Sunday, April 26, 2009
Module 12
Teaching is still the profession that I want to pursue. Every job will have its challenges and will have days that you feel so discouraged that you want to just give up. However, I feel that teaching is one of those careers that has many rewards to go along with defeating those challenges. I have learned more about the challenges that we will face as a teacher. I understand more about the standards of teaching and the history of teaching from this semester. The similarities between a good student and a good teacher are that they both have an existing determination to succeed. They both also value education. They both have to respect the other and assist each other in their success.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Field Experience Completed
I completed 3 hours of my field experience at Fairgrove Middle School and 3 hours at Green Grove Elementary School. My experience at Fairgrove was with a 4th grade class. I was welcomed politely by the teacher and all students. The students had several questions for me while I visited with the. The class was divided in groups. Each group worked on a different assignment and then after a given amount of time, each group switched to another area. None of the students hesitated to ask for my assistance and I was pleased to actually be able to help; especially the ones with questions about Math (my favorite). The teacher gave me an oppurtunity to speak with students. She asked if I would speak to them about the value of an education. At first, I thought what in the world am I gonna say. Once I got started though, the words just kept coming. I told them a little bit about myself, my educational background, my current career, and why I want to be a teacher. They had several questions for me and I was surprised to see how interested they were.
At Green Grove, I observed the Pre-K class. Pre-K was much more structured and there were several more rules; compared to the 4th grade class where the students had a little more freedom and the rules were pretty much understood. I'm definitely not interested in the Birth-PreK area. I observed how working with the very small kids how being a Pre-K teacher may feel like a babysitting job at times. I don't mean to insult anyone; only stating that I'm sure I wouldn't have the patience needed for a classroom full of kids that young. Although, the fact that they have naptime still is an added bonus for the teachers. The kids in this class barely acted as if they were aware that I was present. There wasn't any curiosity as to why I was there at all.
I really hope that when I do receive my licensure, that I will be able to find an available position between the 3rd grade through 6th grade. Being in the 4th grade class and being actually feeling useful in there helped reassure me that I could be a good teacher. I talked with Mrs. Hunt a lot about my ideas and thoughts about teaching. She informed me that I seem to be on the right track and welcomed me back to visit her class anytime. She also offered to help out with anything that she can. With 2 Master's Degrees, 15 years teaching experience, and many years in guidance; I'm quite sure she'll be very resourceful for me.
At Green Grove, I observed the Pre-K class. Pre-K was much more structured and there were several more rules; compared to the 4th grade class where the students had a little more freedom and the rules were pretty much understood. I'm definitely not interested in the Birth-PreK area. I observed how working with the very small kids how being a Pre-K teacher may feel like a babysitting job at times. I don't mean to insult anyone; only stating that I'm sure I wouldn't have the patience needed for a classroom full of kids that young. Although, the fact that they have naptime still is an added bonus for the teachers. The kids in this class barely acted as if they were aware that I was present. There wasn't any curiosity as to why I was there at all.
I really hope that when I do receive my licensure, that I will be able to find an available position between the 3rd grade through 6th grade. Being in the 4th grade class and being actually feeling useful in there helped reassure me that I could be a good teacher. I talked with Mrs. Hunt a lot about my ideas and thoughts about teaching. She informed me that I seem to be on the right track and welcomed me back to visit her class anytime. She also offered to help out with anything that she can. With 2 Master's Degrees, 15 years teaching experience, and many years in guidance; I'm quite sure she'll be very resourceful for me.
Field Experience
I completed my field experience on Tuesday, April 21. I know! I've completed most of my assignments at the last minute, but it's not just because I'm not dedicated or because I'm a huge procrastinator. I work as a case manager/QA Coordinator/Group Home AP. So, when I'm not at work, I'm actually still at work. I am on call after hours. I am also a single mother of 2 girls (5 years old and 2 years old). I began classes in August to receive my teaching licensure and it hasn't been as easy as I thought would be. I'm really trying to adjust. However, its hard to adjust when your life isn't just your own anymore. So, I ask for everyone's forgiveness for my procrastination this semester. I registered for 2 classes. I have an A in one and I've fallen behind in this one. So, maybe next semester I'll stick to just one.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Leandro Case
The fact that schools that research proves that high poverty schools tend to have the least qualified professionals is enough proof for me to know that students are not receiving a "sound basic education." Most of these professionals are not highly qualified are people who never really wanted to teach and couldn't find a job anywhere else. For example, Math majors who don't want to teach, but can't find another job in this area with that degree. Others barely made it through college. I understand that these schools may have more challenges than low poverty schools and are may have benefits that high poverty schools do not possess. However, I firmly believe that the decision to become a teacher should include wanting to make a change. Many years ago when the white settlers saw Native Americans and African Americans as savages, slaves, and the "unwanted," they didn't see any point in educating these people. However, it has been proved many times over, that Native and African Americans can succeed and become as educated as anyone else. We all have a right to be educated no matter what our circumstances are.
The schools with the greatest needs should be put at the top of the list for improvement and efforts should be made to make being an educator in these schools more appealing. All schools no matter how poor or wealthy its students are should demand and promote all teachers and administrators to be determined, enthusiastic, and highly experienced in motivating and educating all students.
The readings show many statistics and facts that prove that there are inequities in high poverty schools. These high poverty schools are ones that have more minority students, lower test scores, inadequate administrators and teachers, and less resources available. There is no doubt that "sound basic education" is unavailable in many schools in NC.
The schools with the greatest needs should be put at the top of the list for improvement and efforts should be made to make being an educator in these schools more appealing. All schools no matter how poor or wealthy its students are should demand and promote all teachers and administrators to be determined, enthusiastic, and highly experienced in motivating and educating all students.
The readings show many statistics and facts that prove that there are inequities in high poverty schools. These high poverty schools are ones that have more minority students, lower test scores, inadequate administrators and teachers, and less resources available. There is no doubt that "sound basic education" is unavailable in many schools in NC.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Philosophy of Education Inventory
It wasn't a surprise to me that my philosophy turned out to be Social Reconstructionism; considering the fact that I have a bachelor's in Sociology. I owe much thanks to my professors in the Sociology department for the many papers and essays that I had to write by analyzing my thoughts and feelings on social issues; in return helping me find my take on many topics.
So many factors and influences in society are responsible for helping to sharpe who we are and what we become in life. My five year old is not the same child she was on the first day of school in August 2008. The changes within her are due to influences by the teacher, peers, other authority figures at school, her peers in dance class, peers at church, and many of the influences that she sees on television. The other children in her class never have and never will come in contact with some of the same influences that my daughter has. The ones who do come in contact with some of the same influences are not going to be influenced in the same way. For example, my favorite professor at UNCP is Dr. James Robinson in the Sociology department. I love that man. I learned so much in his class. A lot of what I learned was by studying myself and teaching myself. I am my best teacher. When I am able to figure things out on my own, lecture myself, and apply it to my life; I have truly gained knowledge of that subject. Math is an easy subject for me; many people hate it. It makes sense to me and there is only one correct answer to every math problem. I can't teach it to others, because I haven't met anyone who is able to learn it the way that I do. I have shortcuts and methods that just work in my brain that don't in others. We are not all wired the same way. There is no way that you can expect for a classroom full of totally different people with different histories, ethical backgrounds, religious beliefs, styles, tastes, likes, dislikes, hobbies, interests, family structures, and so many other differences to learn in the same way. We as teachers have got to become creative in our teaching methods. We can't act like Dr. Ayers said and stand before our students and treat them like "empty vessels" expecting to be able to pour the information into them. We have got to come down on the same level as our students often and truly get to know them. It is important to "pick their brains" to see how they are wired.
I foresee my classroom as being a place where students come and feel free to express themselves in a positive way. I hope that students will feel comfortable in allowing me get to know their hopes and dreams. I hope they will comfortable in sharing with me the obstacles that they find a hindrance in their success in education. I hope that I will have the courage and wisdom to assist students in overcoming those obstacles. When students leave my classroom at the end of the year, I hope that they will leave motivated and determined to achieve their goals in life. I think that if this is done; it'll probably be contagious and hopefully other students will see their motivation and seek the same. I hope that by motivating my students; they will have a desire to go out into the world and stand up for their beliefs. I intend on reassuring my students that their opinions, beliefs, and aspirations are heard and matter greatly in my classroom; as well as in the world.
The two inventories are both have questions related to economical and social issues. They both address diversities. Both inventories question the importance of teachng responsiblity, cooperation, and creative thinking.
Throughout elementary, middle, and high school I never once had a teacher who tried to get to know me. I was treated as an "empty vessel" for 13 years. It wasn't until I entered college at UNCP that I ever had a teacher interested in what I had to say. I agree with everything Dr. Ayers said. He wasn't wrong in any of comments. Many teachers have for a long time treated teaching as if it is just a job that you do. True teaching is a miraculous, priceless gift given to a student who may become more than they ever would have had it not been for that extra thirty minutes that a teacher spent proving to that student that the ability to learn existed within them. To deprive a student from their right to be heard is an awful thing to have to live with.
So many factors and influences in society are responsible for helping to sharpe who we are and what we become in life. My five year old is not the same child she was on the first day of school in August 2008. The changes within her are due to influences by the teacher, peers, other authority figures at school, her peers in dance class, peers at church, and many of the influences that she sees on television. The other children in her class never have and never will come in contact with some of the same influences that my daughter has. The ones who do come in contact with some of the same influences are not going to be influenced in the same way. For example, my favorite professor at UNCP is Dr. James Robinson in the Sociology department. I love that man. I learned so much in his class. A lot of what I learned was by studying myself and teaching myself. I am my best teacher. When I am able to figure things out on my own, lecture myself, and apply it to my life; I have truly gained knowledge of that subject. Math is an easy subject for me; many people hate it. It makes sense to me and there is only one correct answer to every math problem. I can't teach it to others, because I haven't met anyone who is able to learn it the way that I do. I have shortcuts and methods that just work in my brain that don't in others. We are not all wired the same way. There is no way that you can expect for a classroom full of totally different people with different histories, ethical backgrounds, religious beliefs, styles, tastes, likes, dislikes, hobbies, interests, family structures, and so many other differences to learn in the same way. We as teachers have got to become creative in our teaching methods. We can't act like Dr. Ayers said and stand before our students and treat them like "empty vessels" expecting to be able to pour the information into them. We have got to come down on the same level as our students often and truly get to know them. It is important to "pick their brains" to see how they are wired.
I foresee my classroom as being a place where students come and feel free to express themselves in a positive way. I hope that students will feel comfortable in allowing me get to know their hopes and dreams. I hope they will comfortable in sharing with me the obstacles that they find a hindrance in their success in education. I hope that I will have the courage and wisdom to assist students in overcoming those obstacles. When students leave my classroom at the end of the year, I hope that they will leave motivated and determined to achieve their goals in life. I think that if this is done; it'll probably be contagious and hopefully other students will see their motivation and seek the same. I hope that by motivating my students; they will have a desire to go out into the world and stand up for their beliefs. I intend on reassuring my students that their opinions, beliefs, and aspirations are heard and matter greatly in my classroom; as well as in the world.
The two inventories are both have questions related to economical and social issues. They both address diversities. Both inventories question the importance of teachng responsiblity, cooperation, and creative thinking.
Throughout elementary, middle, and high school I never once had a teacher who tried to get to know me. I was treated as an "empty vessel" for 13 years. It wasn't until I entered college at UNCP that I ever had a teacher interested in what I had to say. I agree with everything Dr. Ayers said. He wasn't wrong in any of comments. Many teachers have for a long time treated teaching as if it is just a job that you do. True teaching is a miraculous, priceless gift given to a student who may become more than they ever would have had it not been for that extra thirty minutes that a teacher spent proving to that student that the ability to learn existed within them. To deprive a student from their right to be heard is an awful thing to have to live with.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Respecting Culture, Beliefs, & Religion
I'm a third grade teacher. During a Social Studies lesson about Native Americans, an African American student makes the comment that all Native Americans look like "wetbacks."
The term "wetback" is offensive because it refers to Mexicans who have come into the US; suggesting that their backs are wet from illegally crossing the border. This is an insult to the Mexican people. As a teacher, I would inform the class of the inappropriateness of the comment made. I would assign the student who made the insult an assignment to educate him on Mexican culture and help him understand the reasons why people want to come to the US and why it is tempting for some of them to risk doing it illegally. I would make sure that he/she understood that even though it is illegal; some Mexicans think that it is worth it in the end. I would explain to him that even though these people do have consequences for their actions; they should not be ridiculed or insulted for wanting to be an American. I would also ensure that he/she understood how much of a privilege it is to be an American. The response should be the same whether the student is a part of the group being insulted or not.
There are many situations that may arise while being a teacher that may make me feel uncomfortable and may test my beliefs. One particular situation that I pray I never have to face is dealing with a student and family who is atheist who wants to take a stand against those at school who do believe in God or similar situation. My responsibities as a teacher is to respect each and everyone's beliefs. However, people who do not believe in God is a difficult belief for me to respect. In fact, I don't respect it at all. I am just thankful that even though I have to keep my opinions to myself and not try to convert these type of people; I can still pray to my God about these situations. I will uphold to the school regulations and my duty as a teacher in not forcing my beliefs on any student.
The term "wetback" is offensive because it refers to Mexicans who have come into the US; suggesting that their backs are wet from illegally crossing the border. This is an insult to the Mexican people. As a teacher, I would inform the class of the inappropriateness of the comment made. I would assign the student who made the insult an assignment to educate him on Mexican culture and help him understand the reasons why people want to come to the US and why it is tempting for some of them to risk doing it illegally. I would make sure that he/she understood that even though it is illegal; some Mexicans think that it is worth it in the end. I would explain to him that even though these people do have consequences for their actions; they should not be ridiculed or insulted for wanting to be an American. I would also ensure that he/she understood how much of a privilege it is to be an American. The response should be the same whether the student is a part of the group being insulted or not.
There are many situations that may arise while being a teacher that may make me feel uncomfortable and may test my beliefs. One particular situation that I pray I never have to face is dealing with a student and family who is atheist who wants to take a stand against those at school who do believe in God or similar situation. My responsibities as a teacher is to respect each and everyone's beliefs. However, people who do not believe in God is a difficult belief for me to respect. In fact, I don't respect it at all. I am just thankful that even though I have to keep my opinions to myself and not try to convert these type of people; I can still pray to my God about these situations. I will uphold to the school regulations and my duty as a teacher in not forcing my beliefs on any student.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Module 2/Learning
School is definitely helpful with teaching kids how to socially interact. School helps us to define ourselves; as well as help us to learn independence from our parents. Most of us learn our own way of learning and thinking from school.
Most children learn from watching others, following directions, listening when we want them to and when we don't want them to, interacting with others, using their senses, asking questions, and watching their parents' and caretaker's behavior. The adults in a child's life plays a huge role in a child's learning. I had the great oppurtunity to work as a Developmental Specialist/Play Therapist for about 6 months. It was a great job. (I only switch jobs because of not having enough hours and because of gas prices at the time. I conducted visits at the home or daycare.) I worked with children ages 6 months-3 yrs old who were developmentally delayed. Children at this age learn best through play. (Yep, that's right, I had a job where I played on the floor with kids for $25 per hour.) Awesome! I learned so many things about how they learn.
I'm not sure what type of learner I am. I have different styles. It all depends on the subject and the professor. I'm definitely not much of a reader. If I have to read it, I don't always get it. I do really well in classes where it's set up as kind of a seminar type of class; where the students teach themselves basically. We read the material and then the next day in class we get in groups and really talk it out. I do know that I like to see things done before I do it. That's how I've learned to be a good mommy and a good cook. I guess you could say I'm a visual learner.
A little over a year ago I was tutoring a student in Math. He just didn't get it. We were working with algebraic expressions. I love Math; but you have to have someone who knows how to teach it in different ways. Everyone doesn't get it the same way. I am excellent with nunmbers. I can figure out all kinds of math problems in my head when other people will spend 10 minutes on a sheet of paper trying to figure out. However, Math is difficult to teach. When you are working with someone who doesn't get it the way you do, you have to figure out a way to break it down to their level for them to get it. Once you do, they'll respond, "Oh okay, I get it!" That's exactly what happened with this kid. He actually added, "Nobody has ever tried to break it down for me." I felt really bad for this kid, because he was in the 6th grade, in EC classes, and still had difficulty with his multiplication tables. The kid had no mental illness, no developmental disability, and not one person in his life to give him that push to help him succeed. I know he actually learned something, because he was able to complete the math problems by the end of the tutoring session without my help.
Most children learn from watching others, following directions, listening when we want them to and when we don't want them to, interacting with others, using their senses, asking questions, and watching their parents' and caretaker's behavior. The adults in a child's life plays a huge role in a child's learning. I had the great oppurtunity to work as a Developmental Specialist/Play Therapist for about 6 months. It was a great job. (I only switch jobs because of not having enough hours and because of gas prices at the time. I conducted visits at the home or daycare.) I worked with children ages 6 months-3 yrs old who were developmentally delayed. Children at this age learn best through play. (Yep, that's right, I had a job where I played on the floor with kids for $25 per hour.) Awesome! I learned so many things about how they learn.
I'm not sure what type of learner I am. I have different styles. It all depends on the subject and the professor. I'm definitely not much of a reader. If I have to read it, I don't always get it. I do really well in classes where it's set up as kind of a seminar type of class; where the students teach themselves basically. We read the material and then the next day in class we get in groups and really talk it out. I do know that I like to see things done before I do it. That's how I've learned to be a good mommy and a good cook. I guess you could say I'm a visual learner.
A little over a year ago I was tutoring a student in Math. He just didn't get it. We were working with algebraic expressions. I love Math; but you have to have someone who knows how to teach it in different ways. Everyone doesn't get it the same way. I am excellent with nunmbers. I can figure out all kinds of math problems in my head when other people will spend 10 minutes on a sheet of paper trying to figure out. However, Math is difficult to teach. When you are working with someone who doesn't get it the way you do, you have to figure out a way to break it down to their level for them to get it. Once you do, they'll respond, "Oh okay, I get it!" That's exactly what happened with this kid. He actually added, "Nobody has ever tried to break it down for me." I felt really bad for this kid, because he was in the 6th grade, in EC classes, and still had difficulty with his multiplication tables. The kid had no mental illness, no developmental disability, and not one person in his life to give him that push to help him succeed. I know he actually learned something, because he was able to complete the math problems by the end of the tutoring session without my help.
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