So... our class is over, and technically, I guess I don't have to write anything more on this blog. Though, I think I may. I've never been a blogger before this, but there is something soothing about being able to speak frankly and openly on issues that concern me or may face me in the future. I think that a blog is an excellent tool to help a teacher get inside students' heads and let them know what's really plaguing them day to day.
In a high school environment, I can see this as a great tool that students would really enjoy. There are always some risks involved with open internet things such as this, but assuming the right issues were addressed, it could be a great way for students to express themselves. This was a great process and I'm glad I took part.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
My greatest fear about becoming a teacher
Sure, many people are afraid of misbehaving students, preparing students for standardized tests, or the horrible possiblity of a student having a pretty intense crush. Those are all fears of mine as well, but nothing scares me more than... getting up early and functioning in class. I am one of those "non-morning people" who cling to their cup of coffee first thing in the morning much like leech to skin.
The reality of the situation is that I am going to have to change my habits, one hundred percent. I will have to become the kind of person able to go to bed at 9:30 or 10 and wake up at 5 or even earlier. The thought of getting up earlier to run has even crossed my mind, I'm usually much more on my toes post-jog. However, that brings on the worry of crashing mid-day.
I know that switching over to a teaching lifestyle is going to be tough. No ifs, ands or buts, I'm not a morning person. But accepting the fact that my hours have to change is the first step, and I'm sure student teaching next spring will be the greatest learning tool I can have.
The reality of the situation is that I am going to have to change my habits, one hundred percent. I will have to become the kind of person able to go to bed at 9:30 or 10 and wake up at 5 or even earlier. The thought of getting up earlier to run has even crossed my mind, I'm usually much more on my toes post-jog. However, that brings on the worry of crashing mid-day.
I know that switching over to a teaching lifestyle is going to be tough. No ifs, ands or buts, I'm not a morning person. But accepting the fact that my hours have to change is the first step, and I'm sure student teaching next spring will be the greatest learning tool I can have.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sick Days...
As I left class today feeling miserable, a real fear came into my mind. In high school, I was one of those kids, always picking up viruses, suffering from allergies and sinus trouble, and the occasional asthma attack. I ended up missing quite a bit of school.
In a high school environment in the future, I can only hope that my poor immune system will have stepped up its game. I know that it's stronger than it once was, if it wasn't I would've been sick all semester with my roommate. In all honesty, how many sick days for a teacher are too many? And how many days do you go in feeling borderline... should I stay in bed or try and suck it up? What happens to the class if I really need to leave?
With so many questions on the issue, I get a bit afraid of getting sick, ever. I don't want to be the teacher whose never there (though I write lesson plans that are intended for anyone to be able to teach)... I can't assess my students properly if I'm not regularly in the classroom. Though I may be over reacting, the fact that I have a tendency to get sick makes me nervous... and I have to be exceedingly careful not to use up time off.
In a high school environment in the future, I can only hope that my poor immune system will have stepped up its game. I know that it's stronger than it once was, if it wasn't I would've been sick all semester with my roommate. In all honesty, how many sick days for a teacher are too many? And how many days do you go in feeling borderline... should I stay in bed or try and suck it up? What happens to the class if I really need to leave?
With so many questions on the issue, I get a bit afraid of getting sick, ever. I don't want to be the teacher whose never there (though I write lesson plans that are intended for anyone to be able to teach)... I can't assess my students properly if I'm not regularly in the classroom. Though I may be over reacting, the fact that I have a tendency to get sick makes me nervous... and I have to be exceedingly careful not to use up time off.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The praxis... again
So, I expressed concerns about the Praxis in the past. And I quite frankly felt more anxiety waiting for the results than I ever did leading up to the exam itself. And finally A MONTH after the exam, I received my results. I needed a 162 to pass to be certified as a Secondary Education Teacher in the State of New Jersey.
I GOT A 189!
I am thrilled that the process is over with and unless the state moves the standard to 190 or higher, I will never have to take it again.
I GOT A 189!
I am thrilled that the process is over with and unless the state moves the standard to 190 or higher, I will never have to take it again.
Friday's Lesson
So... despite having taught in class on numerous occasions, Friday received the least amount of interaction of all of them.
I went in thinking, I've got a fun, visually, musically pleasing lesson that will get the class talking. But when I first started speaking, just after the first video, the lifeless faces of the class shocked me. I lost my words for a moment. But I kept plugging through. Then when it was time to ask the class to brainstorm, still no one seemed awake. I felt like I was pulling teeth getting one or two responses.
Quite frankly, it made me feel awful. What had I done wrong? Talking with Dr. Luongo and Mrs. Millite (sp?) after class made me realize, it may not have been my lesson format, or even the way I presented it. There are days when the first class in the morning is still going to be asleep. And at least I kept going... I suppose that was something.
The lesson made me realize that as a teacher you can't bat 1.000 with lesson plans. It's much more about the trial and error. That's why it's important to reflect on individual lesson plans, so the next year around you can make adjustments to fit your class better.
I went in thinking, I've got a fun, visually, musically pleasing lesson that will get the class talking. But when I first started speaking, just after the first video, the lifeless faces of the class shocked me. I lost my words for a moment. But I kept plugging through. Then when it was time to ask the class to brainstorm, still no one seemed awake. I felt like I was pulling teeth getting one or two responses.
Quite frankly, it made me feel awful. What had I done wrong? Talking with Dr. Luongo and Mrs. Millite (sp?) after class made me realize, it may not have been my lesson format, or even the way I presented it. There are days when the first class in the morning is still going to be asleep. And at least I kept going... I suppose that was something.
The lesson made me realize that as a teacher you can't bat 1.000 with lesson plans. It's much more about the trial and error. That's why it's important to reflect on individual lesson plans, so the next year around you can make adjustments to fit your class better.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Higher Education
The reality of being a secondary education teacher means we must prepare students for oh-so-dreaded standardized testing but ultimately for higher education. Aside from the burden of preparing students for the rigorous academic expectations, having knowledge about financial concerns and the reality of applications is essential.
As an English teacher, I will certainly offer my services with writing essays, even making it a part of the curriculum. It is, after all, a persuasive essay.
A high school teacher must be aware of the problems that face students looking at higher education, the potential that they may not be able to attend because of financial concerns. The article included is all about the potential of decreasing the costs. High school teachers can be the first line of information for students about college. Not every parent is thinking about this matter. So having a teacher there who knows the ropes can help, a lot. Hearing that the amount of money a student spends on their education does not necessarily equate the value of the education received. Encouragement from a high school teacher can be the first step in the right direction for a student.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/education/edlife/essay.html?_r=1&ref=education&oref=slogin
As an English teacher, I will certainly offer my services with writing essays, even making it a part of the curriculum. It is, after all, a persuasive essay.
A high school teacher must be aware of the problems that face students looking at higher education, the potential that they may not be able to attend because of financial concerns. The article included is all about the potential of decreasing the costs. High school teachers can be the first line of information for students about college. Not every parent is thinking about this matter. So having a teacher there who knows the ropes can help, a lot. Hearing that the amount of money a student spends on their education does not necessarily equate the value of the education received. Encouragement from a high school teacher can be the first step in the right direction for a student.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/education/edlife/essay.html?_r=1&ref=education&oref=slogin
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Dyslexia in Different Parts of the World
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080408/ap_on_he_me/dyslexic_differences
Being a bit of a psychology dork, on top of having a great curiosity about reading disabilities, I was intrigued by this article. New research shows that different parts of the brain are impacted in different parts of the world in regards to dyslexia. In places like the US where much of the language is learned through phonics, there is a different part of the brain affected than those learning whole word, like many in China.
Being a bit of a psychology dork, on top of having a great curiosity about reading disabilities, I was intrigued by this article. New research shows that different parts of the brain are impacted in different parts of the world in regards to dyslexia. In places like the US where much of the language is learned through phonics, there is a different part of the brain affected than those learning whole word, like many in China.
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