How I Began My Journey Towards Becoming a Teacher... and My Hopes as a Future Educator

This is my STAR Form and I am using it as an opportunity to "Tell a Story". While this is brief, I think that it gives a clear discription of where my journey as an educator has taken me thus far, and provides insight as to where I hope my future journey will take me. Enjoy!

My name is Ashlee Davis, and I was born and raised in Wamego, Kansas. In May of 2005, I graduated from Wamego High and began pursing my dream to become an elementary education teacher. I was eager to begin my college career for two reasons in particular. For one, I will be a first generation college graduate, which is something that I take great pride in. Secondly, I have known that I wanted to teach since I was eight years old, so I was ready to finally put that process into motion.
My decision to become a teacher was an easy one. I was inspired by my second grade teacher, Mrs. Nancy Wagner, a dedicated, patient, and encouraging role model. Along with that, I developed a passion and excitement for working with children through numerous classroom experiences over the years. A few of those experiences include teacher aiding in a first grade classroom during science instruction, tutoring third and fourth grade students in mathematics, and serving as a paraprofessional for a 4-year-old, nonverbal child with autism.
Each of these experiences holds a special place in my heart and has helped me grow as a future educator. I am well aware of the growth that my student teaching experience will provide me, and I am extremely excited to begin this final step in my education. It is my goal to enter the field immediately after graduation in order to continue gaining hands-on experience in the classroom. I then plan to return to Kansas State University to complete my master's degree in Reading Instruction or Special Education. My ultimate goal is to reach the minds and touch the hearts of as many children as possible by being the most engaging, inspiring and motivating role model and educator I can possibly be.