All sections of this portfolio were written by the Demonstration Teaching evaluation team. Please use it as an example but make your biography uniquely your own.

Biography

Being the oldest of five, nurturing or teaching others has always come naturally for me. I can recall being more interested in my siblings' school report cards than even my parents. I didn't clue in to my "teaching" abilities until high school. It was there that I developed a close bond with my History teacher who became a father figure for me, someone who continually reminded me of my talents and abilities. It was so obvious to me that during high school, so many other young people also desperately needed someone who believed in them, someone respectful and admirable like a teacher. I knew that I wanted to do this for other young people one day.

I headed off to college to begin my studies and fulfill my dream of becoming a teacher. Unfortunately, not long afterward, my father became very ill and I was needed at home. It was necessary that I worked full time to help support my mother and siblings, as well as myself. I worked at a home for troubled youth where I was once again reminded of how much young people needed an adult who truly cared for them. I thoroughly enjoyed being this person as well as teaching them to develop basic skills. I particularly noticed how rewarding it was to help them learn how to read.

Much sooner than I expected I met the love of my life and married. Soon after, my first son was born. My dream of becoming a teacher was once again put on hold. Now, 15 years later, I have two sons and one daughter. Now that they have all entered school, I have decided to pursue my dream. WGU has been a wonderful means of accomplishing my goal. I have been able to maintain my responsibilities as a mother while at the same time dedicate my efforts toward my teaching degree. My demonstration teaching experience has been particularly draining, and my family has had to be very patient, making quite a few sacrifices of their own. But it has been well worth it. I took on the full responsibility of teaching three 8th grade Reading classes and three ninth grade English classes. The majority of the students in the reading classes struggled a great deal with school in general. These students really opened my eyes in many aspects, especially about the importance of classroom management. I also now understand that although I can be a role model for many students, I will not always see the direct impact I have on their lives. As long as I am doing all I can to enhance their learning opportunities, I am doing what I was meant to do.

As a teacher, I have discovered that although I have weaknesses, I also have some very useful strengths. I am enthusiastic about whatever I teach and the students quickly pick up on the enthusiasm, eager to join in on the fun. I am also very careful to treat all of my students equally. They know that I never act according to preferences and that, in my eyes, all students deserve my patience and genuine concern. They usually respond by treating me with the same type of respect.

Now, when I am not busy teaching my students, I am busy teaching my own children. I also enjoy outdoor activities. My family and I are avid campers and hikers. We find our peace in the great outdoors. When I have a spare moment I also enjoy reading, and "soaking in" music. Although I have my own collection of music at home, nothing thrills me more than going to a good concert, or even better, attending a dramatic/musical production.