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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.
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6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
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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?

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Mamane on Developing as a Teacher

The last two weeks have been a major roller coaster ride for me. Our county is finally feeling the effects of this dismal economy. We are opening 5 brand new schools in Fall '09, but they didn't hire any new teachers. I applied for the Broadcast job at the new high school, and spoke to the principal briefly at a job fair. He said he had "done his homework" on me, and he wants ME to take the Broadcast program at the new school "out of the box... something this county has never seen before." WOW! I was so syked. But he said nothing was confirmed because he wasn't sure enrollment would be enough to hire a full-time BVP teacher. So no big deal, right? I would have my current job... Or would I? I found out that the BVP program at my school would be cancelled for next year. But I didn't have that confirmation yet. Alas... the sweat starts to bead on my brow. But lo and behold, I finally got it... I'll be starting the BVP program at a brand new school next year. YAY!

So what, you ask yourself, does this have to do with my teaching mastery? I have continued to teach and teach, and increase my awareness of what I'm teaching, and really, what is coming across to my students. Once they found out I wouldn't be returning to Central next year, they asked me "Why bother teaching us, you'll be gone -- the whole program will be gone next year." Because I... DON'T... QUIT. I especially don't give up on students. If anything, I have upped the ante. I am assigning more complex projects, and sticking with it. I am on them everyday about their progress. I want to see them SUCCEED! And I'm doing everything I can to make that happen.

Nothing makes me happier -- or prouder -- than watching my students' final products... unless it totally reeks. But for the most part, I can see in their work the expertise I have taught them. And that, my friend, is my road to mastery.

Oh yeah, and I was asked to co-author the "common curriculum" for Broadcast Video Production for all of Forsyth County. Pretty cool, huh?

9 comments:

Ken Blackwell said...

Great news! In a hiring freeze, I'm surprised you heard news so fast. I opened a new program this year myself. You will have alot to say about equipment and materials. The process is just that, a process. That being said, you get the equipment you need or want, not what was left behind. Good for you in not quitting on your students! They are our reason for being here. Your deligence will be appreciated and not go unseen. Others may follow your example, and perhaps change will result in this area as well. If you have budget questions I am available for help. Again, GOOD FOR YOU!

Ken Blackwell said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Dr. M said...

Hi, Amy - I'll say that's pretty cool! Congrats on the new assignment! Opening a new school/program is surely a once-a-career opportunity so I know you are excited . . . heck, I'm excited for you and I hope you don't mind if I drop in next year for a tour.

Please don't give up on this years' students as you are having an impact on them and you still have a good bit of time to work your magic. A master teacher continues to do what's right regardless of outside situations, and your mastery is showing when you say you don't quit on your students. Go get 'em!

Michael said...

Wow that is great news congrats. What type of complex projects are you giving out because I would like some new things for one of my advanced classes to challenge them a bit more.

Nitzana Floyd said...

For one, I have my 4th year students doing a 10 minute mini-documentary on a controversial issue. It's their "senior project." Then, for another class, I came up with the idea to assign a group a song (from FreePlayMusic.com), and they have to come up with a 1:30 movie trailer based on the genre of the song. I gave one group and Action/Adventure song and they're doing a super hero movie trailer.

Michael said...

That sounds good I will give those ideas a try. Do your advance class produce a news show for the school?

Jayna said...

Amy I am so proud of you. As your co-worker I am not surprised that you are being given this task. You are wonderful at what you do! I am sorry that you won't be at Central next year :(. And I won't be seeing you at NTI! But I know I will be seeing and hearing great things about you over the years! IT does the heart good to see deserving people get the acolades they deserve!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Amy, thats sounds great. I love project ideas you have.

Nitzana Floyd said...

Chappe, we do a weekly news show for the school. I used to do it everyday, but i don't have as many advanced classes as I did last year.