Having my son at the school I teach has opened my eyes to the counselor's role in the student's academic career. Here's an example of what happened at my meeting with the counselor and my son.
She had his grades already opened with all his test scores right there while we talked. She asked my son questions about his interests and then asked him about his grades...
My son has an interest in culinary and wanted more culinary classes. Before agreeing, she wanted him to explore the success/failure rate of those going into culinary. She also asked my son about his math/science grades which happened to be in the 99th percentile.
She mentioned that based on his current test scores he could go into AP calculus as a junior and pretty much exempt his senior year and go right into GA Tech.....For FREE!!!
My son's eyes grew big as she related that GA Tech is one of the best schools in the country and asked him to explore ALL of his interests...
The challenge that his counselor faces is that delicate balance between a dream and a reality...not that she would squelch his dreams, but that she could open his eyes to something bigger and greater....
She also suggested many options that we had not yet considered as to careers that are not yet invented...my son loves technology and is a whiz for all things electronic...a gift and a curse for me (anyone ever experienced a son/daughter that knows more tech stuff than you?) Then you know what I am talking about.
The fact is, the counselor looked at the big picture first and then after we decide a big path, we can start looking at narrowing that path....she made a huge monumental task seem rather simple.
I have a huge amount of respect for her.
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.
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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.
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?
1 comment:
Tracy, that is wonderful that you could have that "real world" experience with your son and the guidance counselor. I really believe that you don't know how something works until you try it personally. It's wonderful that a third pary person with no "personal interest" could help you son consider other options. If your son is anything like mine, he is more likely to listen to someone other than me!
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