First Year Teacher

Becoming a first year teacher can be very scary and nerve wrecking at the same time. The reason why I say this is because you do not know what to expect. You have to go around asking all of the veteran teachers how was their first year and this begin to get you even more nervous.  Below is a nice check list to help you become a successful teacher.

·         Admit your mistakes -- and learn from them.

·         Be firm but flexible.

·         Communicate with parents.

·         Develop a homework policy -- and stick to it.

·         Empower your students; don't just lecture to them.

·         Find time to attend after-school events.

·         Get to know all the teachers in your school and make friends with the cooks, custodians, aides, and secretaries.

·         Have the courage to try something else if what you're doing isn't working.

·         Institute a clear discipline policy -- and enforce it consistently.

·         Just listen -- both to what the kids are saying and to what they're not saying.

·         Keep a journal.

·         Learn your school's policies and procedures.

·         Model desired attitudes and behavior.

·         Non carborundum ignorami. (Don't let the imbeciles wear you down.)

·         Overplan.

·         Prepare interesting lessons.

·         Quit worrying and just do your best.

·         Remember that you teach students first, then you teach whatever academic discipline you learned.

·         Stay alert.

·         Take pictures.

·         Understand that the learning process involves everyone -- teachers, students, colleagues, and parents and get everyone involved.

·         Volunteer to share projects and ideas, and don't be afraid to ask others to share their ideas with you.

·         Work within your limits.

·         Xpect the unexpected -- and plan for it!

·         Yell if you need support.

·         Zero in on your strengths, not your weaknesses. (Remember -- nobody's perfect!)

hhttp://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr152.shtml

Finals

Finals are slowly approaching this week and getting prepared for them has been very hectic. I feel like I have been scrambling all over the place trying to study. I always feel pressured around this time of the year, no matter if he test are hard or easy. Finals put more pressure on me than they should. Studying for finals are the hardest simply because I become distracted easily. There are multiple of times when I am stressed just thinking about studying. I have no idea why I let myself become so worried because once I get the test I feel another way. The only time I think that I become intimidated is when I think about anything pertaining to math. I know that I can pass and do whatever it is that I need to if I continue to push myself. It is just something about the word FINAL that gets me nervous. 

http://college.usatoday.com/2014/12/08/25-crucial-study-tips-for-finals-week/

Teacher and Student Relationships

Becoming a teacher has a lot of great experiences, from good to bad. In the education field there are many times when you become attached to your students, but this does not mean that you show favoritism towards them. I think that students often have an impact on you that makes you want to keep going and become very motivated. I know there will be times where I will be playing the parent role to quite a few of my students. Sometimes you have to be their role model because they do not have that inside of their homes.  I does not matter what the situation is, they are always looking.  Each and every day it is something different about them and this is called growth. It makes me very happy and joyful seeing our youth bIoom. By showing students that level of security it makes them comfortable and this is how you begin to make that teacher/ student connection.   

http://www.csun.edu/~acc50786/Education.html

Effective teaching

Being an effective teacher comes with a lot of characteristics. When being an effective teacher you must be sure that you are connecting with all of your students. Not only does an effective teacher enjoy teaching, but also makes a difference within a classroom setting.  As an effective teacher we must be sure to make everything clear and precise when teaching.  Effective teacher’s makes a difference by, giving the students one hundred percent of their time, being organized, open minded and much more. Effective teaching makes a tremendous change in each and every one of the students in a positive way. I want to be that teacher that my students can always depend on no matter what. Another thing I think that is a part being an effective teacher is when your students remember who you are no matter how old they are.  Another characteristic of an effective teacher is connecting with the parents to inform them on what is going on inside of the classroom.  Parents should also be aware on whatever it is that’s going on, form the lesson to the child’s behavior.


http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/11-habits-effective-teacher

TSI Testing

While getting my application ready to be accepted into the education program I noticed one thing, I had to take the reading portion of the TSI. When I noticed that I had to take this portion I then began to get discouraged. I not only became discouraged but also frustrated. I called my mom because she’s the only person that could calm me down at the moment. I was upset because I found out at the last minute. I would normally be prepared but this time I was not. Before taking the TSI you must be well rested before going to take it. When I sat down at the computer I felt very confident but no less than thirty minutes later I felt myself getting a bit tired. That is when I noticed I had to get up and walk around for a while. This was my career that I was putting on the line, so I did whatever it took to get through this test.  

Here's a link to help you better your test taking skills. 

https://casc.byu.edu/testtaking-strategies

My Teaching Philosophy

“Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or in every way,” George Evans. My philosophy on teaching is, I believe that education is one of the most important things that you need in life. No matter how old you are it is never too late to challenge your brain. As a future educator I will never stop trying to learn new materials, simply because I want to be able to share my knowledge to others. In order for my students to succeed I must give them my all and be the best that I can be. When becoming a teacher you must get to know your students and learn what kind of learner they are. People learn at different paces and I will have to adjust to that as a professional. There are multiple methods of teaching and I will project them in my classroom, this is a way of becoming diverse. Diversity is an essential part of a classroom setting, if you are not diverse in this generation it will be hard for you to reach all of the students in your classroom. 

Here is a website with many different teaching quotes. If you have a quote of your own this would be a helpful resource to get an idea to come up with one. When using a quote you can portray them in your work environment each day when teaching.

 http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_teacher.html

Google

Before entering the course Engl3043 I did not know that Google had so many resources. I was actually amazed when I finally got a chance to try them. There is no need to purchase Microsoft when you are using Google, which is a major plus. In college there are times when you can’t afford much due to different situations. I must say that I love the fact that my teacher has taken this into consideration and has given us other options to do the work that needs to be done. Not only did I learn something new, but I have also shown others around me. Showing my peers this has made their day. The saying “you learn something new every day” is very much true. I would encourage anyone to become familiar with this site and put it to use when it’s needed. In this course I have learned so much and I will continue to use this when becoming an educator. 

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl

Pinterest

Pinterest has become one of my favorite websites. I have noticed when using this website it has given me many great ideas. It has given me many ideas in how to become a better teacher, ideas of great lesson plans, great fashion ideas, and even more! I have become very fascinated and I catch myself on here at least one time a day. When scrolling up and down different boards I often get very excited. When I first heard of is website I did not think that I would ever use it. Coming into the education field have changed that tremendously. There are many projects and experiments on here that I can’t wait to put in use inside of my class. Not only is it giving me ideas as a future educator, but also now when we have different projects to present. My favorite thing to look at on here besides projects is fashion and how to decorate a home. In my spare time those are two things I like to do besides shopping. It gives me ideas on how I want to decorate my future home.

If you have any free time I'd advise you to check out this website, the link is below (:

 https://www.pinterest.com/

Time Management

Time management is something everyone should have. We must know how to manage our time with everything that we do. It could be something so simple like taking the time out to read something new. I have learned with the older I get to manage my time more wisely, and this has lifted a bourdon off of my shoulders. Being a college student has taught me a lot about time management. I have learned how to balance out school, work, and fun; even though there are multiple of occasions where I do not feel like doing any work I have no choice. With time management it also teaches you how to prioritize and sacrifice. Many days I wish I could lie in the bed all day but as a young adult trying to get a degree it is much harder than that. I must say in high-school I did not know much about time management but with growth and past experiences I have learned. 

http://www.studygs.net/timman.htm

Here a many grea tips on time management!

Stress, Stress, Stress, and more Stress

 For the past couple of months I have been finding myself lacking. I have not been doing this purposely but because everything has been hitting me at once.  I am under a lot of pressure when it comes down to my classes and also my grades.  Now that I have found the confidence to get myself together I have been doing much better. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I am now doing what I am now doing what I have suppose to been doing. I have started on my application to get into the education program. This is a major blessing to me. Not only have it been a blessing but it has also motivated me. I am ready to take on my responsibilities and ready to do whatever it is I need to do to graduate. I am one step closer and I feel over joyed. I am not all the way there but I am closer.

http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/reducing-stress-tips

This is a link that teaches you how to handle stress

College Algebra

Once again I find myself back in College Algebra for the second time. Math is one of my weakest subject’s and I always have a hard time in it. I class I can never seem to focus simply because I feel like there is no hope for me. I wish I did not feel this way because I would then be a little more motivated to do the home work. Every time I have an assignment due I will procrastinate and do it last minute. I know this is not a good thing to do but it never fails. College Algebra is the course that is holding me back to get into the teaching program and it is a bit disappointing. I have told myself numerous times that I will no longer not pay attention and try to seek help. This time I am going to stand on my word and actually start going to get tutored in order to get where I need to be.

 

Here's a link that you could get on to get help with math problems

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra

My Passion for Teaching

Growing up I always knew that I wanted to work with children but I did not know exactly what I wanted to do. It was not until my junior year in high school where I then established that I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. The school that I attended had a variety of classes that we could take aiming towards the career we wanted to part take in. I will never forget my teacher Ms. Woodard, she was the best! She taught me a lot, and I am glad to say she did because I am still using her tips today. We had a ton of busy work in that class and it made me who I am today. I can remember like it was yesterday when I did my very first observation hours, I was a bit nervous but once I started going every day I became at ease. I was in a kindergarten class and it was much fun, I actually was able to create and teach my very own and first lesson plan. I must say I enjoyed the class and I’m very thankful I was able to take it.  

Here's a great link for the top ten good teaching skills.

http://biz.colostate.edu/mti/tips/pages/GoodTeaching.aspx

Dress for Success

When going into the education field you must dress appropriate. Appropriate does not mean that you must wear a suit every day, but it does mean that you should not be a distraction. The students are always observing what you have on. If you come looking like another student is simply unprofessional, not only is it unprofessional but the students will not respect you. As a professional you must keep it on a professional level, when you look good you feel good! Being an amazing well-rounded teacher is what I’m striving for. You are being held at a much higher standard when you are a teacher, simply because you are teaching the future generation. Not only are you teaching the future generation, but the students are also looking at you as a role model, or even another parent. We must be an example to our students and teach them what’s right.

Here's a link to show you appropriate, but yet stylish professional clothing for women!

https://www.pinterest.com/natoleejoy/teaching-outfits-appropriate-but-still-stylish/

Procrastination

This semester I have become a huge procrastinator, I have never been the type of person to wait until the last minute to do anything. I find myself busy with work and other things that occupy my time.  Procrastination is starting to play a major part in my core work which is not a good thing. I need to become more focused and do what is best for me. I always find myself saying “well I have tomorrow,” and tomorrow soon turns into next week. This semester I am taking 18 hours, when I think about it I’m overwhelmed. I wouldn’t say that the work is hard it’s just a lot of pressure. Instead of focusing on the negatives, I need to focus on the positives in order to get where I need to be. When I actually sit down and start working I then be in go mode and I tend to do whatever it is that I need to do. 

This link is for student's who tend to procrastinate like myself, this gives them motivation to keep pushing. 

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/procrastination.html