Okay so I just typed an entire blog and it got lost in cyber space- so here I go again. Since I have been having a brain dead week, this thread will just continue.
I believe that teachers have always given way more than they got in return. Taking work home, sponsoring clubs, and coaching all seem to be in a days work. In our arena CTO's have been around for a long time. All this to supplement the classroom education of students. Unfortunately in this climate money has become tight, basic salaries are being cut, & I fear we have not reached bottom. In addition most teachers are asked to do more planning, be more creative, challenge students more in the course of the day. Parents are stressed with daily life and the volunteerism and support does not appear to be increasing. (I had 2 parents for open house!) The thought of pay for student performance gives me the shivers.
So what are we do to? Well I can honestly say that I have never worked harder at a job, and I have had more than a few jobs in my working days. As my program ramps up, I find that weekends away at workshops or CTO competitions have taken time away from home, with no financial support from my employer. Yet I am expected to continue extra offerings for the continuation of the program.
Having said all this, I truly believe that each of us has to make our own personal decisions as to what we choose to give beyond our basic curriculum. Our family responsibilities and personal financial situation must come first. In addition, we must be pro-active to ensure that what we are asked to do beyond the classroom is what we really want to do.
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
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.
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?
3 comments:
Agreed. We are constantly being asked to do more with less. I always took work home last year, only to find it consuming my entire sanity. I too have never worked harder at a job in my life, but at some point you have to separate school from home. I don't think it's being selfish, as a matter of fact I think it's made me a better teacher. Teaching isn't a job...it's a lifestyle, but when I come home most days I do a pretty good job of leaving my school issues at school. I think it's important to not spread yourself too thin. We all do so much at our schools and for our schools that before we know it we are practically living there. Remember the priorities. Family first!
The work load is overwhelming. It's difficult to balance the classroom and HOSA responsibilities. As I understand it, HOSA is practically like a second job. Drawing the line is difficult. What do you do when additional responsibilities are added to an already overly full day? How do you separate school from work when you are required to go to workshop after workshop, club meetings, etc? I have no answers to offer. Hold on for spring break, then hold on for summer. I agree with Hal, FAMILY and EMILY first!
I also, agree with the fact we are ask to work harder for less compensation and do more with less time and funds. I have always found it very hard to juggle the amount of time I spend at work and the amount of time I spend at home. I have found that if you do not find a balance then you get lost and very frustrated and confused. I think you should always allow time for yourself, in order to rest and have time to reflect in order to do a better job. If you are always just doing instead of being able to sit back and make sure things are going right then I think, what's the point. I get so much out of watching students grow. I think that even in hard times students can be taught how to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Post a Comment