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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?

Monday, March 16, 2009

Working with Administration

The most important thing I've learned about working with my school administrators in the past year is they don't know what you need unless you tell them. I have learned that administrators are busy people with a million things to do. If I feel that something is very important and my administrators should know, I bring it to their attention. If they do not know, then they can not help me. I especially noticed this when our CTAE program was being reviewed. I had several questions, and asking my administrator helped her realize that the teachers needed more information to ensure a positive review. It is sometimes hard to "put yourself in someone else's shoes," and talking to administrators about our concerns helps them step into our shoes. It helps to remember that administrators can't read our minds, and they usually want us to bring our concerns to them. If you have something to say, say it (politely).

3 comments:

Teresa said...

Hi Riley, I agree that administration doesn't know what you need until it is voiced. I also try to remember to consider something that I tell my own children. "Don't just complain, give me some possible solutions to your problem." In other words, anyone can complain about their issues, but when a complaint (concern) is coupled with, here are some potential solutions, that goes a long way in showing that we are concerned but willing to work to get something right. I also agree that adm. are very busy! It's easier to discuss something calmly and with a bit of time to spare rather than going to them with something that needs to be addressed NOW. And even with that, go in with all your facts in order. It's good to be a teacher, and even better to NOT be an administrator, HA!

Michael said...

I agree with you because many times we just feel that they should know what we need. A believe that we think in the why that the admin must have forget how it is to be in the classroom from day to day.

Ken Blackwell said...

I agree with you completely. Many of our administrators came from other fields. They would have no idea what we need unless told. I stay away from complainers, and look for answers. Our administrations do the same, these peoples plates are full. If we take the time to find answers, we can work together for a resolution. We ask our students to do these exercises constantly, how can we teach what we do not follow?