Running head: VISION STATEMENT

Vision Statement
Leslie A. Bragdon
Tarleton State University

VISION STATEMENT

"Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands
the power of connection and insists they become the best the can possibly be." - Dr. Rita F.
Pierson
Dr. Pierson's words are exactly what teaching means to me. People often ask me, in a
demeaning voice, "Why on earth would you want to teach? Kids these days are so disrespectful."
What I see, and they do not, is every student has great potential to accomplish extraordinary feats
if given the proper tools and guidance. I want to ask them, How can someone not want to be a
part of forming our planets future? As a teacher, I want students to see themselves through my
eyes. I want them to realize they can accomplish absolutely anything. I want to boost their selfesteem, and teach them to believe in themselves. I want to empower them to become selfmotivated learners, while providing them the tools to do so. I want to instill in them the love of
learning.
Of course, it is not an easy task. But, with a great teacher it can be accomplished. Students
spend approximately 13,000 hours of their lives in a classroom, (Jensen, 2005). In some cases
this is more time spent with teachers than with their parents. Teachers become essential
guideposts on how to be productive citizens for their students. Also, young minds are extremely
impressionable, and for these reasons it is extremely important teachers be morally and ethically
sound. They must demonstrate integrity and responsibility (State Board For Educator
Certification, 2011). Teachers set the stage for our youth. It is a disservice to pupils to grow up
without positive role models showing them the way to be respectful of themselves and others, as
well as how achieve their dreams.
The Texas Teacher Proficiencies states, "The teacher possesses and draws on a rich knowledge
base of content, pedagogy and technology to provide relevant and meaningful learning
experiences for all students." Teachers cannot expect their students to learn if they do not know

VISION STATEMENT

their content, their students learning differences, or the science involved in learning. Engaging,
well thought out, and creative lessons help the brain grow (Jensen, 2005). But, in order for
teachers to facilitate educational growth, they must also make meaningful connections with their
students. The students must see the leader of the classroom cares, and has a vested interest in
their lives. Teachers should always follow a learner-centered philosophy. They must nurture not
only students intellectual proficiencies, but also tend to their emotional and psychological needs.
Along with these items, teachers should always be researching and learning new and better ways
to help their students reach their potential, and not be afraid of change in the classroom. Change
is good. It excites the mind, and creates connections in the brain (Jensen, 2005). Ideal teachers
must have great communication and technology skills in order to provide the most enriched
lessons. It is important teachers know the worth of diplomacy, patience, and compassion so they
can relay those qualities onto their students. A teacher with all of these assets will be able to
create a comfortable and safe environment for all learners.
The most advantageous setting for learning is a cooperative classroom. Traditional classrooms
settings are not conducive to long term memory retention. Students memorize, take the test, and
then discard the information. But, cooperative classrooms generate long lasting and meaningful
learning. Students, guided by the teacher, work together to learn how to find the answers to
significant problems. This type of classroom provides a greater service to the broad spectrum of
learners who are in every classroom. It creates a secure community of learners working together
for the same goals (Dr. Spencer Kagan, 2009). I have seen the benefits of classrooms like this
first hand. My daughter is very smart and extremely introverted. After a few years of cooperative
classrooms she is no longer afraid to talk to people or in front of them. She is more confident,
and loves to help her fellow classmates. On the other end, her friend was at a remedial learning

VISION STATEMENT

level until she moved to our district. After a few years in a cooperative environment she is
making As in all of her classes. The same classrooms provided both students with what they
needed at the same time.
In closing, as a teacher, I want assist students with becoming secure and productive adults. I
want to show them how to make and achieve goals. I want them to face life, confidently, head
on. Fredrick Douglass said, It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. In
todays society I feel this quote means more than it ever has. Our society has a multitude of AtRisk students. So many students are without parents who care, without direction, or hope. They
need teachers who will help build them up through knowledge, skill building, and caring, so they
cannot be torn down.

VISION STATEMENT

References
Dr. Spencer Kagan, M. K. (2009). Kagan Cooperative Learning (1st ed.). San Clemente, CA,
USA: Kagan Publishing.
Jensen, E. (2005). Teaching with the Brain in Mind (2nd ed.). (K. Martin, Ed.) Alexandria, VA,
USA: ASCD.
State Board For Educator Certification. (2011, January 14). Educators' Code of Ethics. Retrieved
February 18, 2015, from Texas Administrative Code:
http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?
sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=19&pt=7&ch=24
7&rl=2
Texas Education Agency. (1994). Learner-Centered Schools for Texas: A Vision of Texas
Educators. Retrieved February 18, 2015, from
http://www4.esc13.net/uploads/pdas/docs/LearnerCenteredSchools.pdf