Growing Character in Education

Character is defined by a person’s morals. Grand Canyon University’s College of Education defines character by its motto: learning, leading and serving. As students, we learn in the classroom what we want to be. We lead by example, and serve to a greater height and depth.

As an education major while in practicum, I went back to reality in a sense that I had to face the younger generation. I had to go back to a kindergarten classroom and teach the students how to write numbers 1-10, how to count and read a book about bats. I chose this profession because of my character. My morals define who I want to be, and the more years that pass by, the more I am aware that my goals as an educator are grounded in values, which comes to my question for you:

Is it the educator’s responsibility to teach values?

Of course!

It is everyone’s responsibility to teach values to instill into a young mind character, identity and values that stream across an ocean of time. I see it as my responsibility as a Christian to teach values and morals to a young mind. It is my moralistic right as a parent to teach about values into the many hearts that I come across. It is my idealistic right to change the scope of the heart that is fixated upon the wrong things and try to turn it to what is right. As an aspiring educator, it is my right to love, cherish and appreciate my destiny.

As an idealistic educator I speak my mind with my testimony. My testimony to everyone is: May you find your purpose. My purpose is to infuse character with morals and values into a generation that has purpose. The younger students: I would tell them that words have merit and what you say and do, may it be pleasing to the Lord because you are important.

You see my friends, Christianity is not a mere mirage, nor is it a list of demands. It is a person’s livelihood; you can say more with the way you walk then with words without actions. GCU has taught me far more than any school, for it has taught me that by being an educator you are foremost a person who has combined your love for learning with an eagerness to succeed. GCU has also taught me about unity. Unity works alongside character development. As a prospective teacher, I can model unity with the administration and teachers, as well as togetherness with classroom parents. It is a partnership exemplified by love towards the families that you serve as an educator.

Many students face situations daily where there are moral challenges, but when I see their faces, I see their hearts stitched inch by inch by what they carry within. I see faces that match tenderness from a teacher’s care. I see sensible ears that were taught to listen. I see eyes that are ready and able to do what is right. I also see an asset far more meaningful than any I had ever seen, which is the heart of a student.

A student willing to learn from a teacher who models what integrity means, is the definition of what we need in the heart of a young mind.

The College of Education nurtures students’ development into outstanding educators. To learn more about GCU’s education degrees, visit our website or contact us using the Request More Information button at the top of the page.

More About Chantele:

Chantele Serrano Olivo is currently married to Elias Olivo. Her life has been quite adventurous. She currently resides in Vineland, New Jersey. Chantele is pursuing a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education to give guidance and become a voice for kids who do not have the ability to speak. She plans on using this degree to further enhance career objectives and to teach children. Teaching is her passion; she has always loved to teach and when students actually arrive to a conclusion, she believes a cascading light illuminates their minds. She believes teachers help produce a society of gifted and guided people who have morals and values that can shape the world. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing and creating PowerPoint presentations for the current ministry at a nursing home.