About Me
My name is Christopher Mihail, I am 24 years old and I am currently in my last semester of my Bachelor of Education (Primary) course at Deakin University. The teaching profession has been in my family for 3 generations: my Grandfather was a teacher in Greece, my Mother was a Year 3/4 teacher in Melbourne’s south-east suburbs for over 30 years, and I am hoping to continue the teaching tradition for many years to come. I have always admired my teachers throughout primary and secondary education, which eventually developed my curiosity and interest to pursue further studies in education.
After Year 12, I completed a double Diploma in Sport Development & Sport Athlete Support Services at Box Hill Institute as a pathway into my current course at Deakin University. My love for health and physical education encouraged me to complete the middle years health sequence available within this course, which allows me to teach health education up to Year 10.
I personally believe that it is important to maintain a healthy balance within life, ensuring that hobbies and extra curricular activities are continued with full time employment. My hobbies include producing hip-hop music, watching AFL football and NBA basketball, spending time with family and friends, and keeping fit by going to the gym. I try to keep myself occupied and constantly achieve small goals in every day life, which allows me to keep feeling uplifted and successful. I cannot wait to become a teaching professional and begin building a strong rapport with my future students, colleagues and external stakeholders.
Teaching Philosophy
Completing my education studies has allowed me to develop an effective, yet personal teaching philosophy that defines to me the importance of being a teaching professional. I believe that all children deserve to have the opportunity to have an education that is engaging; personal and fun-filled where they are enjoying their learning experience. Shernoff et al., (2016 p. 201) explains that levels of student engagement reflect heavily on the environment, the unit and learning material, and the teacher. I agree with this statement, as I believe that it is our duty as educators to ensure that students are engaged at all times and are looking forward to advancing in their studies.
Christopher Emdin (Ted Talks, 2013) explains that unfortunately every morning there are students trying to convince their parents that they are too sick to come to school. This is a result of students feeling unappreciated and disengaged with their teachers. As a teaching professional, I embrace the idea of a constructive classroom where students can complete tasks in a hands-on and engaging manner, allowing students to feel accomplished in their work.
I believe that it is also important to know each individual student on a deep and personal level, and to provide further assistance to ensure students are coping with life inside and outside of the classroom. Finally, as a teaching professional, I would like to demonstrate a willingness to learn from the students, and continuously develop my practice to ensure my students enjoy their journey through education.