"Your students will be luckier than they realize to have you as their teacher. And this time I'm not teasing or giving you a hard time - I mean every word of it."
I have learned a lot in my first full year as an education major. I've learned techniques for teaching elementary math, how to properly select and expose children to literature, and methods for incorporating multiculturalism into the classroom. But none of that compares to what I have learned from the man who is quoted above, Professor Kevin Spink. Going into my children's literature class, I expected to read some picture books, learn about important genres, and get an easy A. I didn't expect to learn so much about how to be a quality educator in a content-based course. Professor Spink taught me about authenticity and the importance of being your true self in the classroom. He provided me with a peek inside of the minds of children based on his own experiences. He encouraged me to constantly evolve and better my abilities as a teacher. He became an example to me, one that I will remember for the rest of my career. He is a kind, passionate, and inspiring man. I could never thank him enough for all that he has taught me and for how much him believing in me has encouraged me to become the best teacher I can be for my future students.
