Jaylyn Thrower

Educational Philosophy Statement

Texas A&M University- Commerce

Robert Wolfe- Professor

ETEC 424
 “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.”

These are the wise words of Brad Henry that have stuck with me for quite some time, and will

forever be engraved on my heart. What makes a good teacher? In my opinion, it begins with the

educator’s journey, and throughout that time purpose is revealed. I do not have the typical life

story, nor do I fall within the category of having a line of family members who were educators,

and as a result inherited the same career path blood flow. When I reflect on where I used to be in

life and what I thought I knew then, versus what I know now, I am elated for what the future

holds and the many innocent lives that I will influence, yet be just as deeply impacted by. I know

that there is a basis for my journey and experience gained thus far, and it’s because of it that I

can comfortably and confidently state that I have found my niche.

I have always known that I loved kids. My first “job” was babysitting! What I didn’t

know at the beginning of my college career was that I’d want to work with them and be the light

that I desperately needed at different stages of my own school life. The first real job I acquired

was a Coordinator position for an after-school care program for elementary students, grades

kindergarten through sixth. For the five years that I worked in this role, I was exposed to a lot,

both good and bad! This title set the tone for what I knew was going to set my soul on fire.

Seven years ago, my passion originated. For two of those years, I dived deeper in the field of

education as an instructional aide which has opened my eyes even more. I’ve been fortunate

enough to be able to sub in all grade levels, and work within the specials department of SSI

(Student Success Initiative) assisting teachers and their students academically. As a result, my

confidence has amplified even more! The more knowledge I’ve gained, the more I want to

implement change and give to students. I believe that the field of education is immensely

underrated, and while it’s ever changing, it could still be so much better. It’s important to me that
 my passion for teaching never dims first and foremost, because while it may not be fully

required, a quality teacher knows that a multitude of hats are worn on the job. It’s also important

that I provide opportunity, nurture, and bestow love to each unique child that I encounter,

because every face tells and hides a story that I may know nothing about. I’m not currently a

mother, however I will be given the gift each year to fiercely equip students with the tools

necessary to be successful academically and socially. Some effective strategies would include

incorporating differentiation, technology, cooperative learning, inquiry based instruction, and

more! I want to be the educator that many (not all) of mine weren’t - exceptional! Every morning

can be the start of something new. Once my little learners are able to feel at home in my

classroom and confidently carry their own torch, learning can be both a smooth task and a

marathon they are willing to run because they’ll have me as the coach. With patience and

persistence, I know my students will truly learn something because they’ll be cognizant of the

concepts they learn (academic or not) and apply their knowledge to other things such as, building

on to other concepts or assisting others in explaining what they know to them, so they too can

understand. As an educator I am committed to choosing my students, and advocating for them; if

I can motivate my students to believe in themselves and their capabilities, then that will be the

greatest reward of all.