FROM+MY+HEART,+TRUE+AND+COMPLETE

From my heart...

My drive to become an awesome teacher has been present for a long time. I originally began my teacher education at Metro State in the late 80s, and was discouraged for a number of reasons, mostly I could not make enough money to eat and go to school. I temporarily shelved my education to pursue a career in production and what seemed to be a "quick fix" ended up costing me over ten years and it seemed to eat up my desire to do anything but move up the ladder at work and make more money. Through the grace of God, I was able to find the determination I needed to return to Metro and fulfill a promise I made to myself to earn my college degree. I graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Science in 2004. Almost 20 years after initially starting.

My goals in life at this point are far more focused than ever before. I have a wonderful, loving and supportive wife and two beautiful sons, and I teach and coach them everyday. I am lucky enough to have the love and support of an amazing family. They see in me some things that I often lose sight of. Primarily that I have been given a gift to be able to communicate and to teach. I am truly thankful that I have taken the initiative to follow a dream present since before I graduated high school in 1985.

This course has meant so much to me in so many ways. At the onset of the semester I had very little savvy concerning anything computer related. I worked diligently to gain knowledge and overall understanding of the computer. I am amazed at what I have been able to accomplish. I am no longer apprehensive when it comes to the computer. I learned that I am capable of learning too! That makes me all the more capable of being a great teacher...we learn together. In writing the lessons, I learned that I am creative and excited to grow with the students. I learned I possess the excitement about education that so many of my teachers didn't when I was growing up with them. I am very proud to have completed this semester despite all the trials and tribulations I have faced since December. I would have been able to complete every assignment, were I to have done it differently. I am most concerned about instilling in the children the desire to learn, the excitement that should come with education not fear. To overcome obstacles with technology...simple...we learn together! The students are as much a part of my continuing education as I am a part of theirs.

On March 24th, you sent me an email, that literally made me burst with pride. You said, "If you become the type of teacher you exemplify in ;your work products, my confidence in the education system will be restored." WOW! I am so flattered to have received such an amazing message. Your expectations are clear and my hat is off to you for all you have done to bolster my confidence throughout this semester.

Given everything that I have been faced with in my personal life in the past five months, my resolve has never been stronger that this is the path I am to follow. My goal as a teacher is first to have an amazing relationship with my students and second to help them realize their goals. School is fun and I think people get so focused on the day to day grind that the fun just dwindles away. I have had to work hard for everything I have accomplished but the payoff is substantial and right around the corner. I cannot wait to see, feel and smell my first classroom! I am a twenty first century teacher!

Thank you so very much for all your guidance and support. It was the difference for me in many ways this year. I truly appreciate everything I have learned from you and hope to cross paths with you in the future. Who knows, maybe you will be part of the committee that hires me!

From my heart with much respect, Cliff