The Start of School

It was nice to get back in the classroom. After summer break was spent learning tons of new stuff, it was nice to get back in front of students and start trying out the new teaching strategies we all diligently worked on.

The part that was positively different for me was just my overall approach and organization. In teaching, I've learned that the course will either run you or you will run the course. NTI helped me inch closer and closer to becoming what I want to be, and that's a 'Master' of my classroom environment.

I know that's a career long pursuit, but there's notable positive steps that have taken place this summer and my organization, overall planning, and execution in the classroom is at another level as I've entered this year. I've still got plenty of room to grow, but with a plan going into each day detailed out to the minute the kids are forced to be engaged and much more efficient in order to keep up. It's much more challenging out in the construction building from a time management standpoint, and as my students get more used to how things work they will most assuredly see the positive benefit of the course's overall organization and new found direction.

It really, really worked!

Hey guys,
I really took those first two weeks of school to make sure that the students knew and understood the classroom procedures and expectations. It really works, the students don't complain much. They really love to help. I also implemented having the classroom manager! I am amazed at how many volunteers I get when I ask, "who wants to be classroom manager next week?" Amazing!

Off to a Great Start

Hello everyone. I knew I had learned a substantial amount during NTI, but being back in the classroom has helped me to see it clearly. Since being back I have implemented several of the ideas and techniques that I learned. The first was assigning a classroom manager. It went great. In fact after explaining the requirements the seniors got in to a debate about which of them was most qualified to be the first manager. I'm amazed at how something so small has made such a big difference already. Both the students and I have come to rely on the manager. Another idea that I am using are the in boxes for each class. Like clockwork, the kids come in, place their papers in the right place and take a seat. So needless to say we are developing a good routine.

Angie

Hello, I am thrilled to be back in class. This summer was incredible. I learned so much from the NTI program. This year, I plan to incorporate numerous techniques learned this summer into the healthcare program. A positive attitude, love for teaching and learning, organization and management are key components to a successful year. Room organization (décor) and teaching strategies will define the tone of the class. NTI has inspired me in so many ways. I am confident that students will have a positive attitude and want to learn. They will raise their hands and remember to “ask three then me”. In this class, Healthcare Science Technology, we (students and teacher) plan to learn as much as we can and have fun doing it. I will limit lectures to 15 minute intervals and increase small group activities. The positive attitudes, the smiles, the learning, participation and feedback will hopefully determine the success of my increased strategies and teaching abilities.
Jan

New Career and Technical Education Teachers' Blog: NTI Helped

New Career and Technical Education Teachers' Blog: NTI Helped

NTI Helped

Teaching at the technical high school this year has presented some serious challenges. Our school is undergoing major renovations, and for that reason we have all been moved into trailers. At NTI this summer I learned how to be more organized. This helped me because I came in the first day with everything all planned out. I used PowerPoint slides and was able to fill the days up with activities. I feel I made a better impression to the students that want to learn, and the ones that didn't left because they knew they had a teacher that was prepared, and therefore they were gonna have to be prepared. I feel more confident this year than last, and I am confident that I will have a good year. This was not the case last year.

Happy 2011 School Year

Good Evening Everyone. Hopefully everyone is off to an fantastic start. Especially since spending the majority of the summer in class at NTI. I am looking forward to getting back in the classroom and using the knowledge that was gained this summer in our program. I am also happy to have the opportunity to inspire students to reach and obtain goals that will stretch them in life. The information that I acquired this summer will indeed transform me into a better teacher. I feel as though I am equip with the necessary tools to be successful in the classroom. I appreciate the opportunity of being involved in a cohort that is awesome. I look forward in continuing this program with you all.

Sincerely,

Maliki

My new beginning!

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying a better start to their new year since NTI. I have been so glad that my second year has started easier than last. Of course everything was new last year, and this year I already know what my school expects of me and what new goals I want to achieve this year. NTI has really helped me be prepared better this year. I came in this year with a new attitude that my students would be busy as they enter the room. Some things I quit doing last year such as having students keep an orderly notebook and they are also using the time clock again. The time clock makes the students keep up with their hours each week and on Fridays they figure up how much imaginary money they made that week after we calculate deductions. These things last year were a hastle because I wasn't organized enough. My former students have told me this year already that they see a huge difference. I have been able to be more thorough enabling better learning and more classroom management! It's going to be a great year I think!

Something new this year

Something I have changed is parent contacts. Last year I would speak to students about detentions and such, but just assumed the parents knew. This year I have really stepped up this approach. Our school provides a Parent Contact Log where we can keep records and turn in the records to our administrators. I have already contacted two parents, one for detention, and one because of the student not being at school regularly. I plan to continue this and hope that it helps more parents become active in their childrens school life. Also, I think it builds trust between parents and teachers.

Tiffany