Institute for Reading Development, summer teaching program
So the website said they were still accepting applications... it did not say there were NOT accepting applications for San Diego. :-/ I found this out only after I finished writing the short answer/essay questions and starting to apply. Oh well, I knew it was a long shot anyways, being so close to the start date of the program. Maybe another summer... I think this program would be really awesome to be involved with.
Describe yourself as a reader and how you came to be one.
Many people have said we were “deprived.” But my sisters would agree, it was actually a blessing to grow up without a tv. While television was the cornerstone for most of our peers’ early education, we relied on the experience of books. Even after we could read to ourselves, we still loved cuddling up in bed and listening to Mom read our favorite stories. Trips to the library were a regular treat. We had extra large book bags we’d haul home, filled to the brim. Reading was both a shared and personal experience. Along with my mother, my older sisters would read to me; later on I would read to my younger siblings and cousins. Because of this upbringing, I have a special respect and fondness for books. They greatly helped broaden my perspectives and nurture my creative mind.
Tell us about books or authors that have been particularly meaningful to you.
In my formative years, some books that were most meaningful to me were stories that show positive friendships or family relationships and portray “grown-up” situations. An example of this is Tommie De Portola’s book Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs. It’s about a little boy named Tommy who has a special relationship with his grandma and great-grandma. My favorite part is when Tommy’s older brother sees their great-grandma with her long white hair down; he says she looks like a witch, whereon Tommy defends her staunchly saying, “She’s beautiful!” In the story, little Tommy’s parents help him learn to understand and deal with the death of loved ones in a caring and mature way. Tommie de Portola has many excellent books and is also one of my favorite illustrators. Other children’ books that are meaningful to me include: A Special Trade by Sally Whitman, Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, David and Dog by Shirley Hughes, Daniel’s Duck by Clyde Robert Bulla, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman, the Little Bear series by Elyse Holmedlund Minarik/Maurice Sendak, the Blackboard Bear books by Martha Alexander, Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel.
What influences and experiences have shaped your desire to teach? What role, if any, do you see teaching playing in your future.
My parents were the biggest influence in my early education as they started out by homeschooling us. We experienced learning as something fun and applicable to real life. Learning was incorporated into practically everything we did. It was also a very student-centered experience because we learned to teach things to ourselves. I’d like to relate that experience to children-that learning isn’t just something you do in the classroom, it’s a lifelong process that requires discipline but can also be very enjoyable and rewarding.
As of now, I’m not sure what role I’d like teaching to play in my future. I’ve always been good at and enjoyed working with children and young adults, but I’ve never had a strong desire to be a teacher, at least doing general education in the school system. I realize now, however, that there are numerous unique teaching opportunities such as teaching the English language and teaching reading development which I am interested in pursuing.
Please describe your work ethic, and the influences that have shaped it.
My work ethic is my life ethic. I try to do everything with excellence, honesty, and respect. I try to have a positive attitude and a big picture perspective. I think it’s really important to love what you’re doing and take pride in your work. I believe that seemingly little things can make a big difference. Being friendly and helpful is incredibly important; a smile and a kind word can make someone’s day. Being on time shows respect and consideration. My innate personality and my upbringing in the Christian faith along with examples of positive ethics have influenced my own beliefs and behaviors.
Why are you applying to teach for the Institute this summer?
I need to save up some money before going abroad to teach English as a foreign language. I’m passionate about books and the importance of reading, so it would be great to share that with young learners. It would also be a great training and teaching experience.
Describe yourself as a reader and how you came to be one.
Many people have said we were “deprived.” But my sisters would agree, it was actually a blessing to grow up without a tv. While television was the cornerstone for most of our peers’ early education, we relied on the experience of books. Even after we could read to ourselves, we still loved cuddling up in bed and listening to Mom read our favorite stories. Trips to the library were a regular treat. We had extra large book bags we’d haul home, filled to the brim. Reading was both a shared and personal experience. Along with my mother, my older sisters would read to me; later on I would read to my younger siblings and cousins. Because of this upbringing, I have a special respect and fondness for books. They greatly helped broaden my perspectives and nurture my creative mind.
Tell us about books or authors that have been particularly meaningful to you.
In my formative years, some books that were most meaningful to me were stories that show positive friendships or family relationships and portray “grown-up” situations. An example of this is Tommie De Portola’s book Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs. It’s about a little boy named Tommy who has a special relationship with his grandma and great-grandma. My favorite part is when Tommy’s older brother sees their great-grandma with her long white hair down; he says she looks like a witch, whereon Tommy defends her staunchly saying, “She’s beautiful!” In the story, little Tommy’s parents help him learn to understand and deal with the death of loved ones in a caring and mature way. Tommie de Portola has many excellent books and is also one of my favorite illustrators. Other children’ books that are meaningful to me include: A Special Trade by Sally Whitman, Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, David and Dog by Shirley Hughes, Daniel’s Duck by Clyde Robert Bulla, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman, the Little Bear series by Elyse Holmedlund Minarik/Maurice Sendak, the Blackboard Bear books by Martha Alexander, Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel.
What influences and experiences have shaped your desire to teach? What role, if any, do you see teaching playing in your future.
My parents were the biggest influence in my early education as they started out by homeschooling us. We experienced learning as something fun and applicable to real life. Learning was incorporated into practically everything we did. It was also a very student-centered experience because we learned to teach things to ourselves. I’d like to relate that experience to children-that learning isn’t just something you do in the classroom, it’s a lifelong process that requires discipline but can also be very enjoyable and rewarding.
As of now, I’m not sure what role I’d like teaching to play in my future. I’ve always been good at and enjoyed working with children and young adults, but I’ve never had a strong desire to be a teacher, at least doing general education in the school system. I realize now, however, that there are numerous unique teaching opportunities such as teaching the English language and teaching reading development which I am interested in pursuing.
Please describe your work ethic, and the influences that have shaped it.
My work ethic is my life ethic. I try to do everything with excellence, honesty, and respect. I try to have a positive attitude and a big picture perspective. I think it’s really important to love what you’re doing and take pride in your work. I believe that seemingly little things can make a big difference. Being friendly and helpful is incredibly important; a smile and a kind word can make someone’s day. Being on time shows respect and consideration. My innate personality and my upbringing in the Christian faith along with examples of positive ethics have influenced my own beliefs and behaviors.
Why are you applying to teach for the Institute this summer?
I need to save up some money before going abroad to teach English as a foreign language. I’m passionate about books and the importance of reading, so it would be great to share that with young learners. It would also be a great training and teaching experience.