For about 9 weeks before I graduated, I didn’t attend classes at my high school, instead, I attended classes as at Upper Arlington High School as a student teacher. In preparation for being an English Education major, I worked with several teachers at UA to observe their classes, and in a few cases participate. The culmination was leading a two-day class on Crime and Punishment in a classroom full of juniors. I planned the lesson beforehand with the teacher, and it went very well according to both that teacher and that class. Having that experience and that lesson be a success really affirmed my career for me. I’d wanted to be a teacher for a long time prior, but actually standing in front of a class and teaching was a confidence booster. I really felt I could be a good teacher, and I knew where I could improve as well. I know I still have a lot to grow, so I’m throwing everything I have at my OSU EHE classes. Having the memory of teaching reminds me that I can do this, that I am qualified to be a future educator.
Leadership Development
Leadership Development: I’ve always felt capable of leading, but my instances of actually leading are slim. Once I graduate from OSU, I plan on being a teacher, and I’ll finally be the most qualified person in the room. That’s my time to lead. Before that, I’ll have chances to practice through ACES, EHE, and clubs. Leadership to me means not only standing in front of the room, but being qualified enough to do so. I will develop my skills until I am that qualified person. When I am a teacher, my mistakes will affect my students, so I will strive to make as few mistakes as possible. When I enter my first classroom, I will be ready to lead.
Welcome to my Honors & Scholars e-Portfolio
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Year in Review
[ “Year in Review” is where you should reflect on the past year and show how you have evolved as a person and as a student. You may want to focus on your growth in a particular area (as a leader, scholar, researcher, etc.) or you may want to talk about your overall experience over the past year. For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]
Global Awareness
Global Awareness: Global awareness to me implies understanding diversity. I plan on being a teacher, and not much of a traveler. Instead of becoming aware of other cultures for the sake of travel then, I will strive to teach those differences in my classroom. In other words, I will teach diversely to diverse students, not just white american to diverse students. I can’t just teach the culture I’m comfortable with because not all of my students might be comfortable with it. I have to meet the needs of every student, not just the ones similar to me. To me, global awareness means not just being aware of the differences around the world, but being aware of the differences in front of me, be it at OSU or in a classroom.
Career
[“Career” is where you can collect information about your experiences and skills that will apply to your future career. Like your resume, this is information that will evolve over time and should be continually updated. For more guidance on using your ePortfolio, including questions and prompts that will help you get started, please visit the Honors & Scholars ePortfolio course in Carmen. To get answers to specific questions, please email eportfolio@osu.edu. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]
Trip to Germany
During my senior year of high school, I spent two months observing and participating in English classes at a German high school. Pictured is one of the classrooms I worked with over those two months. I also stayed with a German family during that time. Besides enjoying the trip immensely, I also learned a ton, both about other cultures and myself. I journaled every night, and learned about living away from home, and what I need to be happy. On the culture side, the family taught me about European culture, not just German culture. I got to hear firsthand about a different way of living. I also got to experience firsthand a different education system. I’ve been told about the ways other countries beat the American education system, but seeing it firsthand allowed me to actually understand the different attitude in the school. The building doesn’t belong to the teachers, it belongs to the students. Class time isn’t time for teachers to teach, but for students to learn. I picked up a few ideas over there, and I’m eager to try to implement them myself. It almost made me consider being an administrator instead of a teacher, but I’ll give that decision a few more years. Until then, I’ll bring what I learned in Germany to the American classroom training me to be a teacher, and try to combine the best of both worlds.
About Me
My name is Damon, and I’m currently a first-year at Ohio State. I’m majoring in English Education (integrated language arts/english education to be specific). I’ve wanted to be a teacher for some time now, although narrowing down the age level and subject took a bit of time. I eventually decided on English because that class gives me the most freedom in teaching, in that I can interpret the same passage a few different ways to fit my various needs. I also enjoy discussing various texts with other people, and hope to spread this love to my students. My ultimate goal for teaching is to help students. I don’t want to be just another boring class that day, I want to teach the class that students look forward to, or at least don’t dread. I want to be the class they remember not for being bad, but for being actually interesting and intellectually stimulating. I’ve still got a long way until I actually start teaching, so until then I’ll be here at OSU preparing and trying to have as much fun as possible.