Video Reflection: Do You Believe in Me?

First of all, the location of the school districts in this video have a special place in my heart. I served a church mission in Dallas, Texas and I got to hear several opinions and experiences about the school systems there. This young man who could stand up and share his feelings and desires in front of that many adults is very inspiring. During the clip I kept thinking about how amazing it would be to have and be a part of a school system where teachers got along and shared ideas and believed in all of their students. I wonder what kind of impact that could have on the education system. His speech inspires me to be the best educator I can and to see the potential in each of my students and to take the time and effort to prepare them for a successful life.

One thing Dalton said that really stood out to me also was believing in myself as a teacher and in my colleagues. I think the first part is important because I have to believe in myself and the good I can do in a classroom. I want to be working with children and helping them feel the desire to work hard in their education and see the benefits that come from that. I believe in the importance of believing in your colleagues because we should all be working together at the same goal for the children we teach. If we can't believe in our colleagues then why should their students believe in them? Why should anyone else believe in them? Education is a team effort (as cliche as that sounds, it's true). We are all working together (or should be); the teachers, the principals, the students, the parents. I know it is impossible to have a perfect education system because we are not all perfect. But, if I am  doing something as simple as believing in the people around me and especially the students, then I am doing my part to make the education world better.

I really enjoyed this video and the enthusiasm the pep talk brought to those wonderful educators in that room. It would be nice to know as a teacher in the Dallas area that you could inspire and guide someone as wonderful as that young man. You never know who else in your class or around you who could do other amazing things in their lifetime. That's part of the reason I want to be a teacher. I want to teach these children when their young that they can do anything. Their lives are full of limitless possibilities. It was a great video for me and a great reminder of my purpose in being in the Elementary Education program.