The last couple of weeks have been stressful yet rewarding. I report to work everyday to do the very best that I can do within the time frame for which I have been allotted and to hopefully make a difference in the lives of the students I have been assigned to teach. A male student was placed in my class about 4 weeks ago. He is in the Program for Exceptional Children and his long term goal is to be a basketball player as identified during a career and lifestyle research project. Although I have been asking, I have yet to see an IEP on this student. He has been a trouble maker, as some would say, and does not show any interest in his class work. I am told he can be disruptive and have sudden out bursts of anger.
I have used some of Rick Lavoie strategies to help this student adjust to being in my classroom and to help him keep all his poker chips on a daily basis. My strategies appear to be effective because I have not witnessed any disruptive behavior or out bursts. In fact, this student has had problems in other classes and referred for discipline issues which resulted in in-school suspensions and sometimes out of school suspensions. Each time he returns to my class and ask for make-up work, which validates that he has bought into the idea that I constantly remind them of, and that is all students can learn and be successful. Four days ago he came in to my classroom during an interview with another student and asked if he could speak with me privately. We walked to a distance area of my large classroom and then he stated I won't be here for the next couple of days and gently unfolded a letter for me to read. It was a discipline letter of suspension. This morning he returned and asked for his make-up work.
Becoming a master teacher is certainly a goal I have set for myself, however I am not there yet.
I will continue to teach and meet each child where they are mentally, physically and socially.
In my classes I will continue to help students make the connection with the real world whether they have an interest in health care or aspirations of being a basketball player.
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.
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.
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?
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2 comments:
You are getting there!! Keep it up, it sounds like you have reached out to a student that really needs your special attention. I think of the very small amounts of time and attention that we have to spread out among all our students and you find yourself wishing the day was a week. I have also used the "Poker Chips" with some success. Keep Going!
Brenda, this was a great story that you shared and does show that using the correct techniques and strategies we have been taught will mold us into master teachers.
Your positive influence with this student has certainly madea difference and that's what its all about.
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