Teaching Tolerance

http://www.tolerance.org/blog/what-were-reading-week-july-15

Reflecting

    I have had the opportunity to cover two full year leave replacements, fourth and third grade, respectively.  The positive responses that I received from the students, parents, administration and community energized me.  The measured growth I witnessed from the students was procured through the use of treating every person with dignity and respect.  The students then developed a confidence for questioning and a passion for learning.  I accounted this success from my desire to be “greater than the average”. 
    Most schools have a diverse population, which at times can be challenging.  However, motivation, support and recognition drive people to succeed.  I am consistent and offer opportunity to each student.  Coming from a multicultural family myself, I am excited to see that there is a strong need to celebrate other cultures in preparation for life in a global society.  It is the time we live in.  The acceptance of other cultures is a commitment we must all make to sustain a positive learning and living environment for the well being of the world.

10 Items Every Class Needs

10 Items Every Class Needs

To Be Completely Literate Is To Share What You've Learned!

As more information is collected and stored online, teachers and students are able to increase their knowledge on any number of topics. We are living in a connected society. When I find information online, I make my own inferences, reconfigure that information, and then draw my own conclusions. When I share what I've learned, I am allowing others to use my resources to enhance their thinking. Using technology to strengthen and improve instruction gives everyone in the classroom the ability to collaborate with many resources. Technology is not just a fad. It has developed into a learning tool that can expedite the retrieval of information, increase ones literacy development and enable future success.

Bringing Common Core to Life

This is a quote that I found quite interesting from David Coleman. I read this in the transcripts as I wanted to understand how the changes in the New York State standards-based system and their specific implications for teachers and instructional leaders will affect teachers...."Let me tell you the difference between teachers and standards developers. For standards developers time does not matter. Nothing is easier than with the stroke of a pen adding something that now all teachers and kids need to do. But that takes no account of what teachers are constantly conscious of, which is the actual amount of time it takes to master that and for students to practice it. And what’s happened in almost every state is an accretion of standards to the point that they’re utterly unrealistic in terms of time. All of you know what this means. This makes assessment a Russian roulette system. Since the assessment has to cover too wide a body of material into superficial matter no one can predict what will be assessed, what won’t in an in-depth way and there’s a situation of distrust." Here is a link to the webinar.... http://usny.nysed.gov/rttt/resources/bringing-the-common-core-to-life.html

Now that it's over...

Now that school is over, I am.....saddened. Yes, you've read it right. I had the most wonderful opportunity to cover an absence in a fourth grade classroom for the last six weeks of school. I was given the reins and I feel that I managed to succeed. It was definitely a learning experience, but the whole entire school staff were so awesome and helped me whenever I had a question. I learned so much of the daily duties of being a teacher; something you cannot get when you are a substitute in a different classroom everyday. I am continuing with subbing until I find my next opportunity. I am more excited than ever to get my own classroom.

In the Real World

I have been substitute teaching since I graduated last May. I really enjoy going into a new classroom and new schools every day. It can be a bit challenging at times because you can get the "Oh, good it's a sub" look. After a few minutes, the class realizes that I will reinforce the rules that are set in place and they can't get away with anything. I feel that the most important thing you can give to the students is respect. Very rarely do I ever encounter a disrespectful student. I can't wait for my own classroom!

Teaching

I have graduated and have begun seeking employment in districts that are on the cutting edge as far as technology and collaboration. In reviewing work to prepare for this venture, I have again realized why I wanted to become a teacher. I have also realized how well Mount Saint Mary College prepares their students. I am so excited to begin!

My Last Class

Yes, it is true, this is my last class!

I am so looking forward to moving on to the student teaching experience. I want to create lessons that use all of these innovative tools that I've learned. I am definitely not afraid to use any type of technology...so let's bring out the SmartBoards. Basically, if I had to sum up my experience from this class, I would say that I have grown professionally as well as personally. I feel that I have become more confident. I am proud of who I have become and can't wait to work in the classroom.

"Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you."
~ Aldous Huxley

The Evaluation Roll

There is a purpose in evaluating myself and others. I feel that the role of this evaluation allowed me to reflect on what was created. If you always say that everything is great, you won't be helping yourself or others. It's best to be encouraging and supportive, yet honest. Personally, I found it sometimes hard to do because I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, and half the time I wasn't sure if I was even in a position to correct anyone else. During the microteaching, Heather S. and I carefully reviewed our peers lesson plans and made suggestions that we thought would help them the most. I feel that it was good for us because we also learned what to look for in evaluating.