Lacey Alvarez
Scholarship:- Charles “Chuck” Makanui, Jr. Scholarship
- Gladys Kamakakūokalani ʻAinoa Brandt Scholarship
- Myron & Laura Thompson Scholarship
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Mahalo Nui Loa for your generous scholarship towards my education and for helping make my dreams come true. You have not only given me a generous gift, but you have also given me the ambition to help better my future and achieve my desire to become a teacher. I promise to do my very best and will never forget those who have helped me along the way. Having your scholarship will allow me to work towards my degree and give me the opportunity to teach and make a difference in the Keiki of Hawaii. Mahalo Nui Loa, Lacey AlvarezAs a future teacher of Hawaii, I look forward to being to teaching and having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children. I'm aware I have the power to inspire, heal, comfort, and build a child’s character. My personal philosophy is “Those around you, are a reflection of one’s self”. When entering my classroom my students will feel comfortable, safe, secure, excited, and important. They will be eager to learn and be excited to see what the day has in store. As a teacher, I would be sure to give my students my whole focus. I would be prepared for my day and have a positive mindset. I’d build healthy relationships with my students and gain their trust and respect. I’d be able to capture their attention and keep them engaged. I believe in the quote “A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron”. – Horace Mann, I love this quote because I feel you can’t be heard if they aren’t interested. They won’t learn if they aren’t listening and you can’t teach if they aren’t inspired. I’d want my students to enjoy learning, feel inspired and stay engaged. I plan to make learning fun, exciting, and interesting. I would include visuals, hands-on activities, arts and crafts, songs, books, and even short video documentaries to teach different lesson plans. I would use different learning strategies to help them learn and develop the skills they need to accomplish student-led goals. Every day would be a different activity and something new to keep students engaged and interested. As a teacher and a leader, I plan to provide both guidance and inspiration for my students. I want to help them learn, develop, understand and accomplish goals of their own and help them prepare for their future. In my classroom, we would follow weekly curriculums and daily schedules. I would set a routine for my students to help them develop time management and the ability to stay focused and on task. Having a routine will also help with classroom jobs and responsibilities. For example, If I gave my class Student Jobs, the jobs would consist of a morning fish feeder, table cleaner, bell ringer, and calendar helper. This routine would provide the students with tasks to stay focused on and job responsibility. It would also give the students the idea of a scheduled routine and what to expect during the day. Having my own classroom would give me the opportunity to provide students with a safe, structured, clean, nurturing, and sufficient learning environment. As a teacher, I would acknowledge what my students say or do, and encourage their persistence and efforts. I would give them specific feedback on their questions and actions. I would model a positive attitude and provide demonstrations. I would create or add challenges when appropriate and ask questions. I would give my assistance or direction when needed, and provide my students with appropriate information or feedback. For example, when my student raises their hand or approaches me with a question, concern, or comment, I would give them my direct attention using eye contact and active listening. Then I would respond by answering and acknowledging my students’ questions, comments, or concerns to the best of my ability. I would encourage my students to ask questions, get involved, and participate in lessons or discussions. I would present lesson plans to inspire and motivate my students to learn and want to participate. I would get students to engage by asking them questions based on the information I presented or things we wanted to learn about or discover. These are some of the strategies I would use on a daily basis in my classroom. I will stress the quote “There is no elevator to success. You all have to take the stairs.” I want my students to know, that nothing comes easy and we all will have to work for it. If they have questions or don’t understand something, don’t hesitate or take the easy way out. Ask me, and I will help you or show you. We will all learn together. We may not all learn at the same pace, or in the same way, but we are all capable of learning. I love the quote “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination”—Jimmy Dean When conflict or misbehavior occurs, as a Teacher I will do my best to deal with the situation calmly and mindfully. I will be sure to address the situation and support my students in resolving conflicts. I also feel good values must be taught in order to help children develop good character and make good decisions. I look forward to having a classroom of my own one day and becoming an inspiration and positive role model for children to look up to. I plan to share my wisdom and open my heart to young individuals who need guidance and inspiration. Those are my plans for the future, and the teacher I plan to be. Sincerely, Lacey Alvarez
