Sunday, May 8, 2011
Field Experience
Since I didn't have to complete a field experience for this class, I will tell about the past experiences that I had. The most influential experience and closest to my memory that I will write about was my student teaching experience at Hand in Hand Preschool in Princeton, MN. I was a student teaching at this preschool for three months. I really enjoyed my time there. The particular setting was inclusive and there was a wide range of disabilities. While I was there I spent a lot of time teaching and getting observed. I had complete control of lesson plans and the classroom, along with my cooperating teacher. Over the period of three months I was able to get to know the children and what it felt like to really be a teacher. I attended meetings with my cooperating teacher, such as conferences and meetings discussing the children's disabilities and how they were responding in the classroom. I spent a lot of time working with children with disabilities, varying from ADD to severe Autism. This was very eye opening for me and at some points it was very emotional. I was able to really grow and learn a lot of techniques from my teacher. I really valued my time there and it made me really look forward to becoming a teacher and having a classroom of my own!
Letter to the Editor- Changing Education Today
To whom it may concern:
I believe the current education system really needs some transformation. After many classes at St. Cloud State University I have learned a lot about our current education system and that of many other countries, it is amazing to me that we don't spend the money, time, and resources on our teachers. Our teachers deserve quality training that continues after our teachers receive their diplomas from various universities. Also, districts must realize that new teachers are a great asset to schools. They come to schools with fresh ideas and a lot of motivation. The rule that teachers that are last in and first out is absolutely ridiculous. These are the quality teachers that our students need today! I also believe that funding needs to be equally spread among school districts. It has been proven that districts with higher funds for education have a much higher success rate of their students. In turn, school districts without these funds have high failure and drop out rates. Today, we need to realize that these kids are our future leaders and deserve a great education.
Melissa Hickerson
I believe the current education system really needs some transformation. After many classes at St. Cloud State University I have learned a lot about our current education system and that of many other countries, it is amazing to me that we don't spend the money, time, and resources on our teachers. Our teachers deserve quality training that continues after our teachers receive their diplomas from various universities. Also, districts must realize that new teachers are a great asset to schools. They come to schools with fresh ideas and a lot of motivation. The rule that teachers that are last in and first out is absolutely ridiculous. These are the quality teachers that our students need today! I also believe that funding needs to be equally spread among school districts. It has been proven that districts with higher funds for education have a much higher success rate of their students. In turn, school districts without these funds have high failure and drop out rates. Today, we need to realize that these kids are our future leaders and deserve a great education.
Melissa Hickerson
Philosophy of Education
My emerging beliefs regarding education are recently developed but are still very important to me. I feel that working with children is one of the hardest jobs I have assisted in and observed. It’s not something you can practice before you begin, but more of perfecting along the way. You can be told and told what to do from experienced educators but you never know until you are in the situation. Children with special needs have a large imprint in schools today and it is only growing. Another constant concern regarding education is the parent involvement, and how the parents interact with their child’s school. Many children are dealt with problems with family issues and support at home and that is why SES plays a major role in education. Also, classroom management and the role of the teacher play a very crucial role in Education.
I enjoy working with children and believe it to be one of the most challenging jobs in the market. Right now, especially there is such a diverse population of children in schools all over the United States. This tends to create very diverse schools and teachers need to meet the needs of each child individually, which can be very challenging. Working with children can be a very fun and enjoyable time however; it must be taken very seriously. I feel teachers need to find a balance of respect with their students to have success in their classroom, children can’t learn if they don’t have a leader of the classroom.
Children with special needs are a very vital aspect of education. Special Education is increasing in schools today. I feel it is very important that children with special needs get as much of a normal education as children in traditional classrooms. A good way to achieve this is for special education paraprofessionals to help the child in the classroom versus staying in a special education classroom the entire day. This may help the child in many ways, making them understand they can be in a classroom just as any other child. Some children aren’t exactly classified as special education, but have more of a learning disability, or are delayed. These children may stay in the classroom the entire day and get taken out for extra help throughout the course of the day.
Families play a major role in their child’s education and often determine the child’s attitude and behavior during school. Children spend most of their time at school or at home so it is important they have support and love at the home environment. Children will be successful if there is a parent or guardian at home who is actively involved in their education and can assist in various ways, such as parent-teacher conferences, help with homework, someone to confide in, and a caregiver overall. Children often know if something is wrong at home and it can have a huge affect on their day in school. It is important they have a safe and happy home environment with a guardian that interacts with the child’s education. A good way for parents to be involved is asking questions and offering help or giving advice to the child.
Today, more than ever, schools all over the world are becoming more and more diverse. Teachers are finding themselves with children from very poor communities, an arrangement of ethnic backgrounds, and more ESL students than ever before. ESL and sign language are becoming a necessity in schools of all levels. I feel it would be very difficult for a teacher to incorporate children who do not speak English because of the huge communication barrier and yet trying to make the child fit in. As well as diversity, education today has problems relating to socioeconomic status.
Not only do children come from a variety of backgrounds but also the aspect of SES is emerging quickly. Children from families with low income often struggle in the education scene. These children may not have proper hygiene practices, a good diet or the support they need at home. Children in high poverty schools often display many behavioral, emotional, and cognitive problems. They can struggle with simple tasks such as listening to the teacher read during class or following a simple set of instructions. Not only children from low SES, but sometimes children with “rich” parents may not have enough time for the child and this can have an affect on the child as well. They may not get the proper attention or help with school work because the parents are not involved with their child’s education, spend too much time working or simply think it is the job of the teacher.
I believe that teachers must have a very huge heart and be ready for job that really never ends. I think teachers must enjoy helping others, be extremely caring and very understanding of the many different aspects of teaching. Teachers must be able to adapt and change things such as testing, classroom organization, curriculums, and disabilities that are seen in education today.
Classroom organization is a key to a successful classroom and successful students. I think the environment needs to be welcoming and comfortable. Children need to immediately realize how important and special they are. I also believe that children should be able to express their emotions in the classroom and feel comfortable doing so,
Based on my field experiences for certain classes, I have many ambitions and ideas for motivating students and meeting their individual needs. By personally getting to know each child, their learning styles, and how to personalize their learning experiences, I can hope to make a difference for at least one child in my classroom that will forever change them. I believe for the ages I intend to teach, play is a critical aspect of learning. Through play, children learn to discover everything around them and learn about themselves while doing so. Overall, I hope to be an inspiration to children and become an advocate for them.
I enjoy working with children and believe it to be one of the most challenging jobs in the market. Right now, especially there is such a diverse population of children in schools all over the United States. This tends to create very diverse schools and teachers need to meet the needs of each child individually, which can be very challenging. Working with children can be a very fun and enjoyable time however; it must be taken very seriously. I feel teachers need to find a balance of respect with their students to have success in their classroom, children can’t learn if they don’t have a leader of the classroom.
Children with special needs are a very vital aspect of education. Special Education is increasing in schools today. I feel it is very important that children with special needs get as much of a normal education as children in traditional classrooms. A good way to achieve this is for special education paraprofessionals to help the child in the classroom versus staying in a special education classroom the entire day. This may help the child in many ways, making them understand they can be in a classroom just as any other child. Some children aren’t exactly classified as special education, but have more of a learning disability, or are delayed. These children may stay in the classroom the entire day and get taken out for extra help throughout the course of the day.
Families play a major role in their child’s education and often determine the child’s attitude and behavior during school. Children spend most of their time at school or at home so it is important they have support and love at the home environment. Children will be successful if there is a parent or guardian at home who is actively involved in their education and can assist in various ways, such as parent-teacher conferences, help with homework, someone to confide in, and a caregiver overall. Children often know if something is wrong at home and it can have a huge affect on their day in school. It is important they have a safe and happy home environment with a guardian that interacts with the child’s education. A good way for parents to be involved is asking questions and offering help or giving advice to the child.
Today, more than ever, schools all over the world are becoming more and more diverse. Teachers are finding themselves with children from very poor communities, an arrangement of ethnic backgrounds, and more ESL students than ever before. ESL and sign language are becoming a necessity in schools of all levels. I feel it would be very difficult for a teacher to incorporate children who do not speak English because of the huge communication barrier and yet trying to make the child fit in. As well as diversity, education today has problems relating to socioeconomic status.
Not only do children come from a variety of backgrounds but also the aspect of SES is emerging quickly. Children from families with low income often struggle in the education scene. These children may not have proper hygiene practices, a good diet or the support they need at home. Children in high poverty schools often display many behavioral, emotional, and cognitive problems. They can struggle with simple tasks such as listening to the teacher read during class or following a simple set of instructions. Not only children from low SES, but sometimes children with “rich” parents may not have enough time for the child and this can have an affect on the child as well. They may not get the proper attention or help with school work because the parents are not involved with their child’s education, spend too much time working or simply think it is the job of the teacher.
I believe that teachers must have a very huge heart and be ready for job that really never ends. I think teachers must enjoy helping others, be extremely caring and very understanding of the many different aspects of teaching. Teachers must be able to adapt and change things such as testing, classroom organization, curriculums, and disabilities that are seen in education today.
Classroom organization is a key to a successful classroom and successful students. I think the environment needs to be welcoming and comfortable. Children need to immediately realize how important and special they are. I also believe that children should be able to express their emotions in the classroom and feel comfortable doing so,
Based on my field experiences for certain classes, I have many ambitions and ideas for motivating students and meeting their individual needs. By personally getting to know each child, their learning styles, and how to personalize their learning experiences, I can hope to make a difference for at least one child in my classroom that will forever change them. I believe for the ages I intend to teach, play is a critical aspect of learning. Through play, children learn to discover everything around them and learn about themselves while doing so. Overall, I hope to be an inspiration to children and become an advocate for them.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Supporting future teachers!!!!
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=922093
Finally, some wonderful resources for future teachers! After reading this article I was very happy! The Bush Foundation is pumping 40 million dollars into universities across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, in hopes to revamp their teacher preparation programs. They will use the money to change curriculums and better prepare teachers for the world. They will change the way that student teachers interact with the districts and they will be more selective as to who they choose to become teachers. I definitely agree that this is something that is needed to be done. I hope that teachers will go out into their career and feel confident and excited to begin teaching.
Finally, some wonderful resources for future teachers! After reading this article I was very happy! The Bush Foundation is pumping 40 million dollars into universities across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, in hopes to revamp their teacher preparation programs. They will use the money to change curriculums and better prepare teachers for the world. They will change the way that student teachers interact with the districts and they will be more selective as to who they choose to become teachers. I definitely agree that this is something that is needed to be done. I hope that teachers will go out into their career and feel confident and excited to begin teaching.
International Teaching...
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/education/02iht-educSide.html?_r=1&ref=internationaleducation
This article is very interesting and shows a good example of the different teaching techniques across the nation. In Singapore, college students are to make a wiki site. Doing so allows them to grasp the concept of working hard on something, doing research and being the gate keeper of their own education. The students are working hard on their wikis, editing others wikis, and learning what it is really like to start from scratch on such an intense project. I think this professor had a great idea when embarking on this endeavor. The students said they are getting used to such a project but it is a very good thing!
This article is very interesting and shows a good example of the different teaching techniques across the nation. In Singapore, college students are to make a wiki site. Doing so allows them to grasp the concept of working hard on something, doing research and being the gate keeper of their own education. The students are working hard on their wikis, editing others wikis, and learning what it is really like to start from scratch on such an intense project. I think this professor had a great idea when embarking on this endeavor. The students said they are getting used to such a project but it is a very good thing!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A Teacher's Salary...
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/01/opinion/01eggers.html?_r=1&hp
After reading this article I felt very sad and discouraged. The comparison in the beginning is amazing. How when we don't get results in our military endeavors we don't punish the soldiers or take away their pay. Yet when our students provide low standardized test scores, suddenly our teachers are called "bad teachers" or possibly threatened to have their job taken away. And the statistic that teachers make 14 % less than other professions is very disheartening. Our teachers are even finding extra jobs in the evenings and summers to make ends meet. It's no wonder they are exhausted... But how can we solve this problem? Who knows....This article states that we need to find a way to make this profession very appealing to college graduates. The article compares education statistics from here in the US and in Singapore, Finland, and South Korea. They do things very differently than we do here. They pay their teachers much more, they provide training, and most importantly (I think), they only recruit the very top graduates into this profession. Amazing, it's no wonder the turnover rate is less than 3 percent in each of these countries.
As the article states, we seem to have plenty of money to send a man to the moon, or bail out the banks when they are in trouble. Hopefully someone finds a solution to the issues in Education so our children can get the top-notch education that they deserve.
After reading this article I felt very sad and discouraged. The comparison in the beginning is amazing. How when we don't get results in our military endeavors we don't punish the soldiers or take away their pay. Yet when our students provide low standardized test scores, suddenly our teachers are called "bad teachers" or possibly threatened to have their job taken away. And the statistic that teachers make 14 % less than other professions is very disheartening. Our teachers are even finding extra jobs in the evenings and summers to make ends meet. It's no wonder they are exhausted... But how can we solve this problem? Who knows....This article states that we need to find a way to make this profession very appealing to college graduates. The article compares education statistics from here in the US and in Singapore, Finland, and South Korea. They do things very differently than we do here. They pay their teachers much more, they provide training, and most importantly (I think), they only recruit the very top graduates into this profession. Amazing, it's no wonder the turnover rate is less than 3 percent in each of these countries.
As the article states, we seem to have plenty of money to send a man to the moon, or bail out the banks when they are in trouble. Hopefully someone finds a solution to the issues in Education so our children can get the top-notch education that they deserve.
Early Childhood Education
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/05/01/minn-top-teacher-named-sunday/
Finally!! After 47 years, an Early Childhood Education teacher was named 2011 Teacher of the Year! I could not be more thrilled! Katy Smith has been teaching since 1993. She is an Early Childhood Family Educator in Winona, MN. I was so excited and happy to see that she was named Teacher of the Year. This is really important to Early Childhood Education and like the article states, it really shows how great children will do when they have a great start in their early years!! :)
Finally!! After 47 years, an Early Childhood Education teacher was named 2011 Teacher of the Year! I could not be more thrilled! Katy Smith has been teaching since 1993. She is an Early Childhood Family Educator in Winona, MN. I was so excited and happy to see that she was named Teacher of the Year. This is really important to Early Childhood Education and like the article states, it really shows how great children will do when they have a great start in their early years!! :)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Failing Schools....
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=912758
This article that I found really highlights the issues with the No Child Left Behind Act that was established in the Bush Era in 2002. The article is quick to state that 82 percent of schools in the United States will be marked as failing, because they are not reaching the goals that are set by NCLB. Obama said that a lot needs to be done to the NCLB Act but he isn't sure how to achieve that. The article states that both the Democrats and Republicans agree that there must be changes in the future but disagreements still remain on how. I hope that Obama will be able to find a solution to this very heavy problem that remains in the schools. Maybe something can be done instead of labeling all of these schools as failing.
This article that I found really highlights the issues with the No Child Left Behind Act that was established in the Bush Era in 2002. The article is quick to state that 82 percent of schools in the United States will be marked as failing, because they are not reaching the goals that are set by NCLB. Obama said that a lot needs to be done to the NCLB Act but he isn't sure how to achieve that. The article states that both the Democrats and Republicans agree that there must be changes in the future but disagreements still remain on how. I hope that Obama will be able to find a solution to this very heavy problem that remains in the schools. Maybe something can be done instead of labeling all of these schools as failing.
Alternative Teaching License Law Passed...
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/03/07/new-alternative-teacher-licensing-law-under-scrutiny/
I have already blogged about the Alternative Teaching License Law that was brought up to Dayton. However, it has now become a law. I became very frustrated after reading this article, as I don't think it is the answer to the achievement gap in Minnesota schools. Take a minute to read this article and if you have time, try to read the comments from Minnesota citizens. These comments really open a can of worms and provides feedback from people of all professions with varied opinions!
I have already blogged about the Alternative Teaching License Law that was brought up to Dayton. However, it has now become a law. I became very frustrated after reading this article, as I don't think it is the answer to the achievement gap in Minnesota schools. Take a minute to read this article and if you have time, try to read the comments from Minnesota citizens. These comments really open a can of worms and provides feedback from people of all professions with varied opinions!
Education Rankings Around the World
http://www.startribune.com/nation/118109989.html
After discussing so much in class about the differences in education around the world, I was very glad to have found this article. In addition to other topics, this article discusses the reasons why the United States is lacking in high test scores and successful students....to name a few. After reading, it seems that the teachers in the United States and teachers in other countries are being trained completely different and teaching students in a very different manner. For example, teachers that graduate in the United States will often find a job, whereas teachers that graduate in a different country have a much more competitive market and must be strict criteria, such as being in the top third of their class. Another major difference is the amount of work and training hours that are put in after a teacher is hired. For example, in Shanghai, teachers are expected to participate in 240 hours of professional development within five years. Singapore teachers are entitled to 100 hours of training per year "to keep up with
the rapid changes in the world."
I think the United States Education system would be a lot different had they used techniques such as these.
After discussing so much in class about the differences in education around the world, I was very glad to have found this article. In addition to other topics, this article discusses the reasons why the United States is lacking in high test scores and successful students....to name a few. After reading, it seems that the teachers in the United States and teachers in other countries are being trained completely different and teaching students in a very different manner. For example, teachers that graduate in the United States will often find a job, whereas teachers that graduate in a different country have a much more competitive market and must be strict criteria, such as being in the top third of their class. Another major difference is the amount of work and training hours that are put in after a teacher is hired. For example, in Shanghai, teachers are expected to participate in 240 hours of professional development within five years. Singapore teachers are entitled to 100 hours of training per year "to keep up with
the rapid changes in the world."
I think the United States Education system would be a lot different had they used techniques such as these.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Anoka-Hennepin Anti Bullying Policy
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=878984
This article really hits close to home, as I attended Anoka-Hennepin school district for my entire life. I graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 2006 and really feel a great loss for this family. Anoka-Hennepin was asked to clarify their anti bullying policy after a 15 year old boy from Andover hanged himself. He was gay and was bullied at school. Teachers in this district and probably many others, are confused about the rules and policies regarding gay and lesbian students. Julie Blaha, president of the district's teachers' union stated that teachers need "an effective, clear staff development program for all our staff will help clear up the confusion and give teachers the tools to not only respond to bullying, but create a positive school climate to help prevent bullying in the first place." I think that this is exactly what teachers in every district need! My heart goes out to this family and many others that are experiencing this same problem.
This article really hits close to home, as I attended Anoka-Hennepin school district for my entire life. I graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 2006 and really feel a great loss for this family. Anoka-Hennepin was asked to clarify their anti bullying policy after a 15 year old boy from Andover hanged himself. He was gay and was bullied at school. Teachers in this district and probably many others, are confused about the rules and policies regarding gay and lesbian students. Julie Blaha, president of the district's teachers' union stated that teachers need "an effective, clear staff development program for all our staff will help clear up the confusion and give teachers the tools to not only respond to bullying, but create a positive school climate to help prevent bullying in the first place." I think that this is exactly what teachers in every district need! My heart goes out to this family and many others that are experiencing this same problem.
Bullied
I was unable to attend class the morning we watched Bullied, but a classmate informed me about how to order the free copy. After waiting for the movie in the mail and viewing Bullied I was horrified at what I saw. Not only was this very hard to see, but it was very surreal to see how close to home this happens, Wisconsin! I couldn't believe the amount of harassment that Jamie Nabozney endured during his school years. The most horrifying part of this story was the amount of times Jamie and his parents went to school officials and were told that it would get taken care of, only to endure much more pain from his peers. Fortunately this story did not end with a suicide, although he ran many times to escape the pain. I think that this movie should be shown to children of appropriate ages in schools all over the country. Maybe it takes a story like this one for children to realize the seriousness of bullying and what kinds of effects it has on others.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Russia starting Standardized Testing...?
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/07/education/07iht-educSide07.html?ref=education
When I first saw the title of this article I was shocked, I never thought that Russia would start using standardized testing. That being said, I don't think the people and students of Russia ever thought they would be required to take standardized tests. There is a lot of controversy regarding this issue. There are a lot of negative aspects to standardized tests including the details of the tests, which requires students to take them at a different school, with teachers watching over them, and minimum opportunities for tutoring. Guess we will see what happens...
When I first saw the title of this article I was shocked, I never thought that Russia would start using standardized testing. That being said, I don't think the people and students of Russia ever thought they would be required to take standardized tests. There is a lot of controversy regarding this issue. There are a lot of negative aspects to standardized tests including the details of the tests, which requires students to take them at a different school, with teachers watching over them, and minimum opportunities for tutoring. Guess we will see what happens...
Replace Principals....
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/08/education/08education.html?ref=education
This article was very interesting. I was shocked to see that schools that had a high failure rate would replace their principals. I don't necessarily agree that replacing the principal would be the solution. The author points out a few issues- there are simply not enough qualified principals waiting for positions to open, and replacing principals could throw the schools into even more disarray. This issue is happening to schools all over the US. Although this idea has its pros and cons, it is relatively new and too early to show very positive or very negative outcomes.
This article was very interesting. I was shocked to see that schools that had a high failure rate would replace their principals. I don't necessarily agree that replacing the principal would be the solution. The author points out a few issues- there are simply not enough qualified principals waiting for positions to open, and replacing principals could throw the schools into even more disarray. This issue is happening to schools all over the US. Although this idea has its pros and cons, it is relatively new and too early to show very positive or very negative outcomes.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Language in St. Cloud schools...
http://www.sctimes.com/article/20110129/NEWS01/101290019/St-Cloud-schools-see-mixture-of-spoken-languages-
It was very interesting to see the jump from teachers assisting English Language Learners in the schools in St. Cloud. The article states in 2005-2006 the district had 15 teachers, they now have 28 teachers that are assisting students with language. I like that the author takes the time to compare and contrast with nearby districts. They also point out that with this large growing number- they are taking the time to provide programs that offer additional assistance to these children and families. It's also great to know that these school districts receive money for the children that are English Language Learners, up to $700 per child!
It was very interesting to see the jump from teachers assisting English Language Learners in the schools in St. Cloud. The article states in 2005-2006 the district had 15 teachers, they now have 28 teachers that are assisting students with language. I like that the author takes the time to compare and contrast with nearby districts. They also point out that with this large growing number- they are taking the time to provide programs that offer additional assistance to these children and families. It's also great to know that these school districts receive money for the children that are English Language Learners, up to $700 per child!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Freedom Writer's
I enjoyed the movie Freedom Writer's. I thought that Erin was different than most first year teachers. She was so passionate and would not give up; whether she was working with students or the other staff. I liked that she always stood up for herself and realized very early on that she would need to be her own advocate, as many other teachers in the building weren't a very strong support system. Watching the way she took on anything was very inspiring. You could tell that she wasn't completely sure that it would all work out but she certainly had to give it a chance. Watching this movie also reminded me of the struggles I may face when I become a first year teacher. Although I may not with the inner city students that Erin worked with, my issues may be similar. Overall this was a great movie and I'm really glad I had the opportunity to watch it because I may not have done so on my own.
1) What are some of the hopes and expectations Erin has prior to starting her first job?
Erin has hopes of teaching high school English and is very motivated and excited. She seems to come off as a little naive of the issues surrounding her at the high school.
2) What realities and challenges confronted her in the beginning of the year?
In the beginning of the year Erin was faced with several challenges. For example, she has never had any experience in teaching since it is her first year teaching. In addition to that, the school that she is hired at is very diverse and the kids face many issues regarding poverty and gangs. She soon realized that this wouldn’t be an ordinary teaching job and that she would have to address their issues and change things in the curriculum to understand how they learn.
3) What were some of the case scenarios of the lived experiences of the students she had in class?
The students in her class had many issues surrounding their lives. Specifically, one of the student’s fathers was taken from the home when she was very little, for the color of his skin and assumptions that he had issues regarding a gang. Some of the student’s parents had issues with drugs. One of the student’s fathers couldn’t pay rent and they were kicked out of their house. Many, if not all of the student’s parents have issues holding jobs.
4) How did the student’s attitudes towards learning impact their academic performance?
The student’s attitude towards learning really impacted their academic performance in a negative way.
5) What strategies did Erin incorporate to break down the barriers between the students and the teacher?
Erin used a variety of methods to reach her students. She first made them separate from their “cliques” when they sat in the classroom. She always made the room a safe place to talk and open up about anything. She made connections with students in many ways, such as giving rides home and allowing them to stay late in the room to finish homework. All of these strategies created trust.
6) What kinds of teaching methods worked with the students?
The journals that she gave to the students really helped them express themselves. She gave them the option to write anything they wanted in the journal and she would leave a cabinet unlocked for them to put their journals in there. She said that they didn’t have to put them in there but if they did she would read them. All of the students chose to write in their journals in put them in the cabinet. She really learned a lot about them from reading in their journals because they spoke a lot about their families and home lives.
7) How did Erin develop curriculum that connected with the students?
Erin decided to use books and journals with the students. She gave each student a journal to write in and they could write anything that they chose. She also chose books for them to read such as Diary of Anne Frank, a book she thought they could somewhat relate to. She planned field trips for the students and they had the opportunity to meet authors and important people in history.
8) What were the attitudes and challenges from other teachers and administrators in the school?
The attitudes from the other teachers in the school were very negative. They commented that the students would not be able to read the books that Erin provided and that they would just ruin them. They wouldn’t support any of the field trips that she wanted to pursue. Overall, they were very unsupportive and skeptical.
9) What role did Erin’s expectations for the students have on their learning?
Erin held strong expectations for her students. Although she had a lot of struggles in the beginning to even get their attention, they soon warmed up to her and realized how much she wanted to do for them. She held them accountable and it wasn’t long before they were learning, reading, and staying engaged in school.
What lessons did you learn from this in regards to your first year of teaching?
After watching Erin work with her students, I learned that I need to be very open minded and remind myself how hard the beginning can be. But after time and patience it will get better.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Why do I want to be a Teacher?
I want to be a teacher because I have a passion for children and a never-ending goal to make a difference in a child's life. I not only want to make a difference every day in the classroom, but also be someone that they remember. Only in education do you become a role model for young children. They count on you every day and as time goes on they learn important life skills and how to be independent. I enjoy getting to know each child that I meet and want to personalize their education so they become the best learners they can. I have strong ambitions for getting young children motivated and involved in school. Lastly, I want to be a teacher so I have the honor to advocate for them. Children all over the world are too often keeping quiet and not getting their voice heard by those that mean the most to them. I want to be their voice and advocate for them and most importantly teach them how to advocate for themselves.
Alternative Teacher Licensure
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=900178
After reading the article about alternative teacher licensing, it really does seem like it will be one of the most contentious education issues of the session. The purpose and goal of the session is to license teachers through a different process than the current one. The process is known as Teach for America. This process allows for professionals that have a current four-year degree in any subject, to take a course over the summer to learn "how to teach".
Their reasons for establishing new ways for teachers to get their license is to have a variety of ranks in the classrooms and fill shortages in certain areas. While this idea makes sense and could have great outcomes it really only advocates for mid-career professionals that wish to get into classrooms and share their expertise. Like the article states, there is more controversy for easing restrictions on new college graduates. I definitely have strong feelings towards this topic because I feel that certain areas in education such as Special Education need to have strong, intense training. This area is not something that someone with a four-year degree in Accounting should be allowed to teach, just because they have taken a summer course about teaching.
After two years in this program the teachers from Teach for America become alumni to the program and have the opportunity to go back to school and get their teaching license. I think this is a great way to promote going back to school to get a teaching license, however I do not think they should be teaching alone in the classroom before that is accomplished. I think that Teach for America should follow similar steps that a student teacher would encounter such as never being alone in the classroom and various observations from an experienced and possibly retired teacher.
After reading the article about alternative teacher licensing, it really does seem like it will be one of the most contentious education issues of the session. The purpose and goal of the session is to license teachers through a different process than the current one. The process is known as Teach for America. This process allows for professionals that have a current four-year degree in any subject, to take a course over the summer to learn "how to teach".
Their reasons for establishing new ways for teachers to get their license is to have a variety of ranks in the classrooms and fill shortages in certain areas. While this idea makes sense and could have great outcomes it really only advocates for mid-career professionals that wish to get into classrooms and share their expertise. Like the article states, there is more controversy for easing restrictions on new college graduates. I definitely have strong feelings towards this topic because I feel that certain areas in education such as Special Education need to have strong, intense training. This area is not something that someone with a four-year degree in Accounting should be allowed to teach, just because they have taken a summer course about teaching.
After two years in this program the teachers from Teach for America become alumni to the program and have the opportunity to go back to school and get their teaching license. I think this is a great way to promote going back to school to get a teaching license, however I do not think they should be teaching alone in the classroom before that is accomplished. I think that Teach for America should follow similar steps that a student teacher would encounter such as never being alone in the classroom and various observations from an experienced and possibly retired teacher.
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