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Philadelphia Educator Attributes Passion For Learning As Reason For Prosperous Career

Anyone, especially a teacher, will tell you that education is the key to success. Sheila R. Vaidya, Ph.D., is a professor at Drexel University, she attributes her passion for learning for giving her the drive to continue to teach. It's important to continue to learn not only in the classroom when you're teaching but out of the classroom as well. "Changes happen on a daily basis and it's important for teachers to keep up with the latest technology and programs that are evolving," Vaidya said.

"Not only is it exciting to see the changes around us but it's rewarding to be able to share what you have learned with your students."

Sheila-Vaidya
(Photo Courtesy of Sheila R. Vaidya, Ph.D.)

What is the most challenging aspect of teaching in the classroom environment?

"It can be challenging to keep students in the class engaged and interested for the entire time that one is teaching."

Do you have any advice for people wanting to enter the teaching profession?

"Enter into teaching to teach a subject that you love and want to continue to learn more about. You must love to learn and share the joy of learning with others if you want to be successful."

Are continuing education courses beneficial for teachers?

"Yes, especially if the courses are about subject areas that the teachers are excited to learn about and can help improve their content knowledge, pedagogical skills or the integration of technology into the curriculum."

Do you feel a master's degree would be helpful in the day-to-day career of a teacher?

"It is always an advantage to get more education. Teaching is a competitive profession that calls for excellence. This excellence must be achieved by obtaining an advanced education, understanding state-of-the art knowledge and mastering innovative teaching skills that are also appropriate to the content."

Christina Thompson is a freelance travel writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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