I believe teaching is an important aspect of development. But there are fundamental disparities in the educational system that seem to prevent some students from reaching their full potential. The job of a teacher is thus complicated and difficult as they try to enrich the lives of their students and provide a meaningful educational experience for them. A teacher's influence on the life of a student lasts way beyond the onset of their interaction in the classroom setting. The types of teaching strategies used by educators are hence essential and important in a student's educational experience.

    One teaching strategy teachers should aim to incorporate in their lessons is more group work. Through group work, students are able to develop their group skills and teachers are able to enhance the social curriculum. However, I think students should not be bombarded with group activities, but have some time to develop academically on their own in the classroom. An additional aim should be making lessons relevant to students so that they are not easily bored with the material, but rather engaged in active learning. Lessons throughout the year should include material based on the format of standardized tests, so that students will be better prepared. As a form of assessment, teachers can ask students similar types of questions that may be on the examinations so that they will be more comfortable during examination time. This may help to increase overall standardized test scores and help schools meet state, district and national standards.

    Currently, the focus is not on teachers who are effective, but qualified. I believe a teacher who is not only qualified, but effective as well, should help students reach their maximum potential in their academic careers. The ineffectiveness of teachers contribute to the lack of resources needed by students in urban and lower-performing schools. In the future I would hope to work more as an administrator to introduce standards, more training sessions for teachers, and allocate funds and resources that will be helpful in lessening the disparities that exist in the educational system.