Monday, May 2, 2016

First Year Teacher

teaching-quotesBecoming 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!)



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. 

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.   



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.