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.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Counselor Interview
With this interview, I am hoping to establish the kind of relationship with the school counselors that I have never had before. For example, the interview may create an environment where I can request not to be “dumped on” as my class seems to fill up with students that hates being in my class. It is very difficult to actually manage a class when you have half the students in your class did not sign up for it. It may also give me an insight in the protocols or procedures counselors follow to create schedules. Sometimes I often wonder about what it is they are thinking about when they make these schedules. From my finite point of view, because I do not do the job of course, counselors seem to just throw people in my class because of convenience! I could be wrong, but the result is always undisputable. The students that end up in my class are wonders why they are in there.
I totally agree about it being difficult to manage classes with students that didn't even want your class. I get so frustrated, because I have students and parents of students that tell me automotive is dumb. Yet, the counselor's will not move them to a different course. It doesn't make sense to me. I just hear that their schedules are fixed, and that the students/parents need to deal with it and make the most of it. There's the added stress that we get as teachers. I would say 90% of our stress at work has nothing to do with teaching! It's the extras that come with the job. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI agree totally, that is the big question and probably will be the highlight of the interviews for most of us in Career Tech. We really need to know why our classes are considered "dumping grounds" for those students they can't find an appropriate fit or to place temporary until they can find somewhere as was stated to me once when I questioned placement of student. May be having this opportunity to sit and actually talk about this issue with the Counselor will alleviate some of our anxieties. Hopefully, we can also point out the importance of what it is we do and the passion we have for it.
ReplyDeleteHi, Willie - I'll bet, though, that many of your students are glad they were put in your class as you have created a quality program that has a great deal to offer. Remember that English or Math teachers have rooms full of students that don't want to be there either. Great teachers try to make their classes interesting, challenging, and fun for all their students. And I'll bet many of your 'uncertain' students may be looking at careers in your field because of your influence. Keep on tryin'.
ReplyDelete