Since graduating from TPP a month ago, I have been working part-time as an assistant for AoPS (Art of Problem Solving), which is an online school providing rigorous math classes for middle and high school students. I have also been working as a private tutor for Math, French and Hungarian, and as an over-the-phone Hungarian medical interpreter. My favorite parts of both interpreting and tutoring are the opportunity to meet very interesting people that I otherwise would not have met, as well as the chance to use my passion for languages to help people achieve their language goals or to bridge a communication gap.
I am beginning to apply for teaching positions for the 2018-2019 school year, and I am so excited to learn more about different schools and to find a school that is a good fit for me! I would most like to work in a charter school at the middle school level, teaching both Math and French. My ultimate goals include starting my own summer math camp, and one day becoming the principal of a middle school.
As a student teacher in Fall 2017, I had a split placement in 7th grade Math and French, which kept me on my toes. I am very grateful to TPP for the opportunity to pursue certification in both subject areas, and for arranging my split placement. My favorite part of student teaching was building relationships with my students, and I believe it is very important as a teacher to take a whole-child approach, valuing and supporting all students as individuals and members of the community. My favorite memories include dancing and singing along to French songs with my students, performing skits with the stuffed animals in our classroom, and laughing together.
Throughout TPP, I have had countless opportunities for reflection, reflecting both on individual lessons and weeks of student teaching, and on my overall teaching philosophy. Although I have always enjoyed teaching, these reflections and my experiences overall through TPP have solidified for me that I would like to go into education. I am honored to have received the Henry Drewry Award this year, and I am extremely grateful to all of the mentors who have worked with me throughout the program to help me become the best teacher I can be.