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?

Friday, March 15, 2013

Living the DREAM


When I was a teenager I often wondered why ANYONE would want to be a teacher. During many events in my post high school career I reflected on who had the most impact on my life outside of my family. It always turned to a group of people and included in this group was my teachers who made me feel special.

My last duty station/ assignment in the NAVY was as a instructor at NATTC Pensacola Florida, I realized then how much responsibility a teacher/ instructor holds daily. My legacy was to mold the future military members and to influence the future.That was the moment I fell in love with teaching.

On Friday my first grade teacher was visiting the high school, she is now retired from teaching but still stays involved with students. I stopped and talked to her for a minute, it didn't take long for us to be surrounded by her former students. As I listened to the stories and people sharing memories I realized that individually I was not special to her, but that I joined a group that was very special to her, her students. When I retired from the NAVY she saw me in town and told me I needed to become a teacher, I told her my dream was to teach CTAE and specifically Transportation (automotive) I did not want to let her down but I knew I would be retired again before the automotive teacher left. Within two years the automotive teacher became very ill and retired.The rest is history.

Tonight when I went to Ingle's I was stopped by several former students and a former student's Mom, each one wanted to share with me what was going on in their life. Somehow they felt accountable to me, I don't really understand that,but it is very humbling.

I am still amazed at how much impact that my teachers had on me and will never forget how we mold the future daily.


2 comments:

Unknown said...

I understand what you are saying. Personally, I hated school and certainly did not want to be a teacher. I have also reflected on many teachers, and there is one that stands out from the many, many others. She encouraged, pushed, taught, and presented the path, she believed I should follow. Mrs. Johnson was my cosmetology instructor, who had the idea I should attend UGA, pursue my degree and become a cosmetology instructor. My parents encouraged me to follow this path, but my answer was “I just want to be a hairstylist”.
After years, working as a hairstylist along with working in the county school system, my real dream came into existence. I dreamed of becoming a cosmetology instructor; imagine that, it was a difficult decision, since I had three sons, husband and bills. I decided this was an extremely important decision. This was my destiny. Back to school, and I am still learning! I now teach cosmetology in a public high school and I pray daily I am making a difference in my students. I started my dream approximately one and a half years ago. I have been blessed to have students from my first year to return to school and they expressed appreciation for my encouragement. I am in the place that God intended me to be; and I am living my dream.

Ken said...

Thanks Michelle.