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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.
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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

Falbe: February 6, 2013

Last evening's class focused on Perkins Legislation. Many of you shared thoughts of how teacher recruitment and teacher retention could use improvement in the CTE area. Please be creative and think and write about what you think would be a good process to improve teacher retention in CTE. If you had the Perkins money to spend in this area, what would you do?

While I was not able to attend class last night due to an Open House at work, I can understand the idea that retention should be considered in the CTE field. As a new teacher, coming in from another field, and not being train in education I think more consideration should be given to initial teacher training and mentoring. While I had an unofficial mentor, I think that increased supervision (and stipends for the participating mentors) and a more hands on mentor is crucial.  Using Perkins money to help teachers get their initial certification would be good too, as professionals (who already have a degree in their field and debt related to that), may be reluctant to take the financial risk associated with getting another certificate.

I think that increased training in the field is also a good idea to improve retention.  If teachers feel more confident and current in their field (content knowledge wise) this might improve retention because teachers are happy, and feel on the cusp of what is new.   

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Brandon, you expressed the sentiment of most of the teachers on the call last night, and I even noted training along with a mentor program in my post prior to commenting on yours. It appears that many of us are on the same page when it comes down to what we feel that we need to succeed and more importantly to help our students succeed. I believe that if we all keep singing the same song, someone is bound to start playing our music.

Unknown said...

I agree with your thoughts regarding retention of teachers in the CTAE area. Working in Public Education is different from working in other educational environments. I find working in the field I am engaged in, additional training is essential. In this type of class environment is very important, plus having backup to stay current with new teaching ideas. Classroom Management Training is essential, many students come into class with an “attitude”. Using Perkins money to encourage teachers to continue and/or add to their own education would help many teachers pursue additional education in the area they teach. I agree financial risks are truly a problem area. Many teachers, now have college bound youth and find it difficult to increase their own educational debt. This money to help teachers with their continuing education would certainly help in the area of retention.