Make a Difference I have always wanted to be an elementary school teacher since I was young. My grandmother was a third grade teacher and after every school year she gave me her old books that she no longer used. I was so excited when she gave them to me. As soon as he gave them to me, I made my little brother play at school with me. From the first day she gave me her old school books, I had no doubt that I would become an education teacher. Education is defined as the lifelong process of acquiring knowledge, skills and values ​​through formal or informal means. I believe the purpose of education is to allow students to discover who they are by exploring what the future holds for them. Formal means of education should provide students with skills that will facilitate living and working in a dynamic world. In my opinion, a variety of instructional options are necessary for teachers and students to be successful. There are many different approaches available to do this, some of them include: the philosophies of behaviorism, essentialism and progressivism. Agreeing with the behaviorist point of view, I see myself using positive reinforcement with my students when a task or behavior is achieved. Rewarding students can make a big difference in their attitude, even if it's just a small reward like a smiley face drawn on paper or even a sticker. Doing these small things will help encourage students to continue the good work and move forward in this way. Behaviorism also deals with the important role that the environment plays in a student's academic learning. Throughout my middle and high school years, I had the bad…half the job…teaching students of diverse backgrounds, races, and interests. Nonetheless, I have great confidence in myself and the teachers here at Concord College who will help me achieve all my goals, and I want to become an excellent teacher. As I enter adulthood, after graduation, I would like to pursue a teaching position in a public school teaching any grade from kindergarten through third grade. My academic goal is to further my education and earn my master's degree in elementary education as soon as possible. I plan to move from this area after I get my degree in the South. Teaching is a dream I've had my whole life, motivated by family and the teachers I've had in the past. Choosing the path to become a teacher will allow me to experience one of life's greatest joys: making a difference in the lives of children!