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.

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?

Thursday, December 10, 2009

The Important Thing I've Learned About Myself As A Teacher

We all like to think we know ourselves. We think we are smart, good-looking or brave. We like to think the best of ourselves. Even when we think about our flaws, we tend to think those flaws won't really affect anyone but ourselves. The truth is that we are all both great and flawed, and ever so often we are forced to come face-to-face with the sometimes unpleasant reality that we may not be who we think we are.

Since I have started teaching, I have found that I am far more lenient than I had thought myself to be. I had always prided myself on being an old school type of personality. No nonsense and to the point. I have found out through teaching, that I am an easy going, far too understanding person. This may work well in my social and family lives, however it can be a great detriment to me as a teacher. I found very early in the school year that I would have to be careful about how laid back I can be in the classroom. I believe there is a place for my personality type in teaching, I just have to find out what it is.

To be fair; I haven't had many problems from my students this year above the normal annoyances. I have good kids and they tend to be well behaved and obedient (for the most part). I still believe my classroom management can be enhanced by me becoming more strict when dealing with classroom behavior.

2 comments:

Emily said...

I guess you really have to continue to be the person you are. Can't change your personality just because you have changed careers. I bet that your students react to you in a good & positive way because of who you are. Just remember we are dealing with teens- enough said !

Penelope said...

We all have room for growth. Teaching is not as easy as I thought that it would be. There are many great demands and pressures that come along with the profession of education. We all have flaws and areas where we need to improve, but do we really want to look at ourselves in the mirror. The image that we sometimes see in the mirror can hurt or bring us to tears. And then there are those times when we can smile and rejoice at what we see. I however think that it is a good practice to do/take periodic inventory or self-evaluation of ourselves. We may surprise ourselves when we do this. I am humble and courageous enough to ask the Lord to "show me, me". It is always so important to be ready for change as well as to know that we don't, and will never have it all together.