Weytk-p, hola, and hello! My name is Adriana Barranco and a student in the BEd Program at Thompson Rivers University, in which I am hoping to become an elementary school teacher. Teaching as a profession is something that I been wanting to do since I was a young girl, right after I started volunteering in after-school programs and found out how much I enjoyed guiding and teaching young kids, as well as meeting amazing teachers that made me view education as a dream career. Since then, I have continued to volunteer in schools and special educational centers internationally where I have practiced, learned, and grown into the teacher I always wanted to become.
I have a strong background in arts and literature, given that I danced and sang for many years in school choirs and dance teams, as well as avidly read and analyze texts since I was young. I am also a person that enjoys arts and crafts and is always learning a new skill or hobby to teach to my students. Because of this, I believe that education should be fun and stimulating for students so that they can grow to love and care for their learning. Through art projects, hands-on learning, and experiential learning, students will have a rich educational experience that will provide them with life-long useful skills.
A big part of my educational philosophy is promoting inclusion and cultural diversity in the classroom, because I believe it is such an important part of every child’s development and personal identity to feel accepted and comfortable with who they are. Growing up in Panama has given me skills in intercultural understanding, given that I am constantly learning, adapting, and incorporating my own culture into a Western space that often does not meet the needs of culturally diverse students like me. As an immigrant, a woman of color, and a future teacher, I believe it is my duty to give positive representation to my students, to provide them with an inclusive and culturally accepting space, and to teach them how to be respectful and accepting of others. I pride myself in my culture, history, and language, so I want my students to feel pride in theirs and others as well.
Even though I have learned so much about intercultural understanding and skills, indigenizing a classroom, and differentiated instruction throughout my career and educational journey, I am eager to continue learning and growing at the BEd program at Thompson Rivers University where I plan to improve my skills and educational philosophies to better aid my students.
For a greater presentation of my background and qualifications, please review the rest of my e-portfolio.
Kukwstsétselp, gracias, and thanks,
Adriana Barranco