YALLERY - TOO "RUT" OR NOT

As I have said many times before I am new to teaching, in October I completed 2 years teaching in the Georgia school system. Now I realize why people say teachers deserve better salaries and more commendations. We are overworked, underpaid and swamped with paper work; often left wondering what administration is doing. Why we as teachers spend so much time on administration instead of spending more time giving quality instruction to our students.

As a result of the pressurs of time teachers are forced to do what is comfortable or less time consuming, this can lead to us falling into the "rut trap". Another reason is fear - we are often afraid to try something new when opportunity presents itself. Fear steps in and we become scared to implement new methods/ideas.

Teachers should grab the bull by the horn - the bull being fear - and try new teaching methods. I have been using so many new tools I aquired from NTI such as cross word puzzles, ask 3 then me, flip chart, role play, graphic organizers, student led lectures/presentations, and most important the I stick to 10 minute lecture periods so students are not bored.

So teachers please do not fall in to the compost pile and become "rut"...... > : > ()