...I've learned about my students in the past year is that they deserve not to be judged. I was rather frustrated at the beginning of the school year that one particular class was filled with under-achieving students. I'm talking about kids with criminal records. These students are usually failing all of their academic courses, and may even be struggling in electives. But I tried to always stay neutral. However, I often gave these particular students more attention, or more job tasks to make them feel worth-while. That's all kids really want: to feel worth-while. I tried to imagine how miserable they must be failing at everything and how teachers may talk down to them. I know teachers aren't always very warm to these students, so I tried to make up for it. If anything, I gained their trust and respect by showing them that I trust and respect them.
BTW, some of these students ended up withdrawing from school. Two of them, I don't know where they went. Another two went to an alternative school - one of which comes back to visit me frequently.
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
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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:
Amy...I am with you. I tend to be drawn to the students that do not fit in with the achieving crowd. These students seem to end up in my class. I am honest with them with their misbehavior, but I also seek to find something positive about them to acknowledge. As you said, these are the kinds of students who keep in touch. Maybe we are the only ones who have shed positive light into their future. Go Amy !
You had me at they deserve not to be judged. I feel so strong about this that many years ago that I actually got a tattoo that is a cross wrapped in a banner that reads “Judge Not”.
I also am gravitated to the student that doesn’t fit in. You never know what these kids go through outside of school and you might be the only positive influence they see on a daily basis. Please don’t judge your students. That is why we chose to become teachers, so we could make a difference in kids lives. Take it as a challenge to try and reach them not Judge them.
Hi, Amy - your post and the comments from Lori and Kevin touch on a cornerstone of effective teaching, and Kevin's tattoo would make a great wall poster in your classes. You are in a sense saving the lives of some of these students - keep it up!
"...try to reach them, not judge them." I LOVE that!
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