Lessons Learned!
I don't have to tell you how busy we are as teachers and how overwhelmed we get trying to fit in everything we have to do for our students, fellow teachers, administrators, etc. Even in all this daily commotion however, I find I learn something new almost everyday. I learned one such lesson (or lessons) just last Thursday. It was the end of the period of the last class of a very long day. The students were busy in their groups with their usual loudness working together to complete a packet due that day. One student however was sitting off on his own after several attempts by me to get him into his group. As I turned to him to again to encourage him to get into his group, he raised his hand and asked me if he could ask me something. Now, I can hear you say: "What is so extraordinary about that?" Well, this student had hardly ever said a word in my class and had never raised his hand. I sat down next to him and he asked me: "Is it normal for a teenager to be depressed all the time?" Well, from the look on his face I knew he was talking about himself and the red flags went up. The other students were busy doing their "thing" so I sat down next to him and let him talk. Thanks to the classes at NTI and for the nursing experiences I have had, I was able to connect with him.(Now even though I had learned these lessons already- I never had to put them into practice.)
I was able to dismiss the class as it was the end of the period from where I was sitting; not from the my usual place at the door! I continued to talk with him some more and convince him to go with me to the counselor. He shared a lot with me that day and I was not about to let him go home without some immediate intervention. I have not seen him since as I only have him every other day but I think about him every day. I pray he has the same support at home as he has here. I learned (again) how important trust is especially for a teen. I learned that they look for not only someone to trust but for someone that truly cares about them. I learned that they are full of emotions that are up and down all the time; making bad decisions at times. I have learned that if we tune out as teachers, we can lose students that need us the most, and finally, that to be a teacher can be the most rewarding job despite the low pay and long hours! Yes, it was lessons learned!
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?
2 comments:
Theresa,
This is so refreshing. Thank you for sharing. You could have easily dismissed this student. However, letting him go would have cost you a great opportunity. I am glad you saw the opportunity, were well trained and took it. We do have many rewards. There is no telling what could have happened to him without you or what you may have helped prevent. I hope the next time you see him or at least somewhere along the way he verbalizes what it meant for you to take the time. It shows that even though students may not speak in class very often, they are observing us and creating an image of who they think we are and if they trust us. I am glad he opened up to you!
Theresa, I am learning much the same thing right now! (see my blog post this week) Some of my greatest rewards right now are coming from students who have been at the brink of disaster. They are so hungry for someone to hear them and accept them without passing judgement. It has been an incredible gift to see a few of my students who have been arrested, on probation, involved with gangs, etc... take a turn with me because they know I authentically care for who they are and want for them a successful future.
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