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.

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.

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.

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.