Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question

1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.

FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).
This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!

Blog Post - Week 7
This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6
For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5
This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4
Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3
Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2
Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1
Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

What I've learned thus far...

In response to this weeks blog, I have to admit that I've learned a lot since the beginning of school. I have experienced many different emotions such as joy for being able to help a student solve a problem or change their negative mindset. I've experienced a melancholy mood after working for unprepared teachers who have no teaching skills and are in the profession for a paycheck. On these days I find myself wondering how they got the job and have maintained it for years. Just this week, I worked as a Spec. Ed teacher, in a classroom with a Lang. Arts teacher who claimed that I didn't help her manage the students. Well, she yelled at them enough for both of us and used demeanoring tactics that degraded and embarrased some of the students. I felt sad for the kids and just didn't have a lot to say since I wasn't in agreement with her classroom management and treatment of the students. At any point, when my AP questioned me, I told him she was crazy and not telling the truth. Up to this point, not once has a teacher made a complaint about me, so my AP knew it was a bogus statement.

I've learned that when teachers are ineffective, they try to cover up and try to make others look bad. However, I will not hold a grudge, because she isn't worth it and life if too short.

Overall I have learned that being an effective teacher requires patience in dealing with students who will test your last drop of patience, other teachers who didn't attend NTI and think they know it all and lazy Administrators. I've learned that when others see your level of expertise, they become threatened by your professionalism and capabilities. I've learned that the Administration is vital to the success of a school and that even if they don't acknowledge your emails, never give up. I've learned that persistence overcomes resistance. I say all of that to say that it has been a real journey working as a Stellar sub in this school and I'm thankful for the experience given. I know that God has given me this position because He is preparing me for the next level in life. I've learned to toughen up and never let your feelings get in the way. At the end of the day, we still have loved ones who think the world of us....

4 comments:

Dwayne Connors said...

It was all very well put Vic. I think your right on track. I'm so thankful for NTI. It will help us to help other teachers!

Julie J. said...

This is so very inspiring to me after the day I'm having. Thanks for lifting my spirits!

Jessie H said...

You lifted my spirits too. You are one tough cookie! Well said.

Connie said...

Thank you for this blog. Yes, at the end of the day it is good to go home and know that you are loved for just being there, just being you. No matter how stressful the day has been, home is peace and love...