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.

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?

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

CTAE...Teacher Retention

I thought about this question a lot, and my first thought was, "what did it take to recruit me?"  The truth is the long summers, Christmas break and a week off in April of every year was enough to pull me away from an industry that I needed a long rest from.  Now when I look back, I realize that I should have weighed more than a few snow days to come to my decision.  If I had to create a list of items that I would spend federal dollars on, it would consist of the following:
1. Classroom Management Training-Many of us industry veterans are like deer in headlights the first time we are cursed out by a potty mouthed teenager.  The process of getting young people to do what you want them to do is more of an art than a science, particularly when you are told everyday that you look younger than most of the students in your class.
2. Mentor Development- I think it is extremely important to pair veteran teachers with novice teachers to prepare them for the day to day tasks as well as the administrative aspects of the teaching profession.
3. Supplies-I find myself searching high and low for items to complete the necessary labs for my program, and the labs are actually what students yearn to participate in. I think it is imperative to have the necessary lab supplies to enhance the experience for students.
4. Technology-In today's society technology is a way of life, more necessary than food and shelter to in the minds of many teenagers. Schools need to invest in technology to keep students up to date and ready to enter the work force on a level playing field with their counterparts and peers.

4 comments:

DAB said...

I agree with you on all counts. I think what would also help with retention would be shadowing a teacher who does exactly the position you are potentially interviewing for prior to accepting the position. I actually insisted on this, at my own cost of course for 2 days. I would have liked more but It gave me a little " test drive". :)

Sherri said...

The idea of working my kids schedule instead of the hectic schedule of healthcare is what also lured me. Who would have thought that I would work more now - just from home on evenings and weekends. What keeps me going is the hope that eventually I will get my feet under me and the evening and weekends will reappear one blessed day. Am I fooling myself?

Ken said...

Akisa,
Very well written, I agree with you on all points. I think taken over an existing program is more difficult than creating a new one due to preconceived notions and the potential to have to re-build a program.

Sivad Couture said...

No Sherri, I don't think you're fooling yourself. I can imagine it's difficult trying to manage everything and trying to teach. Akisa and everyone eles's opinion are all correct. I agree with everyone of you. I think that is the reason I'm still in this program as well. You all have the upper hand because you're in it day to day. I haven't had that pleasure yet, but on the other hand, I handle all of my business. I can imagine what my life is going to be like once I become an instructor. Certain things will have to shift. Doing what you love makes all the difference, plus I feel in the long run, it will create an impact on the kids that will last a lifetime.