On Thursday, January 24th I had the privilege of sitting down with a first year Language Arts Teacher in my building, Maria Frie. It it humorous to me to refer to other teachers as "new teachers" as I am only a second year teacher and there doesn't feel like that much difference between being a first or second year teacher.
When asked why she became a teacher Maria shared some of her experience being involved in 4-H. Maria wasn't just a member of her local 4-H club. She was a state ambassador. Being nominated and selected as a state ambassador is an incredible honor and through this program, Maria developed curriculum for other 4-H leadership members in grades 6-12. When Maria reflects on why she became a teacher she talks about this leadership experience in 4-H. I found this very interesting because when I reflect on why I became a teacher my answer and Maria's answer were very similar. When I was in high school I was involved with an organization called Target Market. Target Market, while not as well known as 4-H, focused on teenage activism against the tobacco industry. I spent my time protesting smokeless tobacco at rodeos, talking with senators at the capital about how the tobacco industry targets teens, and giving school and community presentations about the dangers of cigarettes and other tobacco products. It was through this leadership experience that I knew I wanted to be a teacher.
It's funny because I joined Target Market because I wanted to meet some cute boys from the Twin Cities but it ended up changing the whole course of my life. I found a passion and something to fight against with like minded teenagers. I found the power of my words - and I spend my days now teaching my students the power of their words.
I have never heard of Target Market, but it sounds like a great organization for young people. I recently taught my 4th grade students about the lungs during our body systems unit in health. I had a parent volunteer to speak to my students about the dangers of smoking and vaping. It was so interesting, and it is very disheartening how the industry can target our youth with no repercussions.
ReplyDeleteThis is a truly inspired post. I wonder what strategies, and classroom activities you are using to teach students the power of their words?
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