My name is Andrew West and I am currently working towards single subject teaching credentials in both social studies and science through the CSUSM credential program. The route that has led me to this point in my life has been far from a straight line. After high school I began going to college, however I eventually dropped out and joined the Army. Upon my exit from the military, I went back to school and earned a B.A. in history at CSUSM. It had been my intention to go into teaching, however I found myself in a position where I could no longer dedicate the amount of time necessary to continue my education. I spent six years in the workplace before I finally was able to come back to my original goal of becoming an educator.
When I quit my last job to go back to school, I felt that many of the people I discussed my decision with did not really understand why I was doing it. I was leaving a job with a large insurance company that paid relatively well (significantly more than I will make as a teacher) so that I could go "baby-sit" other people's children. Obviously teachers do not go into education for the money, and I do not intend to do any "baby-sitting". I am becoming an educator because of my own experiences in high school; experiences that showed me how significant an impact on students that both good and bad teachers can have. I recognize the need to individualize education, as far as it is possible, to fit the different needs and learning styles of students, A student's education should not suffer because the teacher was too lazy to adapt their teaching to the needs of the classroom.
When I quit my last job to go back to school, I felt that many of the people I discussed my decision with did not really understand why I was doing it. I was leaving a job with a large insurance company that paid relatively well (significantly more than I will make as a teacher) so that I could go "baby-sit" other people's children. Obviously teachers do not go into education for the money, and I do not intend to do any "baby-sitting". I am becoming an educator because of my own experiences in high school; experiences that showed me how significant an impact on students that both good and bad teachers can have. I recognize the need to individualize education, as far as it is possible, to fit the different needs and learning styles of students, A student's education should not suffer because the teacher was too lazy to adapt their teaching to the needs of the classroom.