Responding To Needs

The last class we had together, we talked about stopping problems before they happen. I think many times problems arise by laziness. I too am at fault. But I feel like making yourself known to not only students, but their families as well eliminates some problems. I think too often teachers try to be mysterious about their techniques and motives. But really, we should try to be as forward as possible. Let people know what you are up to in your class. And always be available for a time to talk to parents. Now I'm not saying that we need to get tips and advice from parents, but I do feel like the sooner we open up, and let our voices be heard, the sooner we can get rid of the problems.

Team Players

Teaching is not, and should not be a profession of self interest. Growing up in the world of sports I learned early on that the team with the best players do not always win. For all you true football fanatics, look at Manchester City or Olympique Lyonais! The best teams are those that cooperate and function well as a team not the teams with the highest payroll. Team players that work for the team and build team chemistry together are what make teams excel. This must be applied towards the schools. I think without school chemistry/pride and teaching cooperation, the school may not function to the best of it's ability. So we need good communication between teachers and healthy criticism so that teachers may learn from each other and become better teachers.

The Better Solution

I have been sitting through class every week now listening to how poorly our education system is. Sure, I think they have a ton of points, and maybe the system at hand is not the best way to educate. However, I really don't think that I have heard a better idea. I have heard many complaints and many critiques of the powers that be, but no solutions. I feel like the first solution is, teaching. Teachers have to desire teaching, and they have to stop complaining. I'm not siding with injustice, I simply believe that let our actions speak for themselves. I personally, cannot wait to start working and getting a little dirty. Perhaps a little naive, but that's what youth is for right? I think we are the future and we have to set things right through our strengths.

Staying On The Job At Hand

Teaching is a selfless job. You have to believe in what you are doing. Because there are obviously not too many other incentives involved. That's why as a teacher you have to stay focused on your job. Your job, or own reputation should never be placed above the goal of educating students. Our world is too important, our job is valued, to simply lose sight of what we are fighting for. We need to be accountable for our students lives and learning.

Putting On Different Shoes

My roommate and I were talking the other day about the world and the way we viewed certain political issues. And even though we did not agree on everything, I feel like the next day I viewed the world in a different way. I was able to walk in his shoes and see his side of the discussion. Keeping an open mind like that is something very important to me. I don't think anyone likes to think that they're wrong, but I do think that is healthy to admit just that every once in a while. As a teacher, I can already foresee times when I will be wrong, so keeping an open mind and being able to view different perspectives is a great trait to have.

Connection With Your Students

I think one of the things that helps teachers is the ability to connect with your students. That's something that I really look forward to! I think that because I love so many sports, so many different types of music, and love to have fun, I will be able to relate better to my students. To go along with that, I love just talking to people. I feel like talking to people, even if for a brief moment, and about nothing in particular will help open doors to a more approachable teacher. Being down to earth and with the times can really help me engage my students and help me provide a presence for them.

Rolling With The Punches

Professor Langholz displayed a quality to the group that I was working with the day of our presentation. One of our group members came down with strep throat the night before we had to present. Even though it threw off the whole agenda I'm sure, Professor Langholz was able to roll with the punches and allowed us to present on a different day. It's a quality that we must work on. Because he allowed us the time, our group member was able to be in the presentation and provide the information that she had researched, which led to a more fluid presentation. Flexibility comes easier to some of us than others, but I believe that its something that we all have to get used to.

Keeping Your Cool

One thing I love about going to my education class is watching people get so heated that they start to yell. It humors me so much because one, sometimes they are actually arguing the same point. The other thing is that they cannot see that Professor Langholz is usually playing devil's advocate. The thing that really takes me back is that these people are going to be educators and cannot maintain self control and remain calm. I think that is a strength that we all need to possess. I know that we are all going to have to deal with parents that really don't know what they are talking about and children that think they know everything. And through everything we have to keep our cool and calm to collect our thoughts to move forward.

Rise To Meet The Challege

Where do we set the bar in today's schools. Do we let children slide by while stepping over the proverbial bar? I believe so. I see no reason why we cannot expect greatness from all our students. Now, don't get me wrong, perhaps not all students can get there, on their own. That's where we come in! It is our jobs to push students. The days of expecting mediocrity have to end soon. I think kids are able to rise to expectations. I know as a adolescent, I was always concerned of what my superiors thought of me. We have to set standards higher so that the level of output increases. We have to aid the process of meeting those challenges we set.

A New Stereotype

I'm sick of hearing about boring math teachers. I think every time I hear that, a little part of me cringes. I don't think that math teachers are boring. In fact every math teacher I have ever known has been a very down to earth approachable figure. I think as a teacher, I for one, need to clarify that. Early on in my classes I need to give students the feeling that I am a great resource and should always be considered for help. I think that so often, people struggle in math and because they struggle they lose interest. That does not mean that the teacher was boring or the subject was. But rather, the student did not commit themselves. So, I want to keep all my students in line. Secondly, I would hate to have a dull class. I want to design my class around interesting activities and find ways that both keep students interested in the subject, while also active learning. There are so many ways that I can do that, I just can't wait to rid our society of this awful stereotype.