CTE New Teacher Institute Forum: Progress Towards Becoming a Master Teacher

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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?

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Progress Towards Becoming a Master Teacher

Wow. This is a topic that I just discussed with one of my co-workers the other day. I have had such a horrific time with discipline and classroom management, especially with the second and third level students, that I was really not responding in the most favorable way. Everyone said to let it roll off of your back like water and not let the students get to you. That was very hard for me and they really "got my goat" every time they said something smart or unkind. Just last week, a student made a comment in a no so nice tone, but I responded in a very calm and non-reactive manner. I made the realized that I must have reached another level in my teaching career because I didn't feel the need to be defensive or over justify the requirements with the student. I said what I wanted and let the student know that she had a choice to make, based on what my conditions were.

We had a modified gallery tour and the students were responsible for judging 10 displays The student told me that she was not going to be able to complete 10 because she only had 5 that day. I stated that she could finish the next day, but she proceeded to let me know that she was going to be absent the next day. I stated to her that the assignment was for her to complete 10. She had a couple of choices...she work hard to complete an additional 5 on that particular day or she could finish the additional 5 displays on the day she returned to school. However, in order for her to receive full credit, she needed to figure out how she was going to complete her 10.

This told her that the assignment didn't revolve around her and that it didn't change because she demanded an exception. It really felt good not to stress over the student's dilemma and obvious attempt to make me change the rules for her benefit.

1 comment:

Christina Hinz said...: Good for you, Georgette! I, too, catch myself at times taking students comments somewhat personal when they choose to be disrespectful or just plain rude. I try and remind myself about the mentality of a high school aged student. Their main concern is not a teachers feelings and if a teacher allows students to see that he/she is bothered by their behavior in a personal way, they will attempt to take advantage of that teacher and situation every chance they can. So, I am glad that you remained calm and gave your student a choice which placed the outcome on her. I smiled when I read your blog and wanted to give you a pat on the back! Good job!; March 2, 2009 at 9:41:00 AM EST