The document discusses how the author's interest in becoming a teacher was sparked by influential teachers, coaches, and their father from their childhood through college. These individuals formed early bonds of trust, empowered students to take ownership of their learning, set high expectations, and were passionate about their work. In particular, the author's father was the most inspirational teacher they knew and instilled in them the ability to make each student feel special. The author hopes to emulate these educators by motivating and engaging students, and turning their interests into inspiration.

1. My desire to become a teacher was sparked long ago by individuals who had the
wisdom and ability to turn a child’s interests into inspiration. From my teachers I began
to learn some important truths about teaching, ideals I value to this day.
An early bond of trust was formed when Mrs. Faulds, my kindergarten teacher,
simply bent down to hold my hand the first day of elementary school when I was so
scared. Later, after changing schools, I met coach Campbell, a passionate coach who
stayed extra hours to help a new kid fit in. I did not realize it then, but I was learning
firsthand the value of trust and compassion in teaching.
I began to take ownership of my education in Mr. Woodburn’s 6th grade class, as
he empowered us to take responsibility for our learning. Later on the court, Coach
Furrow set high expectations for his players, putting us on the line and challenging us
every day. I now understand how ownership and high expectations change a student’s
performance.
My interest in teaching was sparked in high school by Mr. DeCock, my American
Studies teacher. He had us writing essays under desks in the dark, simulating the unfair
and unsafe working conditions of coal miners. At the time I thought he was just
creatively teaching History and English, but was he really teaching us how to empathize?
While in college, I worked as instructional aide and had the fortunate
opportunity to work side by side with my father, Ed Curtis, who was the driving force
behind our school’s physical education program for 25 years. He was the most
inspirational teacher I have ever known. To this day, though he has passed, my father’s
former students still come back to the school to tell me why they were his favorite
student. I am fortunate to have his job today and the ability to make each student feel
special is truly a gift I learned from my dad.
My greatest contributions to education comes from realizing I have the
enthusiasm to live each day to the fullest and to look for every opportunity to instill that
trait in my students. I am, and always have been a good motivator. I get students
moving, engaged and learning, but what motivates me every day is the endless challenge
of identifying the students who need inspiration the most. Turning student interests
into inspiration is what great teachers do; I strive to emulate my teachers, coaches, and
my dad who took the time to inspire me. Even when an educator’s day has come and
gone, there is never an end to the good that a teacher has done.