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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?

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Effect My Program

Three years ago when I began my teaching career, my mentor gave me some good advice. The part of his advice that I remember the most is to make sure you don’t get the guidance counselors upset with you. Therefore, your program will always have the cooperation and assistance that comes from the guidance counselors. The guidance counselors and I make every effort to work together to make sure the students get the courses they need to complete high school. My program has grown for two reasons. First, I strive to give the students the best I have to offer. Second, I work closely with the guidance counselors by taking students in my class that are sometimes difficult to accommodate. Guidance counselors have a large responsibility to the students, parents and teachers of the school they represent. The counselors at our school are true professionals and have help make my program a success. By interviewing a guidance counsler, I believe I will gain more insight on ways of making my program more effective for the students.

7 comments:

Riley said...

It must have been nice to have had such a wise mentor. I agree that it is very important to keep the guidance counselor on your side. I have found that the counselor and I have to work together to be sure that students who need my class get it. I also accept the students that no other teachers want. It is great that you work so well with your counselor. I bet that it really makes your job easier. This interview will help us get a better idea of how to make use of the professionals in the counseling center. Like you, I am open to gaining insight to increase the effectiveness of my program.

Linda G said...

I agree with you in that guidance counselors have a large responsibility to the students and parents. I remember my first year teaching that 3/4 through the semester one of my students was furious. He stated that the counselor had placed him in my class and that it would count as the PE/Health requirement. I teach Healthcare Science. What a hugh error and this student had absolutely every reason to be upset. The counselors were very stressed and inundated with new transfers in an already over-crowded school. I should have introduced myself early in the year and described my program of study to them. Your school counselor can be your biggest ally and can recommend your program of study to those students who may be uncertain about your course or don't have a clear vision of what the course entails.

Ken Blackwell said...

I too was blessed with a very good mentor. Good advice is always better than trial and error. I agree that working together with these professionals will make our jobs easier. I am looking foward to the interview to not only further understand their role, but to gain from their experience and perspective. There is so much experience walking the hallways, doing their jobs well, that not taking advantage of any of our peers has to be considered lost knowledge. Just as a student decides not to participate in class, are we to do the same thing with our peer base? Stay away from complainers, they will bring you down. Seek the achievers, they will raise the bar. I believe all counselors have to be considered achievers, they are much of the structure that is our new worlds.

Joe Westbrook said...

Yes, it is a great idea to have the counselors in your corner. Having enough students to be in your courses is vital to be able to continue. They really do help with your program's success. Good luck with your success.

Ms. Smith said...

This was a very interesting blog which has provided insight for me. First of all you had a mentor..What is that? My school is very small and is one of two stand alone centers left in Dekalb county. There is a Principal of course and a Counselor, no VP. Of course, I too have worked very closely with the counselor however not all placements are made by her at my school. The majority of placements are made from home school counselors that I have never met.Your blog has given me some insight as to how this works in the usual manner. Thanks for the opportunity to share.

Ms. Smith said...

This was a very interesting blog which has provided insight for me. First of all you had a mentor..What is that? My school is very small and is one of two stand alone centers left in Dekalb county. There is a Principal of course and a Counselor, no VP. Of course, I too have worked very closely with the counselor however not all placements are made by her at my school. The majority of placements are made from home school counselors that I have never met.Your blog has given me some insight as to how this works in the usual manner. Thanks for the opportunity to share.

Dr. M said...

Hi, Mark - yes, you sure did receive great advice from that mentor as counselors can make or break elective programs like ours. Having great relations with them will not only ensure the continuation of our programs but also help in a big way to maintain quality as well.