Welcome to Hope in the Classroom!
My name is Hope Lewis, and I am currently student teaching in a second grade classroom filled with twenty wonderful kiddos. I am thrilled to be a part of Union University’s first yearlong internship program. This spring, I will graduate with degrees in Teaching and Learning and Interdisciplinary Studies, as well as a minor in Spanish.
When I am not attending school in Jackson, I live in Memphis with my parents, my little sister, and our three loveable dogs. In my spare time, I love to make arts and crafts and travel with friends. Of course, watching Netflix and reading good books are two of my favorite ways to relax.
Education has always been a positive influence in my life. I attended public schools from kindergarten until the twelfth grade and had a truly enriching experience. My parents encouraged me to study diligently and make the grades that reflected my best effort. I had teachers who cared about their subject matter and their students. As a result of years of positive experiences with the educational system, I began considering teaching as a career path.
There are several reasons that I believe I should pursue a career in education. The main reason I am attracted to teaching is because I believe that God uses the classroom as a mission field. Even though I may not be able to read a Bible story in class every day, I can show children the love of Christ through my actions. I believe that God has given me a gift for teaching and a gift for working with young children especially. This is why I have chosen an endorsement in Elementary Education K-6. After discovering a love for Spanish language and culture during high school, I decided to add on an endorsement for Spanish PreK-12 as well. I have seen how effective teachers can encourage growth while making a school year enjoyable. I want to be this kind of positive influence. Most importantly, I am studying to be a teacher because I love learning. My hope is to give your child opportunities to love learning too.
My Philosophy of Education:
My calling to teach stems from an intrinsic desire to help children achieve their maximum academic, social, and emotional potentials. I believe that students learn best through differentiated instruction that applies concepts to real-life scenarios. As a reflective and open-minded educator, I will explore the world of the Information Age to find new strategies, methods, and technology that will enhance my instruction. My goal is that students will leave my classroom as life-long learners who possess the ability to apply concepts to their daily lives, initiate problem solving, and ask critical questions.