The rubric that will be used to grade your blog entry can be found in your week 1 module in blackboard. Be sure to include all items requested for full points.
Response to chapter in text- up to 3 points
Reply to a peer- up to 2 points
Total points possible- 5 points per week
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ReplyDelete1. Chapter one in our book provides us with a lot of information about what becoming a teacher means. Throughout the chapter it tells us the positives and the negatives about being a teacher, making us contemplate whether or not this is the right career for us. It goes over the possible reasons that people go into teaching, professionalism, diversity, and the modern reform movement that is happening in education.
ReplyDelete2. My only question throughout the chapter is whether or not I am going to be able to do what I really want with a degree in teaching and if this truly is the right path for me. The chapter brought up a lot of good ideas for me to think about.
3. The reading allowed me to realize what exactly I am getting myself into. It didn’t just go over the positive aspects of being a teacher but also went through what it would really be like to be a teacher. This is helpful information because it allows you the chance to see what your life will be like if you choose this career path.
4. I connect this chapter to me because I am still deciding whether or not this career path is 100% for me. I am still debating on the whether or not I could see myself teaching in a regular classroom, instead of just a special education classroom.
Kelly,
DeleteGreat responses! I agree that hearing the challenges as well as the rewards is realistic and can even seem intimidating. I am a Para Educator in a room of 5th grade students and every day brings new experiences. The year before this was tough emotionally and physically. We had several students in our class with learning and behavioral deficits and in turn it was one of the most challenging years. I made it through and this year my experiences have been a ‘breath of fresh air’. If, as we continue this course, you come to the decision that teaching is the profession for you, I think the rewards will far outweigh the challenges.
Thank you for your insight Kyna. Kelly's response is exactly what I was thinking: is this really for me? It all seems so overwhelming and intimidating right now but I can only assume that as much as I want to help children learn and grow, the rewards will in fact outweigh the challenges and this will not seem intimidating in the end.
DeleteAfter reading Chapter 1 in our textbook, I felt both overwhelmed and excited. Unlike many other students in this program, I do not have any training or coaching experiences, and I have never worked for a school in any capacity. Until this semester, I was finishing up a Business Management degree with an emphasis in Human Resources. However, this is something that I started 12 years ago, after high school, and since then, both my personal circumstances and goals in life have changed. Now that I am in my thirties, with a hand full of girls of my own, I feel that becoming a teacher would provide an excellent opportunity for contributing to society. The intrinsic rewards in this profession, such as emotional rewards, are exactly what I want to gain from this experience. The ability to work with youth, especially kindergartners and first graders, and the opportunities to help the children learn and discover new things, seem both challenging and fulfilling. I really enjoyed reading the personal examples in our text, as they provided a closer view on just how difficult and rewarding teaching can be. Chapter 1 provided an enormous amount of information for me to process, as I think about whether this is something I can accomplish. New things and change have always been challenging to me, but in this case, too many positives out-weight the stress and unknowns. I am excited to dive in.
ReplyDeleteVictoria, I agree with you in more ways than one. I also felt overwhelmed, but excited. The examples in the text were helpful to me as well, as it gave a whole new light on the teaching experience. Teaching most definetely will be challegening, but the rewards will be so worth it.
DeleteVictoria, i agree with you very much so! I felt that Chapter 1 was also overwhelming, but exciting. I also loved the examples in the text because it helped give me a better understanding of teaching. Teaching will be challenging of course, but if you're like me, it's making sure the children are learning from us is all that matters!
DeleteI agree with you about being overwhelmed. I was too and this is also my first class in this field. The way you write, I think you will have no problem. Any class can seem overwhelming and I think we have a great instructor. Good luck!!!!
DeleteScott Shepard
In Chapter one we discuss the basics of the teaching profession. There are many different reasons why people chose the path of teaching, whether it be intrinsic which is the reward of emotional reward and teaching for the joy of it. Some chose extrinsic which is for the vacations and being on the same schedule as their children. I can say that I am for sure going the intrinsic route as I love the reward of teaching children and being a support system for children already as a Para.
ReplyDeleteIn Chapter one we also discuss professionalism and teaching programs today to become an educator. I for one am terrified of taking all of the exams such as the PPST to get a license to teach as I am not a good test taker. Other than that, I look forward to the challenges in teaching such as diversity in the classroom. I also look forward to assessing children as I have had the experience to do some in Kindergarten and find it to be so much fun to see how much they grow in a year!!!
Stefanie,
DeleteI agree with you, intrinsic rewards are very important in this profession. After all, job security and longer vacations can become worthless after a while, if you don't enjoy what you do. The text quoted multiple polls showing growing levels of satisfaction in the last 25 years, which I found encouraging. I was a bit surprised, though, that only around 80 percent of teachers said in a survey that they "love to teach." This shows that not everyone has joined the ranks to make a difference, I guess. How can anyone not love to teach and want to be a teacher?
Yes, those are interesting facts. I also believe that "burnout" plays a huge role in teaching as well, especially in Special Education. As a para, I have learned that some teachers that have been teaching 20 plus years, have lost their patience and are just waiting to be able to retire. I also think that some classroom teachers just need a change up and may need to teach a different age group!
DeleteI agree, there are way too many teachers out there, like you mentioned, tired and waiting to retire! I once knew a special ed teacher who was offered to stay on for extra five years, and all he could talk about was how financially beneficial his decision was. I know certain states are starting to reward teachers not based on tenure, but on accomplishments, and hope this spreads nationwide. Our school system definitely needs reform!
DeleteI am not as terrified of the teaching exams as I am of the Stats class that is the only core class I need! Yes, we all can think of teachers that are just "there" waiting to retire. However, that is true in any profession isn't it? I see people everyday that have lost their enthusiasm for what they are doing. My hope is that teachers will regain some excitement once they no longer have to teach to the test just to get their school and district to make AYP! My school district is feeling the effects even though every school in our town passed, the district did not.
DeleteI enjoyed reading the entries that discussed other teachers struggling with split-second decision-making. I feel terrible when I have to hesitate before I respond to my children’s issues, questions, or concerns. Sometimes I feel like I’m not good enough, if I can’t think of a response to the situation that I see no negative side to. I can get upset with myself after dealing with these situations. I just keep telling myself that no one is perfect, and to take a deep breathe.
ReplyDeleteDear Kelly,
After reading the chapter, it made me think about all the positive and negative things that come with being a teacher. I thought about it for a while, and I came to the realization that the positive most definitely outweigh the negative. And I'm very happy with my career choice.
I also find split decision making a challenge sometimes. I think it is so hard to make the "right" choice in such a short time when kids are waiting for you to respond. I feel that as you get experience, this gets a little easier. I am glad that you think the positives out weigh the negatives and that this is a good career choice!
ReplyDeleteI too feel that the benefits out weigh the negatives. I also believe that experience comes with dealing with not such positive situations and trying our best to shed positivity into any situation.Teaching, from what I have experienced is a growing,learning experience.....although scary and challenging at times it definitely is worth it.
DeleteWe also have to understand that in everyday life we already make split second decisions but mostly these impact us so the choices do not affect anyone but ourselves. But in teaching we have to be more cautious about our decision making because these make an impact on someone else life and what happens to them. This is the scary reality of teacher decision making
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this first chapter about the rewards and challenges in teaching. I always knew that there would be challenges, but it was informative to read examples, and I know that the rewards far out-weigh the struggles. I want to become a Pre-school teacher, but am also looking into being an elementary teacher. Already in the first chapter, I see it helping me decide which route I want to go. I also liked seeing the examples of intrinsic and extrinsic. I really hadn’t ever thought about it before! As others have said, the thought of taking the tests that are associated with becoming a teacher, terrifies me, but I'll cross that bridge when it comes.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post and I agree with you that the rewards out-weight the challenges. I was a daycare aid for many years and seen and dealt with many different situations. Stressful at times but at the end of the day there is always a positive note. I want to make a positive difference in the life of a child. So, as terrifying as the upcoming tests that are associated with becoming a teacher draw near we need to remind one another that it will all be worth it.
DeleteIf chapter one is any indication what the rest of the chapters of our book will be like then it is safe to say that we will all benefit. I particularly like the explanations of intrinsic and extrinsic reasoning. I am going into elementary education for the rewarding experience of helping a child/children learn, grow and succeed. Yes, it is true that teaching comes with many challenges, but what could be more rewarding that helping a child? For me the benefits out weight the challenges. I feel that there are positive and negatives in any career choice. Chapter one done a great job of showing a little of each side of teaching....the benefits and the challenges. I am eager to read the remaining chapters for more insight.
ReplyDeleteSandy,
DeleteI agree there are going to be challenges in any career choice. With teaching the rewards outweigh the challenges because we get a chance to help a child succeed at learning. I hope that years down the road, that I get an opportunity to see my students all grown- up and know that I had a hand in helping that person become who they are as grown-ups. To me that would be a huge reward.
I totally agree with you Sandy, the examples of how certain teachers have kept on teaching because of the feeling of helping a child become more educated in our society. This chapter only solidified my wants of becoming a educator. If I don't educate the kids right, when I am much older and need to be taken care of I am not going to want someone who isn't well educated. We need to keep our community strong.
DeleteOddly, It's the benefits of teaching that get us excited about the profession. yet, I imagine it's how well we deal with the challenges (i.e squirrely kids and the rigors of lesson planning) that will determine our ability to enjoy those benefits.
DeleteAfter reading chapter 1. After reading all of the challanges of being a teacher in the first chapter. I was left with the question is this really the right career for me? After thinking about it I think it's too early to tell forsure. In any profession there are going to be challenges, but with teaching a reward is helping others learn and you don't get to do that in every career. With the teaching profession the intrinsic reward for me would be that I get the opportunity to help others. Since I want to teach Preschoolers, Kindergarteners or 1st graders I will play a huge roll in introducing them to skills (math, reading and writing) that they will need to succeed as they begin their educational journeys. The extrinsic rewards like being off during the summers don't matter very much to me because I plan to work part-time during the summers just to have something to do.
ReplyDeleteI honestly believe that you dont truly know that you really want to do something untill you experience it first hand. I think a great idea is to try being in a classroom of the age group you are interested in. Great Idea!
DeleteWhat swhitson is suggesting about being in a classroom of the age group you want to teach is the best idea. If I wasn't currently a Para and had that advantage, I would certainly be observing different grade levels.
DeleteI agree, it is too early to tell if you this is the right thing for you or anyone for that matter. I agree with swhitson, you won't really know until you get into the field. At least you will be able to do some observations and see if it is something that you could handle. I know that it would definitely take a lot of patience!
DeleteI also think that teaching Kindergarteners, preschoolers, and first graders sounds more and more appealing to me as well. I think to have that big of an impact on the beginning stages of learning sounds so rewarding. I also think that every day is different as well in teaching, therefore, it keeps things interesting on a daily basis especially with the little ones!!! Children that age also LOVE to come to school and love their teachers. Who doesn't want to get a ton of hugs every day?
ReplyDeleteI to think that teaching younger children would be rewarding because at that age and grade level they really do love to go to school as in the middle and high school levels its a bigger chore because they are now forced to go to school and they the way society has changed has brought larger issues to higher grade levels.
DeleteMy husband really, really likes teaching 7th and 8th grade students math! It's a good thing we have five children since that gave us a chance to deal with kids that age and know that we could come out alive! I have worked as a secretary in a high school of about 3000 teens and that's when I knew that age group wasn't where I wanted to be! I now work with 3rd and 4th graders and while they have their "drama",they still are in awe of their teachers for the most part! When they see you in Walmart and run up to you, that can just make your day!
DeleteI am in my thirties, but for some reason feel very intimidated by the high school students, and would never want to teach on that level! Like you mentioned, younger children do seem to be more trusting and "in awe" of their teachers, and I see myself more comfortable with elementary school age students. I also have children, ages 11, 8, 7, and 5, and thus have a bit of experience with that age spread at home.
DeleteAfter reading chapter one I am now questioning is this the right profession for me. I have worked in healthcare for 11 years so for me this is a scary change because it is something that I have not done before. My training in healthcare would help me in my teaching career because every day I have to make split second decision and I face a lot of challenges because you never know what will happen today. I really get a lot out of helping people. Helping people is one of the greatest rewards you can get from a career. In my career now I mainly deal with the adult community every once in a while I get the chance to work with children and I really want to make a difference in a child’s life.
ReplyDeleteI have three children of my own and I have seen them struggle thru school with horrible teachers and administrators I think this is one of my biggest issues that have helped influence my decision on becoming a teacher. I want to be able to help children succeed in life and become successful citizens in their community. I want to be able to help and know I made a difference in their lives. My choice of children to work with would be your ESE students. This comes from my son having ADHD and I have a friend that her daughter is Autistic and I think it would be very rewarding to be able to help these children go thru school successfully with people that have the understanding and knowledge of these disorders so these children can be handled and taught correctly based on their specific needs.
It's very interesting that you have worked in health care for 11 years and now are going to be a teacher. I think that wanting to work with children is a great reason for wanting to be a teacher. Also, like the chapter says, split decision making skills will be very helpful as well. Will the teaching profession provide you with as much job security, intrinsic and extrinsic value as the health care field?
DeleteThe first chapter has us really examine why we want to be teachers. This chapter lists some reasons why some people become teachers and also tells us some of the negatives and positives of becoming a teacher. One of the questions or doubts I have in teaching is whether I am capable mentally and emotionally to deal with some of the challenges that I will come across. I would love to work with children that have disabilities but in doing this comes an emotional challenge. I think it will be hard for me to see a child struggle and me not be able to help. The readings this week helped me to look at myself as a teacher and analyze why I really wanted to be a teacher. I feel that the number one reason is to help be a difference in someone’s life. I guess I don’t need any other reason than that. I have worked with children from all different walks of life and I think the most rewarding experience is to see a child make a change. I think this is the majority of the reason I do what I do.
ReplyDeleteI can identify with your doubts about working with children with disabilities as I did not feel that I knew enough or would have enough patience to deal with what I didn't understand. As a Para, I know I can't help them all, I can't create what isn't there mentally or physically. What I can do is support them at whatever level they are at. If I can get them to put their shoes on the right feet, brush their hair in addition to learning to read better, then I feel some kind of accomplishment.
DeleteChapter one talked about deciding if teaching is the correct career for you or not. It gave us many positive and negative reasons why people become teachers, as well as benefits. It also told us about the rewards in teaching, intrinsic or extrinsic. I must say, I am defiantly in the intrinsic reward! I love interacting with young children to help them learn. I also learned a lot about reforms and what they meant.
ReplyDeleteThe question I have about this chapter is, "Do I want to be a teacher?" This chapter gave me information that I did not know, so I had to think about that question. After reading the large amount of information given and reading through my notes, I have decided that yes I do want to be a teacher. Knowing that I am helping children learn information they'll use in their future makes me feel like I'm on top of the world.
The reading allowed me to look at how it really is going to be. I got the negative, as well as the positive information. I love how the book has little stories in there to help us understand what the text is saying.
I did connect while reading this chapter. Like I said earlier, it helped me realize what being a teacher is all about. I now know what to look forward to. This chapter also helped me realize that I am not the only one who may not know an answer in a split second. I have worked with different cultures and special education students. I have worked with a Chinese four year old girl. At the beginning, it was difficult because she didn't know any English. As the days went by, she knew the key words and knew what we were talking about. We made signs for her around the room so she knew what everything was. In special education, I have worked with autistic children and down syndrome children. These children have taught me to be very patient. They are also some of the smartest children I have met!
I have been in the educational field in one form or another since 1996, usually in the classified support title (secretary), but currently I am a para (fourth year). My family has several teachers including my husband, my oldest daughter, my middle daughter, nieces (three) and a nephew. Is it the job security and the summers off that keep them all going like the Energizer Bunny? Is it the teacher appreciation gifts and the annual raises and the adoration of the parents? Why, at my age (it really would surprise you) would I want to pursue this profession in days of economic turmoil and criticism on all sides? Considering all of these, I can only tell you it is because when you want to teach, when you have the desire, when you know you can do it in spite of the obstacles,when you know you can reach students,you will then reach your goal whatever it takes. If you are entering the teaching field you realize either by looking at the pay scale on page nine of the text or talking to teachers who will tell you how much they make, you aren't going to become wealthy. How many teachers do you know that have second and summer jobs just to pay off their student loans? I have a nephew who coaches every sport in his school and teaches at his local jr. college in the summer just to make those payments as his wife is also paying off her student loans. There goes that summer off myth! I work with some great teachers at my current school and I also live with some and it is because of their example that in spite of the negatives, I am proud to say, when asked, "Yes, I am working on my teaching degree!
ReplyDeleteMadge, I wholeheartedly relate to your post. All I could say was "Amen" after each sentence. I ask myself many times "am I too old to just now be doing this?" Do I want to drown myself in "student debt" at my age? You said it best in saying "when you have the desire, when you know you can do it in spite of the obstacles,when you know you can reach students,you will then reach your goal whatever it takes." I have a passion to want to help children, to see them grow and learn. I'm not in it for the money, I'm in it for the children. Thanks for your inspiring post!
DeleteMy husband started college at age 50 to become a teacher, which was a lifelong dream of his. We have 5 kids and at the time, it wasn't economically possible for him to drop everything and go to school. One person made the remark, "What? you know how old you will be when you get through?" My husband replied, "I will be that age with or without a degree". He went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude, graduated on a Saturday, started at an elementary school on the following Monday. It hasn't been an easy road, but he, too, has a passion for teaching and that's what keep him going even when his body is tired.
DeleteI love it! More inspiration to keep me going. Thank you for sharing!
DeleteThe first chapter in the textbook was a great start. I enjoyed how it showed both the positives and the negatives of teaching, instead of just sugar-coating it. After reading, my only thought on continuing in this career path is how quickly I can get my degree. The examples really helped back my thinking of the rewards of educating our future youth. Since I want to teach a high-school level P.E. class, I will see all wide ranges of students. To see them improve their outlook on personal health and wellness is what I hope to achieve.
ReplyDeleteJake, Is the degree going to be quicker than any other kind of degree? With student teaching, I would think it would be longer. I, too, have been thinking about going into P.E. Do you know if there are any special classes that you have to take so you can teach P.E. in secondary? Let me know!
DeleteChapter one gives you many things to think about whether you want to be a teacher or not. It talks about the intrinsic, extrinsic, emotional and intellectual rewards. But, it discussed the many challenges in teaching which make it so unpredictable.Then, the book went on to talk about licensure and professionalism.Also, that the fact that there is so much diversity in the classroom today. After reading this chapter, I think I need to spend some time to get a better understanding of the No Child Left Behind Act, so I can totally get it.
ReplyDeleteChapter 1, Do I want to be a Teacher provides a lot of information to consider regarding the profession. The top reasons people described as wanting to be an educator were wanting to work with youth, value to society, self-growth, content interest, influence of teachers, job security, and summer vacations. These things are something that I have thought about myself when deciding to become a teacher. I feel like all are true for myself. I also like the fact that this chapter also discusses challenges teachers face as well. Never being a teacher myself i hadnt consider all of these in depth. I really didnt realize that teachers make an average of 500 decisions per day. You must be confident in your decision making abilities to be an effective teacher. I also have an issue with testing teachers. I think in theory it makes sense, however, the issue is how do they distinguish between good and bad teachers from testing?
ReplyDeleteIn Reading Chapter 1, the section that I find the most thought provoking is the description of recent educational reforms. It is interesting to read an attempt at an objective, academic description of No Child Left Behind, as most of what I’ve heard about NCLB is educators’ frustrations with the constraints and pressures of the law. Though I have seen some teachers deal with these constraints gracefully, the environment of high-pressure standardized tests is one aspect of teaching that I am most apprehensive about. It seems to me that significant changes are imminent as many districts and states find it increasingly difficult to meet AYP. It will be interesting to see what reforms take place in the coming years as many of us prepare to enter the field.
ReplyDeleteIt also makes me nervous. THE NCLB was put into place for good reason, but the realities of using it in the classroom has not been as successful as one may have hoped. I have heard many teachers discuss the frustration and pressure it puts on them and the students to pass the tests. There are so many other factors. Some children simply do not function well under pressure. I personally have test anxiety. Many times, I will sit in front of a test, knowing the information and then my mind goes blank. I believe teachers should be held to a high standard and teach their students, but hopefully, in a new improved way of judging what students are actually learning. Good post.
Delete1.The information in Chapter 1 was a great overview of the teaching profession. Providing real examples from actual teachers was great at giving us a view of the challenges that may arise. The section on Diversity was brief but thorough as we will have it as a main theme throughout the text. And having the Reform Movement explained helped me understand some of the concepts I hear about day to day at our school.
ReplyDelete2.I have questions about NCLB and the reforms that are currently coming into effect. I want to understand how they work and how they affect me as a future educator. I am confident that I will learn more as I continue this course and throughout my education.
3.The Table 1:1 Survey was interesting and showed to be agreeable with my own reasons for wanting to teach. I want to work with young people and make a difference in my world. Growing and learning continually is important and exciting to me as well.I also agree with the public that Pedagogy is a Profession and that even though reforms, standards and requirements are placed on educators we still have autonomy in the classroom that allows us to present the content so the students will learn. Reading this chapter made me excited to teach! It brought up all the rewarding reasons why I want to help students learn and grow.
4.The Diversity section made me think about the students I see every day and how not having sufficient food in the house, an alcoholic as a parent, a blended family, or affluent upbringing can all affect their learning. It also requires us to present the material and deal with each according to his or her personal bent.
I have a student that comes in who turns his back to the teacher when she approaches the front of the class because at home he doesn’t receive proper correction and is reluctant to submit to authority.
Kasia’s example about Teacher Appreciation reminded me of a note I received from a student in our 5th grade class last year. This student had some of the most difficult behavior issues of all the children I have worked with. She thanked me, writing that I was a great teacher and she appreciated the help that I gave her. What a great reward this made!
Kyna, I agree with you about the chapter creating excitement to be a teacher! It did the same for me! Since I am in the schools too, I feel somewhat informed on the challenges that I will be facing as a teacher. I also am very concerned about coming changes and how they will effect us and the children.
DeleteKyna, I liked how you mentioned diversity in schools and the type of students you see everyday. This reminds me a lot about my job and what I deal with or have dealt with in kids. I work with a kid that shuts down a lot and will just set on the floor. I think having had the job I have now will give me a lot of experience in becoming a successful teacher. I'm sure you feel the same about yourself and your experience. I have questions about the NCLB and the reform also as I become a teacher.
DeleteJared,
DeleteFunny enough, I was reading a TIME magazine article about Warren Buffet and ran into the next article about NCLB! It was very informative and I'm excited for it to be done away with and new creative ideas to spring forth on how to educate our kids without just teaching to test.
The first chapter was a surprisingly great read. I found the honesty very refreshing, and a bit scary. Having the extrinsic and intrinsic rewards laid out was helpful for me. It put my thoughts into words as I have waffled back and forth on my decision to teach. I have considered these rewards for awhile now, which is why I applied for a job as a para. I needed to get into the classroom and see for myself if is this is where I belonged, and find out if it would be rewarding for me personally. What I found out is I’ve never felt more at home than being in the classroom. I am amazed at 3:00 pm each day that it’s time to go! I found my passion and a way to earn a living for my family too!
ReplyDeleteThe debate about teachers being professionals was interesting, and I liked how they presented both sides. Since I get the privilege of being in classrooms all day, I can sort of see both sides. Teachers work very hard, and they do indeed make a thousand split second decisions in a day. However, the curriculum is dictated, and even teaching structure is dictated. In our school, the teachers are even given criteria for what should be on their bulletin boards and how often it should be changed. Of course, this takes away much of their autonomy and creativity. However, that being said, what I witness on a daily basis is awesome. When a teacher finally finds their “groove”, they are truly a professional at what they do, and no one off the street or fresh college grad could walk in and do with a classroom what a true professional teacher can do. Teachers also have what I consider to be extreme amounts of continuing education to complete every year, and that goes hand in hand with being a “professional”.
As far as reform goes, I found it all a bit overwhelming. It looks to me like everyone has an opinion and wants a say on initial teaching education, testing, continuing education, pay scale, raises, and tenure in regards to teachers. Then you add in all the school reform regarding the children, and I wonder how the districts can keep up with all the standards and constant change in regards to teacher standards and educational standards for kids. I see that being a teacher can be very challenging. But as with most things in life, you have to take weigh your options and take the good with the bad.
One question I have is, how is all the education reform that is coming effect me as an elementary education teaching candidate, and how it will affect my future when I am a teacher. Will I finish my teaching education, only to find out somewhere down the road that I am suddenly no longer qualified?
I look forward to the next chapters!
Nisa,
DeleteI completely agree with you. Growing up I felt like I wanted to be a teacher but I really wasn’t sure until I took an internship at a middle school. I quickly realized I loved the school environment and like you said the day just flew by and before you knew it, it was time to leave. I also am wondering about the education reform and how everything will work out.
Nisa,
DeleteI love how you point out that teachers are dictated to regarding lessons, structure, and even bulletin boards!It truly does take "getting in a groove" to be able to really teach and bring that autonomy back into your classroom sometimes years. I am fortunate to have worked in a school for the past 5 years and the last 2 with wonderful veteran teachers who have their groove. Each year proves to be a learning experience with new curriculum but eventually the groove returns!
I felt like chapter one was a great introduction into the material we are going to be learning this semester. I enjoyed how the chapter first talked about all the positive aspects of the teaching profession. The intrinsic and extrinsic rewards are both something that I can relate to as to why I choose this as my aspiring profession. The two parts of the intrinsic rewards pointed out in chapter one are emotional and intellectual rewards. I related to both of these concepts in that I identify with the emotional rewards of working with young people and having an influence in their lives that they will remember forever. I also identify with the intellectual reward of teaching these students the knowledge I have about the subject I am teaching. Being an aspiring physical education teacher, I look forward to working with my students and getting them involved in physical activity in a fun way. The other concept that was covered was that of extrinsic rewards. These types of rewards should probably not be the motivating factor when considering going into the teaching profession, but they are a factor none the less. Some of the factors that I identified with most were that of job security and summer vacations. Living in this economy, it is definitely important to have a job that has good job security and teaching is definitely one of those jobs.
ReplyDeleteKyle, I think it is great you want to be a Physical Education teacher! There is such an issue with childhood obesity and with some schools removing recess, PE needs to be not only fun and educational but active! I have often thought about PE myself since seeing what the NFL is doing to help get kids active. How much fun would it be to incorporate your own Play60 to get kids active.
DeleteAfter reading the first chapter there is a lot of good information that will help you in becoming a successful teacher. I like how it discussed the challenges you can face or scenarios that will come up when teaching. I liked reading about how diversity is really starting to fill the class rooms.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to the (NCLB) I would like to know more in what all takes place with it such as sanctions, alternate schools, and takeovers of the school. Also, to know more about teaching in an era of reform. What all the testing is about and what you have to do to teach in Kansas?
The reading reflected many reasons to why I want to become a teacher. I want to help young children learn and be able to take on the challenges you will face while being a teacher. It made me realize some of the information you forget about when wanting to become a teacher such as all the testing.
I have had the chance to work in several different schools in the past few years and observe many different teachers and children. I have been in a Kindergarten class a lot this year and it has made me want to teach Kindergarten because I think it is rewarding to see them succeed. I have seen the diversity in the schools and how it can make teaching a challenge with kids that speak mainly Spanish for example. I have dealt mainly with children with behaviors. This has also gave me patience which I think you need to be a good teacher. I look forward to reading more chapters and learning much more.
Jared, I agree with you when it comes to wanting to know more information about the NCLB and all the sanctions. I have heard teachers talk about all the paperwork they must do and how it interferes with their teaching. Is it a waste of time and does it really interfere? Or is it a change made they were not willing to accept? I hope we learn more about this as we continue on in class and the next chapters.
DeleteMy analysis of the reading would be it was interesting. I appreciate material that is easy to understand and enjoyable to read as opposed to material overflowing with percentages, numbers and graphs. This type of information can be confusing and overwhelming. The “experiences” by other educators were very interesting. After reading them I would put myself in their shoes and wonder how I would feel in their situation. Throughout the reading they provide the negatives and positives to becoming a teacher. This was helpful as there were some things I had not given much thought about until now. While I know in my heart why I would want to teach there were a few things that had me asking myself if this is what I really want to do and I think that is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteMy sister-in-law and aunt are teachers. My sister-in-law has been teaching for about 10 years and is in her 40s. My aunt has been teaching for approximately 30 years and is in her late 50s. Whenever they get together a common topic becomes the paperwork they are now required to fill out because of all the new rules and guidelines and how this interferes with their time to teach. We read about the NCLB and there are state and federal guidelines which must be met. My question would be how much time is really spent on the paperwork outside of the classroom, meaning, not spent on student work but paperwork required by the new laws and mandates? Is there enough time to teach our students?
After reading chapter 1, one thing is clear to me and that is I know I want a job where I can come home at night knowing I made a difference, not just punching a time clock. I would like a job where I am challenged but learn from those challenges and maybe turn that experience into a teaching moment. This was a good chapter because it allowed me to continue to question whether or not this is the right path for me. Can I picture myself as a teacher? Yes. Can I be a good teacher? I hope so.
I also found the textbook enjoyable to read. The language was easy to understand and explained things thoroughly. I must admit that my head is spinning a little bit after reading the guidelines and expectations of being a teacher. I believe that teachers should be held to a higher standard and am proud that Kansas supports this. I have wanted to be a teacher for quite a long time, and have listened to the news and politics surrounding education. I can't help feel that the general consensus is that teachers are not doing an exceptional job with their students. This may have been an issue in the past, but I firmly believe things are heading in the right direction. It is scary to think that government officials want to keep making cuts to education funding. I believe this outlook must be reversed. It is hard to find high quality educators when the job is so demanding and the benefits are lacking. My freshman year in college, many years ago, I took foundations of education. My professor discouraged my class from becoming a teacher. He was at retirement age. I believe the decision to be a teacher should not be taken lightly. After reading chapter one, my eyes have been opened a little more to the expectations and challenges of teaching.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, there is a lot of funding cuts, and a lot of blame placed on the teaching profession. However, how can one place blame on a teacher who is trying their best in a crowded classroom without any aids? I am fortunate to live in a wealthy area, and the "neighborhood" school my daughters attend has a very active PTA that raises significant amount of money every year. It almost feels like a private school on the inside:) So the problem is not the teachers, but the discrepancy in funding for the schools. I think if every school had the ability to keep the classroom size down, we would see better graduation levels, etc.
DeleteI have found myself asking the question, "Do I want to be a teacher?" a lot in my life. I keep answering yes, so I guess I'm in the right place. I have weighed the rewards, both intrinsic, and extrinsic, and their are definitely positives on both sides. There are also negatives, but any job would be the same. I think and also see that teaching requires a large amount of professionalism. A teacher has to be an athourity figure. Not everyone can be a teacher and there are many different levels of teaching. A teacher must have a certain area they know everything about and must be able to answer questions posed by students. I look forward to the challenge.
ReplyDeleteScott Shepard