I will start by saying what a great semester. To me, it flew by so fast. I am glad it is now coming to an end. We have all worked so very hard this semester and I wish everyone the best of luck with their teaching careers. I have learned so much from the book as well as you guys. I feel that everyone learns from everyone. So people have great ideas, so don't feel bad to use them. They may be the key to helping a child learn. I am still going to pursue teaching because I feel that it is my calling. I feel that I am a strong enough person to keep up with the high demands of teaching as well. I feel that one of the demands is changing with the students. Over time children change. Also, if a teaching method is not working, I will change it. Some methods of teaching may have worked one year, but may not work the next. I feel that I am capable for change and am not afraid of it. I feel that a good teacher would meet those demands as well as love and care for their students. If this job ever becomes a paycheck to someone, then they are not really a good teacher. Those are the teachers that need to get of the the education field.
Teachers have a lot of responsibilities. They have to number one make sure the curriculum is being taught. They have to pay attention to see if everyone of their students is ok. They may be in a child abuse home. If so a teacher has to report it. A teacher also has to meet every students learning style and make sure that they are learning they way they do and not how us as teachers learn. I can go on, but to me these are the important ones. You may think differently, but this is how I feel. Not to mention that all the students need some sort of positive attention. I think that being a good student falls into play with being a good teacher because they are both positive role models for others. If the teacher is doing what he or she needs to be doing and same with the students, then others who want to act up in class may look at them as a good person and follow their lead. I also think that a good student turns their work in on time, asks questions, participates and helps others. This is similar to the teacher. I know deep down that I will be a great teacher and I am so excited about it! I wish all of you the best! Have a wonderful summer!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Module 11
The first question that I chose to do was #9, “how can teachers use technology to support effective instruction?”
I think that if a teacher has the capability to get his or her hands on new equipment to teach with, why not use it. It is something different than the blackboard or overhead. The children would be a little more interested in the new teaching method because it is not the same ol’ thing. I think that the smart boards are good because you can hook it up to your computer and are able to do so much during instruction with it. Also, there are so many different types of technology out there that teachers can use. The alpha smart keyboards are great too. The students would get to enjoy it because they get to use the technology themselves. It is a good “to-go” computer lab if the school is short on classrooms.
The second question I chose to do was, #6, “what questioning strategies increase student achievement?”
I think that if you keep the students on their tip-toes at all times then they are bound to learn something. I think that after you give notes, read what you have to read, and then want to see what they did learn, put names on pop-sickle sticks and that way you have no idea who is going to be drawn out. That means that if you call a student who was not paying attention it would make them feel embarrassed that they do not know when everyone else knows. It would make him or her learn a lesson to pay attention. Not only that, it’s just an encouraging thing to them that they do not know, but they are learning because they are focusing. I also think that after a lesson if the students came up with their own questions and turned them in to the teacher to read, they would like to answer each other’s questions because they want to see what their peers did. Since they have to write their own questions, they need to know the answer to it if someone answers it. I feel that this is a great way to get everyone in the class involved.
All of the ideas I mentioned is what I experienced in the schools that I participated in. I had a great time doing the field experiences because I learned quite a bit. I got great ideas to use in the classroom as well. The teachers that I worked with loved their job and wanted to make sure everyone learned. That is their job, right!?!?! That is the whole purpose of school, to learn. I am glad that I got GREAT ideas to use in my classroom.
I think that if a teacher has the capability to get his or her hands on new equipment to teach with, why not use it. It is something different than the blackboard or overhead. The children would be a little more interested in the new teaching method because it is not the same ol’ thing. I think that the smart boards are good because you can hook it up to your computer and are able to do so much during instruction with it. Also, there are so many different types of technology out there that teachers can use. The alpha smart keyboards are great too. The students would get to enjoy it because they get to use the technology themselves. It is a good “to-go” computer lab if the school is short on classrooms.
The second question I chose to do was, #6, “what questioning strategies increase student achievement?”
I think that if you keep the students on their tip-toes at all times then they are bound to learn something. I think that after you give notes, read what you have to read, and then want to see what they did learn, put names on pop-sickle sticks and that way you have no idea who is going to be drawn out. That means that if you call a student who was not paying attention it would make them feel embarrassed that they do not know when everyone else knows. It would make him or her learn a lesson to pay attention. Not only that, it’s just an encouraging thing to them that they do not know, but they are learning because they are focusing. I also think that after a lesson if the students came up with their own questions and turned them in to the teacher to read, they would like to answer each other’s questions because they want to see what their peers did. Since they have to write their own questions, they need to know the answer to it if someone answers it. I feel that this is a great way to get everyone in the class involved.
All of the ideas I mentioned is what I experienced in the schools that I participated in. I had a great time doing the field experiences because I learned quite a bit. I got great ideas to use in the classroom as well. The teachers that I worked with loved their job and wanted to make sure everyone learned. That is their job, right!?!?! That is the whole purpose of school, to learn. I am glad that I got GREAT ideas to use in my classroom.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Module 10
The teachers rights and responsibility I chose was on page 385, I chose to talk about situation #3. Wow, is what I first have to say about what happened to this teacher. I feel that what goes on in a teacher's personal life is up to him/her; especially if it is not causing problems in the classroom. One, the students do not have to know her living arrangements. There is nothing in the law that says as teacher you cannot live with your significant other. I think that the school that she was working in was very judgemental about what she had decided to do in her life. In that particular case, that teacher did break the norm of getting married and then living together. But who cares, if you do not want to get married, people have their reasons. You as a teacher are not subject o be married to live with someone.
The student's rights and responsibility I chose was on page 397, I chose to talk about situation #13. I feel that it was wrong for the children to get suspended for wearing t-shirts with www marked over with red ink. I think that it is free speech ad anyone has the right to protest and say what they want to say. I am glad that the school system did not win in this case because it breaks one of the amendments. Just because the student it not an adult does not mean that you can take their right away or make them not aware of their rights.
The student's rights and responsibility I chose was on page 397, I chose to talk about situation #13. I feel that it was wrong for the children to get suspended for wearing t-shirts with www marked over with red ink. I think that it is free speech ad anyone has the right to protest and say what they want to say. I am glad that the school system did not win in this case because it breaks one of the amendments. Just because the student it not an adult does not mean that you can take their right away or make them not aware of their rights.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Module 9
I am so glad that there was such a case like this. I believe it did make schools come closer to having more equal education throughout North Carolina. I still feel that there are more tweaks to work out, but for the most part I feel that everything is great. I think that the original purpose for this lawsuit was what needs still to be done. "Was the fairness in school funding." I feel that the schools are still not properly funded. When schools are properly funded they are able to build on to their school to accommodate the growth of the population, offer competitive salaries to attract good teachers, provide books for all students, and science labs. I think that not all schools are properly funded because the county that I did my observations in was Columbus county and at Acme Delco Middle School, it is very run down. The outside appearance was atrocious, and the classrooms desperately needed TLC. It looked like the classrooms had not been painted in years. My mood changed dramatically when I was there. I was so excited to observe and once I had been there for an hour, I was basically depressed. The classroom I observed in still had green chalkboards, and no overhead projection screen. The teacher had to write everything out on the board which takes more time and takes away from the teaching time. It is not a very proficient way for the teachers to teach. They had a new computer lab which was probably the best thing in the school. Anyway, if this school was properly funded I feel that the outside appearance would be better and the teachers would have better equipment to work with to be proficient.
Another argument would be that low wealth schools are unable to provide all of their students with a minimally adequate education. I feel this is true because just like at Acme Delco, their supplies are not enough to teach with things that would help them teach in a more adequate classroom. In some counties they are teaching with new computers and smart boards. Why should these wealthy counties not give to the low wealth schools to make them at least get what they need. I mean its not fair that some schools have luxury items when other schools have not enough to make their students make a level 3 on EOG.
Was the NC Supreme Court State fulfilling their constitutional duties? I think they were by passing this law and being in favor with the at risk children. I think that some people know the best of the people and others don't. I feel that it is great that it is mandatory that the state must provide additional services and funds to help all NC children and youth meet the Leandro standard. I also agree that Pre-k be required for all at risk children because it gets them in the game and lets them at least have a chance in the education world.
I feel that when I looked at one of the articles we had to look at, I feel that it is not fair that black students are more likely to have a newer teacher than white students. I feel that it should not be a problem if the teacher is highly qualified. That is what you have to be to teach in North Carolina. I also feel like if that is the case it might be due to the administrators who place students in classes. If that is true then they need to get a new job. The students need to be placed in random order. In general, I'm glad that this case came about because things in the school system would probably be a lot worse than they are now.
Another argument would be that low wealth schools are unable to provide all of their students with a minimally adequate education. I feel this is true because just like at Acme Delco, their supplies are not enough to teach with things that would help them teach in a more adequate classroom. In some counties they are teaching with new computers and smart boards. Why should these wealthy counties not give to the low wealth schools to make them at least get what they need. I mean its not fair that some schools have luxury items when other schools have not enough to make their students make a level 3 on EOG.
Was the NC Supreme Court State fulfilling their constitutional duties? I think they were by passing this law and being in favor with the at risk children. I think that some people know the best of the people and others don't. I feel that it is great that it is mandatory that the state must provide additional services and funds to help all NC children and youth meet the Leandro standard. I also agree that Pre-k be required for all at risk children because it gets them in the game and lets them at least have a chance in the education world.
I feel that when I looked at one of the articles we had to look at, I feel that it is not fair that black students are more likely to have a newer teacher than white students. I feel that it should not be a problem if the teacher is highly qualified. That is what you have to be to teach in North Carolina. I also feel like if that is the case it might be due to the administrators who place students in classes. If that is true then they need to get a new job. The students need to be placed in random order. In general, I'm glad that this case came about because things in the school system would probably be a lot worse than they are now.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Field Experience
Wow! I had a great time doing my field experience. I went on the 13 of this month as well as the 20. I also plan to go back on the 27 as well. I went to Acme Delco middle school and the school was really rather run down and had a sad atmosphere because of the TLC that it needed. I feel that hopefully one day soon that the school will get some improvement. The kids were really friendly as well as had great manners when it came to visitors in the room. I was very impressed. The staff was very well rounded and helped me quite a bit. The teacher that I worker with was telling me very positive things about education and that he thought I would make a great math teacher as well as enjoy teaching. He said with my personality and energy, the kids would love me and have a good time in my class. I really hope that what he said is true because that would be awesome to have a positive experience in teaching. I do not want to exit the school system unless I have to.
The other school that I worked with was Acme Delco Elementary School. I went to this school last. I think that I was expecting the same run down, negative energy when I got there, so I prepared myself. When I got there I was totally surprised. It was a very small school just like the middle school, but beautiful when I went inside. I worked in an kindergarten class and it was very nice. I loved seeing children so in tune with learning. They wanted to learn and enjoyed it as well. I also will admit that I loved centers time. I got to color, play airplanes, tigers, house and blocks. Not only was it fun I got to experience children with special needs. There were 9 kids in that room with special needs. One had to walk with crutches and had braces on his legs and another had autism. I played airplanes with him. He did not have anything to say to me but he did make airplane noises. After leaving this school, it made me want to be a teacher this much more because I can not wait to shape students into great beings in our society. I feel that as a teacher we are really important to them because they see us for the majority of their day and we are a really big role model in their eyes. The teacher of this class had two helpers because of the many different special needs. Ms. Williams knew how to work with all of them so well and it made me inspire more to be like her and be so well rounded as a teacher.
The other school that I worked with was Acme Delco Elementary School. I went to this school last. I think that I was expecting the same run down, negative energy when I got there, so I prepared myself. When I got there I was totally surprised. It was a very small school just like the middle school, but beautiful when I went inside. I worked in an kindergarten class and it was very nice. I loved seeing children so in tune with learning. They wanted to learn and enjoyed it as well. I also will admit that I loved centers time. I got to color, play airplanes, tigers, house and blocks. Not only was it fun I got to experience children with special needs. There were 9 kids in that room with special needs. One had to walk with crutches and had braces on his legs and another had autism. I played airplanes with him. He did not have anything to say to me but he did make airplane noises. After leaving this school, it made me want to be a teacher this much more because I can not wait to shape students into great beings in our society. I feel that as a teacher we are really important to them because they see us for the majority of their day and we are a really big role model in their eyes. The teacher of this class had two helpers because of the many different special needs. Ms. Williams knew how to work with all of them so well and it made me inspire more to be like her and be so well rounded as a teacher.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Module 8
Video:
After watching the video I still have my pros and cons about it. I liked and agreed with some of the things he said. I liked that he said we should know our commitments. he stated, " your number one commitment should be the unity of humanity; we should respect everyone." Commitment number 2 to admit that you don't know everything. Teachers who question are great, and they should be on a journey with the students of learning. Commitment number 3 tell the truth. Admit that everything you see is not right." I think that these are great commitments but I feel that everyone will have their own of which they feel strongly about. No matter what, we are teaching morals in the classroom if we mean to or not. I think that morals are good to have and especially if there are not any at home. However, I agreed and disagreed with this statement and I will tell you why. When he said, "we need to teach moral behavior by not treating them like objects, authoritarian, beat them down and we should bend their wills to ours." I agreed with it because I think we should not treat them like objects because simply their not, their human beings. I also liked that we do not need to beat them down. As a teacher we need to give respectful criticism at the same time not be harsh about it. I did not agree with this statement in a sense because not being authoritarian is almost like giving them the privilege of not respecting us as a teacher. I feel that we need to be authoritative because some just do not give respect. I feel in order to give respect they need to respect me.
Philosophy of Education:
When I took the inventory for this chapter I had a few that were close to each other. I feel that I do not have one exact philosophy. I am a little of a few. I scored a 21 on essentialism, a 22 for perennialism, a 19 for progressivism, a 22 for social reconstructionism and a 7 for existentialism. I think my favorite would be the great essentialism. I love having a curriculum because I love having an idea of "a list" to follow. I love guidelines to follow. If it were any other way I would feel lost. I think perennialism is my next favorite because they are big on reading and I feel that is the key to life. You need to know how to read. A lot of people do not know how to read in high school but yet they made it that far. It is a shame that they let those students go to the next grade to fall further behind in their poor language skills. The video really did not back up anything I felt in the inventory. I have a total different outlook on the video than I do the inventory. To me I feel that man in the video taught or felt that existentialism was the best route for students and for me that is not good at all. Some may disagree but that is really what I felt he was aiming towards. As a future teacher I think that the two inventories will develop me over time to see what teacher I will EXACTLY be. Right now, I am still developing. I have lots of things in front of me to sculpt and mold me and influence me. I think the first inventory did nothing for me because I felt that everyone of those were of importance. I feel that the first inventory and the second are similar in the way that it included students and facilitators to what was right for both of them. The only contradiction I see is that the first one is concerned about racism, and sexism and the other does not even mention it. I feel that the classroom that I will have will be a mixture of a few philosophies: essentialism, perennialism, and social reconstructionism. The only thing that Dr. Ayers said that would be included in my vision would be that we do not need to shape them for today's world but to unleash them for a world they will experience and shape. I feel that statement was very relevant and very true. Like I said above, I feel that the video was almost hinting around the fact that he wanted the classroom to be existentialism. I totally disagree with it so that is my only contradiction that I feel strongly about.
After watching the video I still have my pros and cons about it. I liked and agreed with some of the things he said. I liked that he said we should know our commitments. he stated, " your number one commitment should be the unity of humanity; we should respect everyone." Commitment number 2 to admit that you don't know everything. Teachers who question are great, and they should be on a journey with the students of learning. Commitment number 3 tell the truth. Admit that everything you see is not right." I think that these are great commitments but I feel that everyone will have their own of which they feel strongly about. No matter what, we are teaching morals in the classroom if we mean to or not. I think that morals are good to have and especially if there are not any at home. However, I agreed and disagreed with this statement and I will tell you why. When he said, "we need to teach moral behavior by not treating them like objects, authoritarian, beat them down and we should bend their wills to ours." I agreed with it because I think we should not treat them like objects because simply their not, their human beings. I also liked that we do not need to beat them down. As a teacher we need to give respectful criticism at the same time not be harsh about it. I did not agree with this statement in a sense because not being authoritarian is almost like giving them the privilege of not respecting us as a teacher. I feel that we need to be authoritative because some just do not give respect. I feel in order to give respect they need to respect me.
Philosophy of Education:
When I took the inventory for this chapter I had a few that were close to each other. I feel that I do not have one exact philosophy. I am a little of a few. I scored a 21 on essentialism, a 22 for perennialism, a 19 for progressivism, a 22 for social reconstructionism and a 7 for existentialism. I think my favorite would be the great essentialism. I love having a curriculum because I love having an idea of "a list" to follow. I love guidelines to follow. If it were any other way I would feel lost. I think perennialism is my next favorite because they are big on reading and I feel that is the key to life. You need to know how to read. A lot of people do not know how to read in high school but yet they made it that far. It is a shame that they let those students go to the next grade to fall further behind in their poor language skills. The video really did not back up anything I felt in the inventory. I have a total different outlook on the video than I do the inventory. To me I feel that man in the video taught or felt that existentialism was the best route for students and for me that is not good at all. Some may disagree but that is really what I felt he was aiming towards. As a future teacher I think that the two inventories will develop me over time to see what teacher I will EXACTLY be. Right now, I am still developing. I have lots of things in front of me to sculpt and mold me and influence me. I think the first inventory did nothing for me because I felt that everyone of those were of importance. I feel that the first inventory and the second are similar in the way that it included students and facilitators to what was right for both of them. The only contradiction I see is that the first one is concerned about racism, and sexism and the other does not even mention it. I feel that the classroom that I will have will be a mixture of a few philosophies: essentialism, perennialism, and social reconstructionism. The only thing that Dr. Ayers said that would be included in my vision would be that we do not need to shape them for today's world but to unleash them for a world they will experience and shape. I feel that statement was very relevant and very true. Like I said above, I feel that the video was almost hinting around the fact that he wanted the classroom to be existentialism. I totally disagree with it so that is my only contradiction that I feel strongly about.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Module 7
One topic that stood out to me was Mexican Americans in the schools. It seems like many Americans are prejudice towards them and they get the short hand of the stick. I decided that I would do a little research to see why they have been discriminated against for so many years. The first piece of research was an article. http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/65841/. On this website it talked about how there was separate facilities for them. They were always under funded, the text books were past down and out dated from other schools; the teachers were not highly qualified and never enough material. By the time schools were segregated in the late 1960s, many of the Mexican Americans started school two years late to help the family around the home. By the time they started school the other children were always ahead of them and they were never able to catch up. Because of this many of them dropped out because there was not hope for them.
The other piece of research I did was a youtube video. I found this interesting because it explained or backed up the previous article that I had looked at. The video was held when all of this was going on and in black and white. Go to youtube and type in “Taking Back the Schools (PT 4).” It is showing high school students protesting due to how Mexican American schools were. They do not have up to date textbooks, desks, chairs, or fully functioning facilities. They were sick of being discriminated against and wanted to do something about it. Believe it or not the cops in the town took it too far and had never experienced a protest which under the constitution is legal. The cops would beat and heat the high school students for not stopping the protest. It was a very sad video to see how this town treated Mexican Americans even though by the constitution everyone is equal.
The other topic I chose to research was women in education. I chose women in education because it was a male job a while back. I feel like women are more powerful now then in the 1800s. I am just amazed to see how far everything has come to what women are allowed to do and that we are actually being treated more equal. I found an article about women working now compared to the 1950s. (http://humanresources.about.com/od/worklifebalance/a/business.women.htm). It was interesting seeing the numbers with today’s numbers. It also talked about how women need to get into higher paying positions to be more powerful. They want us to be educated enough to fulfill those positions in the workforce. I feel that it is possible for more women to get involved into higher paying jobs. It wasn’t too long ago to where women were allowed to work. I feel that we still have a lot of catching up to do towards men but we can do it! Look at how far we have come so far.
The other piece of research I did was another youtube video. When you get on the website type in “American History Revisited: An Original Song by Aaron Cohen. It is actually a funny song but it is so true. It sings about how history of women used to be and how it started to change for them. Then it started singing about the battle of the sexes. It is a must see short video. I loved it even though it was corny. I think that it fits perfectly for what the book was talking about. I loved this part of the research just to let you know!
The other piece of research I did was a youtube video. I found this interesting because it explained or backed up the previous article that I had looked at. The video was held when all of this was going on and in black and white. Go to youtube and type in “Taking Back the Schools (PT 4).” It is showing high school students protesting due to how Mexican American schools were. They do not have up to date textbooks, desks, chairs, or fully functioning facilities. They were sick of being discriminated against and wanted to do something about it. Believe it or not the cops in the town took it too far and had never experienced a protest which under the constitution is legal. The cops would beat and heat the high school students for not stopping the protest. It was a very sad video to see how this town treated Mexican Americans even though by the constitution everyone is equal.
The other topic I chose to research was women in education. I chose women in education because it was a male job a while back. I feel like women are more powerful now then in the 1800s. I am just amazed to see how far everything has come to what women are allowed to do and that we are actually being treated more equal. I found an article about women working now compared to the 1950s. (http://humanresources.about.com/od/worklifebalance/a/business.women.htm). It was interesting seeing the numbers with today’s numbers. It also talked about how women need to get into higher paying positions to be more powerful. They want us to be educated enough to fulfill those positions in the workforce. I feel that it is possible for more women to get involved into higher paying jobs. It wasn’t too long ago to where women were allowed to work. I feel that we still have a lot of catching up to do towards men but we can do it! Look at how far we have come so far.
The other piece of research I did was another youtube video. When you get on the website type in “American History Revisited: An Original Song by Aaron Cohen. It is actually a funny song but it is so true. It sings about how history of women used to be and how it started to change for them. Then it started singing about the battle of the sexes. It is a must see short video. I loved it even though it was corny. I think that it fits perfectly for what the book was talking about. I loved this part of the research just to let you know!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Module 6
7430 Thais Trail
Wilmington, NC 28411
24 February 2009
Dear Mr/Mrs._______________________,
My name is Crystal Striffler, I am a junior at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and in the middle grades mathematics education program. I was contacting you concerning the NCLB act. I feel that in my opinion a few things need to change to make it a more effective program. The children are under a lot of pressure by taking these End-of-Grade tests at the end of the school year. It all starts at such a young age as well. For example, is it necessary for the state to test them on their writing? They are taking the writing test starting in the forth grade. I believe it is the educators who need to make sure that the students are up to par on their writing skills. If not, I believe that after school programs would be a great way to help a child like this succeed. I also feel that there is more than enough pressure on the schools themselves. Is it necessary for the school to fall into the category of “needs improvement” if it is not the schools fault? The school is supposed to have highly qualified teachers and experts to help students who need extra help. The teachers should know their field of study better than anyone. Why is it a problem? I feel that it is a problem that the children are spilt into groups and that is how the testing coordinators find out if a particular group is failing and the school is penalized for it. It just shows that the staff may be lacking in helping other students than those who really need the help. The school should not make those who are exceeding have the opportunity to go to a successful school if they are already excelling. I feel that those students are keeping the school alive and having faith that they are doing a good job.
The last problem I see with the NCLB act is that I think that it is not properly funded. If about $1.9 to $5.3 billion dollars are being spent towards making new tests, then why are we having students still fail? Obviously the problem is not coming from the school; it is coming from the local and state governments looking for an “easy way out.” It is easier to put paper and pencil in front of every student than to test the students in their profound learning style. Not everyone tests well because not everyone is a visual learner. I feel that if the governments would look further into testing students in their learning style that every student would be successful. It would not hurt to try this out and fund this particular method, just to see if it makes a difference. We already know that when a new version of a test comes out for the EOGs the students do not do well the first year. The scores rise until they come out with a new version. It would not hurt to see how things change for a few years. It would take a lot of dedication, hard work and qualified professionals, but I believe that this may be the key to making every child not actually left behind.
Sincerely,
Crystal Striffler
Wilmington, NC 28411
24 February 2009
Dear Mr/Mrs._______________________,
My name is Crystal Striffler, I am a junior at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and in the middle grades mathematics education program. I was contacting you concerning the NCLB act. I feel that in my opinion a few things need to change to make it a more effective program. The children are under a lot of pressure by taking these End-of-Grade tests at the end of the school year. It all starts at such a young age as well. For example, is it necessary for the state to test them on their writing? They are taking the writing test starting in the forth grade. I believe it is the educators who need to make sure that the students are up to par on their writing skills. If not, I believe that after school programs would be a great way to help a child like this succeed. I also feel that there is more than enough pressure on the schools themselves. Is it necessary for the school to fall into the category of “needs improvement” if it is not the schools fault? The school is supposed to have highly qualified teachers and experts to help students who need extra help. The teachers should know their field of study better than anyone. Why is it a problem? I feel that it is a problem that the children are spilt into groups and that is how the testing coordinators find out if a particular group is failing and the school is penalized for it. It just shows that the staff may be lacking in helping other students than those who really need the help. The school should not make those who are exceeding have the opportunity to go to a successful school if they are already excelling. I feel that those students are keeping the school alive and having faith that they are doing a good job.
The last problem I see with the NCLB act is that I think that it is not properly funded. If about $1.9 to $5.3 billion dollars are being spent towards making new tests, then why are we having students still fail? Obviously the problem is not coming from the school; it is coming from the local and state governments looking for an “easy way out.” It is easier to put paper and pencil in front of every student than to test the students in their profound learning style. Not everyone tests well because not everyone is a visual learner. I feel that if the governments would look further into testing students in their learning style that every student would be successful. It would not hurt to try this out and fund this particular method, just to see if it makes a difference. We already know that when a new version of a test comes out for the EOGs the students do not do well the first year. The scores rise until they come out with a new version. It would not hurt to see how things change for a few years. It would take a lot of dedication, hard work and qualified professionals, but I believe that this may be the key to making every child not actually left behind.
Sincerely,
Crystal Striffler
Monday, February 16, 2009
Module 5
I am a seventh grade math teacher who teaches in a school in a rural area. As I was writing some problems on the board for them to write down for homework, I over hear one of my students a "stupid-head." I all of a sudden stopped what I was doing and turned around and said, "who ever just said that needs to apologize and stay after class. The victim needs to stay as well." As I get back to what I was doing before the bell rang for the next period, I quickly wrote up the last problem.
I told the class the first day of school that the word "stupid" was not allowed in my classroom because that word is degrading and can have some background affiliation to it. You never know if that person has a sibling who is actually mentally retarded and that word can do some damage. I feel that no one is stupid. Everyone has potential and is capable of anything. The word "stupid" can also make someone depressed and they give up on themselves because they think, "well since they think I am stupid, maybe I am. Maybe that is why I cannot get good grades. Maybe that is why I never get any math problems right." You never know what is going through someones thoughts. I feel that there is not one particular group of people this word can offend. I feel that it can offend anyone.
The bell rang to the class change. The two students hung around long enough for me to know what happened. (The offender) "I called him a "stupid-head" because he is one. When he goes to the board and works out a problem, he never seems to get it right." (The victim) "I try so hard to learn the lesson and how to work out the problems, but no matter how hard I try it just seems to not click with me. I will get a few problems right and then second guess myself and then change it and it will be wrong. I think that after he called me this it made me feel even lower because the whole class heard him call me a 'stupid-head.' My brother has down syndrome and I started thinking to myself, 'maybe I do have what he has?' 'maybe I am stupid.' It is hard going home and taking care of him and helping my parents around the house. I never have time to study because I have to help around the house."
My reply: "I think that (so and so) owes you an apology and I think that before anyone calls anyone anymore names you need to think truly what you are saying. You do not know the background of each other and that name can really hurt someone. "Stupid-head" may not seem like a big deal of a name, but if it is said to the right person, it can really make them go off the end. And (so and so, the offender), you owe me an after school detention for using that language in my classroom. You know the rules in here and you know that was very inappropriate. You guys have a great afternoon and please, no more name calling!"
Question 2
As a teacher, you will work with children from many different backgrounds. Describe a situation in which you would be uncomfortable with a child's family situation, culture, religious views or other beliefs. What will you do? What are your responsibilities as the child's teacher?
I think the most uncomfortable situation I could be put in is if the student came to me and told me about a family situation. I am not really bothered by culture, religious views or beliefs. I can tolerate pretty much anything. But if one of my students told me that her mother or father was sexually abusing her that would make me go off. I would first off really question him/her to make sure they are not striving for attention and make sure I got all of the facts straight. Then I would seek the counselor or whoever handles those situations. Maybe the school social worker. I then would make sure that the child was well taken care of because that is the worst thing that could happen in my eyes. But what amazes me is that it happens all the time. We hear it on the news, TV, and online. It is everywhere. I then do not see how I could look at the parent and with a straight face every again. I would not want to hold back what I want to say to them. I would want to look at them with disgust. But as a professional, I would make sure I handled what I had to in a professional manner.
I told the class the first day of school that the word "stupid" was not allowed in my classroom because that word is degrading and can have some background affiliation to it. You never know if that person has a sibling who is actually mentally retarded and that word can do some damage. I feel that no one is stupid. Everyone has potential and is capable of anything. The word "stupid" can also make someone depressed and they give up on themselves because they think, "well since they think I am stupid, maybe I am. Maybe that is why I cannot get good grades. Maybe that is why I never get any math problems right." You never know what is going through someones thoughts. I feel that there is not one particular group of people this word can offend. I feel that it can offend anyone.
The bell rang to the class change. The two students hung around long enough for me to know what happened. (The offender) "I called him a "stupid-head" because he is one. When he goes to the board and works out a problem, he never seems to get it right." (The victim) "I try so hard to learn the lesson and how to work out the problems, but no matter how hard I try it just seems to not click with me. I will get a few problems right and then second guess myself and then change it and it will be wrong. I think that after he called me this it made me feel even lower because the whole class heard him call me a 'stupid-head.' My brother has down syndrome and I started thinking to myself, 'maybe I do have what he has?' 'maybe I am stupid.' It is hard going home and taking care of him and helping my parents around the house. I never have time to study because I have to help around the house."
My reply: "I think that (so and so) owes you an apology and I think that before anyone calls anyone anymore names you need to think truly what you are saying. You do not know the background of each other and that name can really hurt someone. "Stupid-head" may not seem like a big deal of a name, but if it is said to the right person, it can really make them go off the end. And (so and so, the offender), you owe me an after school detention for using that language in my classroom. You know the rules in here and you know that was very inappropriate. You guys have a great afternoon and please, no more name calling!"
Question 2
As a teacher, you will work with children from many different backgrounds. Describe a situation in which you would be uncomfortable with a child's family situation, culture, religious views or other beliefs. What will you do? What are your responsibilities as the child's teacher?
I think the most uncomfortable situation I could be put in is if the student came to me and told me about a family situation. I am not really bothered by culture, religious views or beliefs. I can tolerate pretty much anything. But if one of my students told me that her mother or father was sexually abusing her that would make me go off. I would first off really question him/her to make sure they are not striving for attention and make sure I got all of the facts straight. Then I would seek the counselor or whoever handles those situations. Maybe the school social worker. I then would make sure that the child was well taken care of because that is the worst thing that could happen in my eyes. But what amazes me is that it happens all the time. We hear it on the news, TV, and online. It is everywhere. I then do not see how I could look at the parent and with a straight face every again. I would not want to hold back what I want to say to them. I would want to look at them with disgust. But as a professional, I would make sure I handled what I had to in a professional manner.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Module 4
How does your reaction to the Goals for Schools survey compare to what you experienced in elementary and middle school? Do you think the schools you attended were examples of what schools should be, or were they trying to accomplish something else? How has that affected you?
Honestly I can not remember back to elementary school to compare it to the survey. I feel that in middle school the survey was compared because all of the things on the survey were important and my school recognized it. I really can not say it affected me because it has not in any way.
Do you have any personal knowledge about the various types of schools discussed in your text, such as charter schools, magnet schools, virtual schools, home schools or for-profit schools? What do you think about these various types of schools?
The only type of school I have any knowledge about is home schooling. I think that growing up with friends in my church who were home schooled, I feel that I know a little about it. They loved being home schooled for many reasons. They loved being home and not worrying about getting dressed. They liked that their mom was the teacher. They liked interacting with children who did the same thing as they did. They also loved learning about their beliefs. I feel that this is a great way to educate children. I know it is hard work, but if you are up to the challenge as the parent that it can work. I think that as the parent and knowing exactly what they learn and knowing the exact curriculum, (since you get to pick it out) you know what is going on at all times.
When you are a teacher, what will you do to make your school effective for your students?
I think that when I start teaching I will make myself open for after school and my phone line open so that when my children have questions about the lesson that they can call me or come in my classroom for help. I feel that being available will give the children the opportunity to ask me questions that they may have felt embarrassed to ask during class. Some children are shy and feel they can not ask questions because they feel someone is going to pick on them or consider it a "stupid" question.
Honestly I can not remember back to elementary school to compare it to the survey. I feel that in middle school the survey was compared because all of the things on the survey were important and my school recognized it. I really can not say it affected me because it has not in any way.
Do you have any personal knowledge about the various types of schools discussed in your text, such as charter schools, magnet schools, virtual schools, home schools or for-profit schools? What do you think about these various types of schools?
The only type of school I have any knowledge about is home schooling. I think that growing up with friends in my church who were home schooled, I feel that I know a little about it. They loved being home schooled for many reasons. They loved being home and not worrying about getting dressed. They liked that their mom was the teacher. They liked interacting with children who did the same thing as they did. They also loved learning about their beliefs. I feel that this is a great way to educate children. I know it is hard work, but if you are up to the challenge as the parent that it can work. I think that as the parent and knowing exactly what they learn and knowing the exact curriculum, (since you get to pick it out) you know what is going on at all times.
When you are a teacher, what will you do to make your school effective for your students?
I think that when I start teaching I will make myself open for after school and my phone line open so that when my children have questions about the lesson that they can call me or come in my classroom for help. I feel that being available will give the children the opportunity to ask me questions that they may have felt embarrassed to ask during class. Some children are shy and feel they can not ask questions because they feel someone is going to pick on them or consider it a "stupid" question.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Module 3
This week I really enjoyed. I do not know about everyone else, but I thoroughly do not get bored reading the text book. I liked the videos that we watched also. I liked seeing the students making accommodations for the little girl who had different beliefs than the others. It was nice to see that they did not pick on her for her diversity. I wish that was how everyone took diversity. They accepted her for her. The websites were nice too. I did not get involved in all of them because some did not catch my eyes like the others.
I also think that I will learn more from just UNCP. I feel that with experiences with children and hands on in the classroom will be a big learning experience. UNCP will give me the knowledge on what I need to know to teach efficiently and how to accommodate learning styles, but I know that I will learn more from experiences.
I also think that I will learn more from just UNCP. I feel that with experiences with children and hands on in the classroom will be a big learning experience. UNCP will give me the knowledge on what I need to know to teach efficiently and how to accommodate learning styles, but I know that I will learn more from experiences.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Module 2
I feel that schooling does not interfere with children's personal growth because they are in an environment where they can meet people and socialize when appropriate. I think that this is able to build their social skills and interact with people. I also think that this gives them the opportunity to learn from someone if it is better than what they do. For example, if someone saw how organized I was and how quick it is for me to find things in my notebook, they might want to be as organized and ask for help on getting organized. I also feel that they are able to learn more in a public or private school than home-schooling. Not that I am against home-schooling, I just feel that they learn how to do the things above as well as ask for help when they need it. Also after school tutoring is offered after school if they need that extra lift of help. I also feel that as an individual you grow off of what you know. You are also in an environment where you can wear and express who you are as an individual and this is in no way shape or form stopping a child in their own personal growth.
Children learn in many ways. Like the assessment we took, some of us are visual/verbal learners and some of us are auditory/verbal learners, as for other they are kinesthetic and have to have hands on. Not only do children learn through their learning styles, they learn from one another. Working in groups after a fresh lesson is always good because some children are afraid to raise their hand and ask a question because they feel that it may be a stupid question. So in a "safe" environment among a close group of friends they are able to ask the question that they needed the answer to and did not feel stupid doing it.
I learn from everything. I usually learn from reading and taking notes. I am also one who likes to work in groups. Not only do I get to ask questions and work problems out together, I also get to enjoy school for more than learning. I get to socialize a little with my friends. I also learn from others. I like to take in ideas that work for them and try them out myself to see if it works for me to make it either more simple or easier.
For the past 4 years I have been an AVID tutor for the New Hanover County School system. I was working with a group of seventh graders and he asked me what 9*6 was. I asked him if he knew the 9 times tables on his hands. He said that he had no idea what I was talking about. So I told him to hold his hands out in front of him. I told him that 9*1 was 9. You figure this out by putting down your pinkie on your left hand and what is left on the left side was nine fingers. I told him that 9*2 was 18. I told him to put down the 2nd finger (the ring on the left) and it was 1 and then eight left on the right side. I told him that 9*3 was 27. So I told him to put down the 3rd finger and there was 2 fingers on the left and 7 on the right. I hoe you get it. It is easier done in person. Anyways, he was so excited that he could carry around his 9 times tables with him at all times. He was so proud of himself that he showed another student. The next week when I did AVID again with him, he told me that the trick I showed him helped him in the test he took and he passed with an A. I was so proud of him and myself for showing him something so simple in my eyes, but was so valuable in his. I was glad that I helped someone and this is one of the reasons why I want to be a math teacher!
Children learn in many ways. Like the assessment we took, some of us are visual/verbal learners and some of us are auditory/verbal learners, as for other they are kinesthetic and have to have hands on. Not only do children learn through their learning styles, they learn from one another. Working in groups after a fresh lesson is always good because some children are afraid to raise their hand and ask a question because they feel that it may be a stupid question. So in a "safe" environment among a close group of friends they are able to ask the question that they needed the answer to and did not feel stupid doing it.
I learn from everything. I usually learn from reading and taking notes. I am also one who likes to work in groups. Not only do I get to ask questions and work problems out together, I also get to enjoy school for more than learning. I get to socialize a little with my friends. I also learn from others. I like to take in ideas that work for them and try them out myself to see if it works for me to make it either more simple or easier.
For the past 4 years I have been an AVID tutor for the New Hanover County School system. I was working with a group of seventh graders and he asked me what 9*6 was. I asked him if he knew the 9 times tables on his hands. He said that he had no idea what I was talking about. So I told him to hold his hands out in front of him. I told him that 9*1 was 9. You figure this out by putting down your pinkie on your left hand and what is left on the left side was nine fingers. I told him that 9*2 was 18. I told him to put down the 2nd finger (the ring on the left) and it was 1 and then eight left on the right side. I told him that 9*3 was 27. So I told him to put down the 3rd finger and there was 2 fingers on the left and 7 on the right. I hoe you get it. It is easier done in person. Anyways, he was so excited that he could carry around his 9 times tables with him at all times. He was so proud of himself that he showed another student. The next week when I did AVID again with him, he told me that the trick I showed him helped him in the test he took and he passed with an A. I was so proud of him and myself for showing him something so simple in my eyes, but was so valuable in his. I was glad that I helped someone and this is one of the reasons why I want to be a math teacher!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Blogging Assignment
As to what I said in module one, After watching the video, it made me feel like teaching was important, unlike the book, I felt like teaching was a semi-profession. A teacher is someone who really impacts people and makes a difference. The mood was positive like a classroom should be. That working with children is an incredible experience and not a bad thing all the time. That it is not just a "baby-sitting" job. It made it important to me because we as teachers are shaping the future for these young minds. The thought of that makes the job seem so much more than just teaching. It is like their future is in your hands and its fragile.
I think the characteristics that teachers will need to be effective would one to have thick skin, be firm to what you say, do not come across at first to easy, or else the children will walk all over you. I think that in having thick skin, you need to because there will be those days that you will not want to come to school because of the day before went bad, but you have to. The children do not need to get through your skin. Being firm is not being mean. Some students will say you’re a “mean” teacher, but you’re not. And eventually they will understand the meaning in being firm and mean.
I do not feel that teachers need to be different just because their students are. I mean, kids will be kids, and they want to express themselves to make statements for the other kids. That does not mean that teachers need to go put on black leather jackets, black pants and black lipstick to be different. I think being prepared is upon yourself. I think that every situation that someone comes upon to be prepared, people handle them different. That does not mean if it is working for that particular teacher, for that teacher to go changing how they prepare themselves. I feel that we do not have to do things differently unless we HAVE to. The majority of people do not like change, so why corrupt what they know and make them unhappy when it did not need to happen in the first place. We know that the evolution of teaching preparation is changing, but a person can only be so prepared. It also takes experiences to have some preparation too. For example, you would not know how to prepare to handle a fight in the hallway unless you have experienced it. On paper, yes you know the precautionaries to take, but the situation is always different from the fairy-tale written way in the text books.
I think the characteristics that teachers will need to be effective would one to have thick skin, be firm to what you say, do not come across at first to easy, or else the children will walk all over you. I think that in having thick skin, you need to because there will be those days that you will not want to come to school because of the day before went bad, but you have to. The children do not need to get through your skin. Being firm is not being mean. Some students will say you’re a “mean” teacher, but you’re not. And eventually they will understand the meaning in being firm and mean.
I do not feel that teachers need to be different just because their students are. I mean, kids will be kids, and they want to express themselves to make statements for the other kids. That does not mean that teachers need to go put on black leather jackets, black pants and black lipstick to be different. I think being prepared is upon yourself. I think that every situation that someone comes upon to be prepared, people handle them different. That does not mean if it is working for that particular teacher, for that teacher to go changing how they prepare themselves. I feel that we do not have to do things differently unless we HAVE to. The majority of people do not like change, so why corrupt what they know and make them unhappy when it did not need to happen in the first place. We know that the evolution of teaching preparation is changing, but a person can only be so prepared. It also takes experiences to have some preparation too. For example, you would not know how to prepare to handle a fight in the hallway unless you have experienced it. On paper, yes you know the precautionaries to take, but the situation is always different from the fairy-tale written way in the text books.
Module 1
Ever since I was a little girl I always dreamed of being a teacher. I remember I used to play "school" instead of playing with barbie dolls. My teachers at the end of the year would give me old work books that they were not going to use the next year and old print outs that they were going to throw away. I always asked if they didn't need them to give them to me; and they did. It is the thought in making a difference in lives and young lives at that. I love to touch hearts and if it's just one a year, that is enough for me to smile!
I remember walking into the third grade one morning and starting class. This is when classes were held in one room all day long and you didn't have to see another teacher. I will never forget that day, it was hot outside and the air conditioner was broken in the trailer that we were in. I remember the doors being open and hearing the birds chirping. The teacher had given us a worksheet to complete and if we were done and waiting on the other students we were able to do whatever we wanted as long as we were quiet. So I went and sat in the reading corner and I started reading my book. After the class was done with the worksheet, we went back to our desks and started going over the worksheet. We were told to exchange papers and grade each others. I sat in my neighbors chair as she sat in mine. We were just told to sit some where. Anyways, the teacher was finished calling out the answers and she was going around picking up our papers. Brittany, the girl who sat next to me, was going over some pencil markings in the pencil tray embedded into the desk. It was then that I heard the teacher say, "CRYSTAL SHERMAN, YOU GO TURN YOUR FLAG TO THE RED FLAG RIGHT NOW YOUNG LADY!" I had no idea what had just happened because I was sitting there patiently waiting for her to pick up the paper. I then noticed that Brittany was the one I had gotten in trouble for. She was sitting in my desk, and she confused me for her. I got written up that day and had never been in trouble since my school career had existed. I just remember crying my eyes out because I had gotten "in trouble." When I came home that afternoon I told my mom what had happened and we made a trip back down to the school. My mom was so mad about what had happened and the teacher still told my mom that I was the one who was drawing on the desk. My mom did not believe her (thank god), but I was so disappointed that she really thought I would vandalize school property. Ever since then, I have thought her to be the meanest teacher that I have EVER had.
The best teacher I have ever had was in the 12Th grade. I would love to say her name, but I don't want to get in trouble for telling. Anyways, it was my teacher cadet class. She was the one who truly inspired me to complete my dream into becoming a teacher. It really was not one specific thing she did, it was an act of many through out my senior year. I am a talented artist and I love to draw and paint. I had done something in my art class and she told me that I need to minor in art because I would be an amazing art teacher. I told her that if I did that, that I might loose my interest in art because I would not be doing it for fun, I would be doing it for work. She knew that I wanted to teach math. When we did out field experience, she made sure that I worked with a great school in the middle grade math department. I love her for going the extra mile for doing that for me. Usually we just went and picked a class that was available. She made sure I got to sit and watch something that was worth it! Even though I graduated high school in 2005, she still calls me to check on me to see how things are going with my baby and school. She is a teacher that need a merit or a badge for being such a wonderful and dedicated teacher beyond what is expected of her. She is the one that I look up to and who is my idol.
After reading the text, it made me think, but on a negative note. I did not like the fact that they almost consider teaching a semi-profession (page 12-13). Did anyone complete the two pages? I did and I kind of thought that after the questions I answered that more came out to be a semi-profession. I do not agree with it at all. I almost think that it is a disgrace for them even thinking that. I mean after all of what teachers do, they do more than just teach, they mentor, they are roll models, they go the extra mile for a student if they need it, they do all sorts of duties, and the list goes on. But it does not make since because when you look at page 21, it shows the literacy scores of the professions and the professions that are actually considered to be a profession, the teachers scored right where they did.
I was in shock when I was reading the beginning where they were talking about the history of teaching and they said that, "many of those who entered teaching, especially at the elementary level, were teenagers." (page 15) I can't believe that that was allowed. They are adolescences themselves and very immature beings teaching the future. When the text was asking questions on page 24, "How could we design schools to be happier places, where learning is a joyful experience?" I mean, it's easy, ask the teachers what they want. Just like the Southwest airlines did. If they were to ask me, I would reply by saying, "Don't make learning so brick like, make it fun, as for having better hand on objects to teach with to help every type of learner there is. Let us be able to paint our classroom a color instead of looking at all white walls year round. Children get bored. Make the classroom inviting. What would you do?
After watching the video, it made me feel like teaching was important, unlike the book, I felt like teaching was a semi-profession. A teacher is someone who really impacts people and makes a difference. The mood was positive like a classroom should be. That working with children is an incredible experience and not a bad thing all the time. That it is not just a "baby-sitting" job. It made it important to me because we as teachers are shaping the future for these young minds. The thought of that makes the job seem so much more than just teaching. It is like their future is in your hands and its fragile.
I remember walking into the third grade one morning and starting class. This is when classes were held in one room all day long and you didn't have to see another teacher. I will never forget that day, it was hot outside and the air conditioner was broken in the trailer that we were in. I remember the doors being open and hearing the birds chirping. The teacher had given us a worksheet to complete and if we were done and waiting on the other students we were able to do whatever we wanted as long as we were quiet. So I went and sat in the reading corner and I started reading my book. After the class was done with the worksheet, we went back to our desks and started going over the worksheet. We were told to exchange papers and grade each others. I sat in my neighbors chair as she sat in mine. We were just told to sit some where. Anyways, the teacher was finished calling out the answers and she was going around picking up our papers. Brittany, the girl who sat next to me, was going over some pencil markings in the pencil tray embedded into the desk. It was then that I heard the teacher say, "CRYSTAL SHERMAN, YOU GO TURN YOUR FLAG TO THE RED FLAG RIGHT NOW YOUNG LADY!" I had no idea what had just happened because I was sitting there patiently waiting for her to pick up the paper. I then noticed that Brittany was the one I had gotten in trouble for. She was sitting in my desk, and she confused me for her. I got written up that day and had never been in trouble since my school career had existed. I just remember crying my eyes out because I had gotten "in trouble." When I came home that afternoon I told my mom what had happened and we made a trip back down to the school. My mom was so mad about what had happened and the teacher still told my mom that I was the one who was drawing on the desk. My mom did not believe her (thank god), but I was so disappointed that she really thought I would vandalize school property. Ever since then, I have thought her to be the meanest teacher that I have EVER had.
The best teacher I have ever had was in the 12Th grade. I would love to say her name, but I don't want to get in trouble for telling. Anyways, it was my teacher cadet class. She was the one who truly inspired me to complete my dream into becoming a teacher. It really was not one specific thing she did, it was an act of many through out my senior year. I am a talented artist and I love to draw and paint. I had done something in my art class and she told me that I need to minor in art because I would be an amazing art teacher. I told her that if I did that, that I might loose my interest in art because I would not be doing it for fun, I would be doing it for work. She knew that I wanted to teach math. When we did out field experience, she made sure that I worked with a great school in the middle grade math department. I love her for going the extra mile for doing that for me. Usually we just went and picked a class that was available. She made sure I got to sit and watch something that was worth it! Even though I graduated high school in 2005, she still calls me to check on me to see how things are going with my baby and school. She is a teacher that need a merit or a badge for being such a wonderful and dedicated teacher beyond what is expected of her. She is the one that I look up to and who is my idol.
After reading the text, it made me think, but on a negative note. I did not like the fact that they almost consider teaching a semi-profession (page 12-13). Did anyone complete the two pages? I did and I kind of thought that after the questions I answered that more came out to be a semi-profession. I do not agree with it at all. I almost think that it is a disgrace for them even thinking that. I mean after all of what teachers do, they do more than just teach, they mentor, they are roll models, they go the extra mile for a student if they need it, they do all sorts of duties, and the list goes on. But it does not make since because when you look at page 21, it shows the literacy scores of the professions and the professions that are actually considered to be a profession, the teachers scored right where they did.
I was in shock when I was reading the beginning where they were talking about the history of teaching and they said that, "many of those who entered teaching, especially at the elementary level, were teenagers." (page 15) I can't believe that that was allowed. They are adolescences themselves and very immature beings teaching the future. When the text was asking questions on page 24, "How could we design schools to be happier places, where learning is a joyful experience?" I mean, it's easy, ask the teachers what they want. Just like the Southwest airlines did. If they were to ask me, I would reply by saying, "Don't make learning so brick like, make it fun, as for having better hand on objects to teach with to help every type of learner there is. Let us be able to paint our classroom a color instead of looking at all white walls year round. Children get bored. Make the classroom inviting. What would you do?
After watching the video, it made me feel like teaching was important, unlike the book, I felt like teaching was a semi-profession. A teacher is someone who really impacts people and makes a difference. The mood was positive like a classroom should be. That working with children is an incredible experience and not a bad thing all the time. That it is not just a "baby-sitting" job. It made it important to me because we as teachers are shaping the future for these young minds. The thought of that makes the job seem so much more than just teaching. It is like their future is in your hands and its fragile.
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