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, March 29, 2009
What I have learned about myself
What I have learned the most about myself as a teacher in the past year is what constitutes my strengths and weaknesses. I have been made aware of this by being educated through NTI. My strengths are my creativity, energy and rapport with the students. My weaknesses include over commitment which causes me to be unprepared at times. I am sorting through how to manage my time and how to give my time away. I am a natural giver and worker and that has posed some problems from being in a classroom that has a lot to offer. I see the need to set boundaries and schedule appointments. I can't copy a dvd for any teacher that drops by at the last minute. I have learned that their emergency does not constitute an emergency on my behalf. I feel that I have been stretched beyond my job description and that I need to be more pointed and contained with my classroom students. However, I feel that the classroom management plan and discipline tips taught at NTI will continue to help me fine tune my teaching skills and procedures for future development.
I too struggle with similar weaknesses. Time management is so critical. At this point, I still struggle with what is most important and what can wait or be left out. I find myself rationalizing my work similarly to what we learned in one of our classes on what is importnat to know versus what is nice to know and what is plain old nuts to know. We just can't do it all. Over commitment is a biggie on my list. As I have begun to learn to say no to people's requests, I feel a bit guilty but know it is the right thing to do. Sometimes I think I hurt their feelings but if they are true peers then they will understand its not anything personal.
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