So, everyone is probably getting tired of my "sour" attitude about teaching this year. And I truly wish it were getting better. Unfortunately I had another instance today, that further solidified my current disdain for my school setting.
While working on a video, I had several students use one of my computers to look up questionable material. It wasn't X-rated, but it definitely wasn't school appropriate. When I saw what they were doing, I told them that it was not appropriate and they were arguing that since they were able to get there without circumventing the Internet filters, that it wasn't wrong. I told them to leave the page open and I would get someone else's opinion... someone I thought would share my belief. I got someone (my superior) and had them accompany me to the room. The students had closed out the computer and when I told them to bring it back up, they acted dumb, then finally opened it. They loudly proclaimed their innocence and refused to accept the blame. When they actually pulled up a picture, it wasn't as, um, dirty, as the one I had seen, so the other teacher in the room told them to close it, but not to go to that site again.
Point is, the person I went to for support, didn't come through. I am finding this to be a continual occurrence in this profession. Someone is always demanding the most from us, but it isn't a reciprocal relationship.
Another gripe... and I'll try to be better.
New teachers (3 years and less teaching experience) at my school were required to go to a meeting at 7:30 one morning this week. The email said, "Come hungry, we will be serving breakfast..." So naturally, I assumed that the administrator in charge of it would provide breakfast. Not an unreasonable assumption. About 20 minutes into the meeting, I asked where breakfast was. He didn't know! Breakfast never came. I didn't eat breakfast. Do I look like the type of person who goes without breakfast?!?!
There... I feel better.
(**P.S. - Dr. Burns, I apologize for my use of the ellipsis marks. After working as write in the television business, I frequently interchange them with commas. They work better with my speaking style.)
This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
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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?
4 comments:
Josh, you are not the only one in a position at their school that is surrounded by dissapointment. I, too, feel your frustrations. Mine are with the front office personnel. I'll share my experiences with you personally. I hope you satisfy your hunger; both mentally and PHYSICALLY!!!! :-)
LOL!!! So funny that we all experience so many of the same things. My take on the situation I believe in putting everything in writing, I would have sent an email about the situation, just in case something was to come back on you. As we all know each county has access to view all web pages and informtion viewed on our work computers. So in case the case that this was flagged it would not have come back to the students it would come back on YOU the teacher, this computer was assigned to you for your room. Just remember it is good to get someone else to view the situation but you must also CYA. Papertrails are the best thing, I wold have sent an email to my department chair, administrator and of course a call to the parents of the students, making them all aware of the situation. In doing all of this the students would have also seen the seriousness of the situation and maybe would think twice about doing it again.
Josh,
I am sorry that you are having so many difficulties with your superior. If I were you I could talk to the A.P. over the CTE dept. Also, I would document (write up) the students in case something falls back on you. Cover yourself!! :)
It would seem that you and I have similar problems with student computer use and administrators. After one of my students bypassed the internet school security system, I talked to an administrator about his reason for not letting me know about the referral until after the student had been punished for the infraction. The administrator told me that when the problem was first discovered they were not sure as to what computer was used or where the computer was located. The student was contacted about her conduct and given her punishment before the computer was located. Once the computer was located, the referral was placed in my mailbox. We have three new administrators in our school this year and he happens to be one of them. There seem to be a lot of miscommunication between the administrators and teachers this year. Hopefully, this is a problem that will resolve itself over time.
I know the school where you teach is going through some difficult times. Just hang in there because your teaching, guidance, and efforts to educate will eventually be a rewarding feeling. Keep a good, positive attitude even though I know that can be difficult at times. I know when administrations change so does the way things work around the school. Give it time enough time and things will return to normal, or at least you will be able to cope.
Sorry about your breakfast but at least we do get something when we are promised a breakfast. It’s most likely going to be a muffin or something similar. But we all know, man cannot live on bread alone.
Ed
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