Running head: AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL

Autobiographical Essay
King, Penny
College of Southern Idaho
Professor Evin Fox
EDUC204 Foundations of Education
Fall 2014

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Autobiographical Essay

I have decided to further my education I received an associate of science degree and I still
plan on working on a Bachelor of Science. Shortly after receiving my associate of science degree
I gave birth to my first child at the age of thirty four, what a beautiful gift to be a parent. I have
always loved children even before my son I have my nieces and nephews I love dearly. I chose to
become a teacher because I wanted to teach children the joy of receiving an education the joy of
finding a career you love waking up to.
Educational Background
My Early years of education I attended kindergarten in Hollister, Idaho and then the
middle of the year my family moved to Buhl, Idaho. I attended middle school, and high school in
Buhl, Idaho and earned a high school diploma in 1998. After high school I worked miscellaneous
jobs until I decided to further my education and pursue a job I enjoyed. I wanted to give people
makeovers so I went to Mr. Juans College of Hair Design in 2001 and became a licensed
cosmetologist and worked full time in this career until 2010.I then decided on a career change I
became a Certified Nurses Aid and got certified in first aid and CPR. In 2012 I earned an
associate of science degree in biology with a healthcare emphasis. I was leaning towards
becoming a Laboratory Technician up until the birth of my son I then decided to become a
teacher so I could educate young minds.
I am currently seeking a degree in Elementary Education and I hope to share my love of
education with others. I believe education is important and that the long term importance of
education is finding a job that is enjoyable, and makes a difference in the lives of others and the
world around us. I have volunteered in a nursery with toddlers and at Gooding Elementary with
my step son in second grade and third grade. I have participated in the mass/walk and run at the

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Gooding School, I plan to participate in more events in the future. I support my step children at
the public schools in Gooding, Idaho in band and other extracurricular sports and events.
Work experience
After high school in 1998 I worked a variety of jobs until I became a cosmetologist in
2001. I worked concessions at the Interstate Amusement Movie Theatres, I worked in fast food at
the Burger Barn, I worked as a Gas attendant and dishwasher at Jacksons Country Corner, I was
a waitress at Jakers Restaurant, and I cleaned pools for Miracle Hot Springs, and worked in a
Bakery at Swensons market. I have substitute taught for the Buhl school district I have worked
for CSIs head start program. In 2001 I became a cosmetologist and I have worked for the
following businesses Great Clips, Fantastic Sams, and Smart Style until 2010. From 2006 to
2009 I served in the Army National Guard as a supply specialist. I last worked the summer of
2012 as a Certified Nurses Aid before the birth of my son.
From these jobs I have learned many skills such as being punctual for work and giving at
least a two weeks notice prior to quitting. I have worked with the public for many years I have
worked with people of all ages, races, and gender. I have done volunteer work and substitute
teaching in my past at the school. I am looking forward to being a licensed/certified school
teacher. I believe to avoid being idle that a person needs to either stay busy working and or stay
busy furthering their education.
Service and Extra Curricular Activities
From 2006 to 2009 I served the United States in the Army National Guard as a supply
specialist. I have also found other ways of serving the community by adopting a high way and
participating in high way cleanup along highway 30.I have participated in parent teacher get

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together at the school and cooking community dinners for families mourning after funeral
services.
I have also participated and enjoyed extracurricular activities at the school such choir and
art. I entered a few art projects into the fair and received ribbons. I have been on the honor roll at
school and got my picture in the newspaper for student of the month. I have participated in 4-H
and won ribbons on a cow. I have also helped children with 4-H animals such as cows, goats,
pigs, sheep, and rabbits. I have participated in a pig wresting event with my sisters at the Jerome
County Fair and we won 2nd place. My hobbies now, are taking pictures with my digital camera,
scrapbooking, cooking and cleaning for my family. I attend school activities such as band and
sports with my children. When I have time for myself I like to play card games such as solitaire
and I still enjoy arts and crafts and going for walks with my family.
Reasons for Choosing Education as a Career
I anticipate teaching because every day is a new and different day; every year a teacher
has a new class to teach with a variety of students. According to Wadsworth (2001), No one
wants a job they dont enjoy. Teachers are given the chance to teach something they really enjoy
and make it interesting. (pg.25) I am excited to make learning fun and educational for my
students. I have had many teachers influence me and help me to become the person I am today. I
am looking forward to being devoted to my students and have a well-structured organized
classroom with lessons to help the students acquire the knowledge they need to be successful in
the core curriculum and throughout their lives. I am hoping to teach school all the years my son
is going to school he is two now. So by the time he is in kindergarten, I plan to teach and work
the same hours as my son as he goes to school, at least until he graduates from High School. I
may even make it to the rule of ninety that would be nice.

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Goal Section
My short term goals are small activities; I set small goals to help my son who is Nursery
and my step son who is currently in the third grade. As my children advanced from one level or
grade to the next, I advance my short term goals from one grade level to the next by participating
in school functions and activities involving my children. Other short term goals I have are
homework assignments and completion of classes. I work on these short term goals until I have
completed them and then I move on to the next assignment or class.
I plan to attend Idaho State University and earn my Bachelor degree in Elementary
Education. I am a big fan of Science I have an associate degree in Biology with the Health Care
Emphasis. I plan to keep pursuing classes in Biology, Math to complement my skills of being an
Elementary Education Teacher.

Conclusion
I have excellent work ethics, I pay attention to students individual needs and treat each
student equally. I am punctual, and I will provide a safe environment for the student free from
abuse, harassment, and injury. I will plan lessons and use different learning styles visual,
auditory and hands on, and assess my students learning and evaluate myself regularly. The
lessons will be a balance of teacher directed and learner directed activities. I encourage student
participation and expect a well-structured classroom. I will make education and lesson planning
my priority, and the students will make education and learning their priority as well to achieve
academic excellence.

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References

Wadsworth, D. (2001). Why new teachers choose to teach. Educational leadership, 58(8), 24