a general degree from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. My degree is a general degree - nothing specific. I got a degree in Behavioral Arts with a focus on Social Work and Psychology. I graduated from there in 2006 and have built up somewhat of a resume since working there. In May of 2006 I worked at Camp Friendship as a counselor. I worked respite weekends. I found that I worked well with individuals who had special needs and I really enjoyed the work. I also had a few babysitting jobs for several families in the St. Cloud area. I also took up pet sitting and house sitting for a few people in the area as well.

In December of 2007 I took a job as a full time, live in, nanny for new born baby named Amelia. That job lasted for several months. In March of 2008 I was offered the job and experience of a life time. My cousin's boyfriend had a sister who was looking for an English speaking nanny for her two children. I had to make a decision within a week and I asked my current employers at the time for their opinion and it was okay with them for me to take this new job since they were planning to move out east that summer anyways.

I lived in Vienna, Austria from May 2008 - July 2009. I transported the children to and from school and I taught the girl English and I spoke nothing but English with the boy since he went to an American school in Vienna. I also played the role of a translator when there was a parent/teacher conference. I did many things with the children and it was quite an experience for me! While living in Austria, I also got to know my relatives better and I got know the place my parents came from and that is something I really enjoyed.

In July of 2009 I moved back to the United States and decided it was time to go back to school to further my education. I had decided to get a Social Work degree; however, since I had already had a Bachelor's degree it was suggested I get a master's degree and I should try for Gerontology. I was in Gerontology for about 1.5 years and it just didn't seem to click for me. The jobs I had and what I was studying in school didn't fit together.  I babysit 3 times a week for a 9 year old girl, I am a PCA for a 7 year old girl who has down syndrome and autism and I also have created my own pet sitting/house sitting business.  I have always enjoyed being with kids as well as animals.  I took this last semester off and did some soul searching and decided that I needed to pursue something else and decided that pursuing Special Education would be the right choice for me. I began my PCA job in October and I think that Autumn (the girl I am a PCA for) has inspired me to become a Special Education teacher.

Since I already have a bachelor's degree; I am hoping to pursue a graduate certificate in Special Education. Right now the application process is in the works and I hope to have good news in the next few weeks. :)

So, I guess I want to be a teacher because of my work history and because it feels right. I have worked with children since I was about 16 years old and I have always enjoyed it. I found that I really enjoy working with Autumn and I would love to become a Special Education teacher and I hope that in the next few years I can make that dream a reality. I want to make a difference in the lives of children and be someone they can learn from and look up to and a teacher would be the perfect career choice for me to do so.