Reflection # 10

Angela Gregoire
Reflection #10
Teacher as a Gatekeeper

The teacher is often seen as an architect in molding young minds and educating the future generation of our country. The role of the teacher far surpasses that of many professions since their contribution to society is both valuable and significant. The teacher has a lasting influence on society and almost everyone they come in contact with.The teacher is the gatekeeper to the classroom because she is the one with authority to manage classrooms, and to decide which curriculum and strategy to use. To be a teacher requires great skill, energy, and effort. It is the teacher who creates an open, comfortable,safe,, and conducive environment for students who spend most of their time in schools. The teacher is truly a gatekeeper, for she functions not only as a disciplinarian, but that of a parent, mentor, nurse, and counselor.
The role of the teacher as a gatekeeper cannot be overemphasized, because as teachers we help students make difficult transitions, and be active participants in their own education.Individuals are given opportunities to grow and be responsible citizens. The teacher as the gatekeeper is of paramount importance in a world where students are easily distracted. It is the teacher who influences students’ lives, and produce individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the societies they live in. It is also the teacher who sets high standards and encourage students to maintain high standards. In the classroom and away from the classroom, the teacher remains an academic and personal mentor.
The teacher as a professional is held with great respect and sincerity. Teachers sacrifice their whole being and invest a lot of time in teaching, and do not consider their vocation as just an intellectual exercise.She is passionate about her rights, duties, and responsibilities; and is concerned about students’ welfare and plays an active part in educating them. The teacher listens to students’ concern and help to find solutions. She is very often seen as a facilitator and an organizer. The part the teacher plays as a gatekeeper is maintained when students emulate the teachers good behavior and morale. As teachers work diligently from classroom to classroom, and from school to school they impart knowledge and values which have lasting effects on students’ lives. Teachers impact positively on their students as they journey from kindergarten to graduation, and serve both as adviser and confidant. Very often the teacher is seen as a role model whom students pattern in mannerisms, etiquette, and attitude. Teaching is a noble profession and most teachers prove just that. It is the teacher who can make difference the difference. She is responsible for all successes, failures, limitations and achievements. The teacher is the person of authority to guide, make decisions in the best interest of of all students. The teacher is the one who can adjust the curriculum so as to meet the needs of everyone. She is the one to decide whether to use technology, or any other appropriate approach that will be beneficial to her pupils. The teacher is in command of her classroom and decides what is tolerated . The teacher knows the strengths and weaknesses of her students, and she is the one who makes amends to accommodate each individual.
Teachers continue to function as the gatekeeper when students are allowed to express themselves when they have sufficient time to mingle with each other, and become active participants in their learning. The teacher’s job is a challenging one, but can be very rewarding if it is done with the students’ interest at heart.