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?

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Counselor????

This past week in one of my my classes we had a few minutes to chat before the bell rang to dismiss class and a student brought up the topic of colleges and a possible route he should take. After a few minutes of explaining possible routes and options one of my students asked me out loud, "Mr ........... have you ever considered being a counselor because I know you would be really good at it." After the student said that about five students said something similar to "I was thinking the same thing." "I think so because Mr. .......... takes the time to listen to you and breaks down a situation." I can't tell you how good that made me feel because I made a promise to myself to make sure I was making an impact in both inside and outside of the classroom. Another example that made me feel good was when I talked to a parent of one of my students earlier in the week and her father said that she always wanted to become a doctor. What made me feel good was her Dad said, "Even though she has always expressed interest of being a doctor, ever since she has taken your broadcasting class, she wants to become a reporter now." I had no idea I made an impact like that on her, when a student wants to change her entire career dream just by taking my class, you can't beat that! I can't always say that I wanted to be a teacher but from the response of that discussion, and the way my students tell me how good of a counselor I would be, I couldn't help but to think, "This is why I became a teacher, this is why I do this everyday."

2 comments:

Shirley said...

Wow Mark! I know that made your day and more days to come. We may not be able to reach everyone but the ones that we do reach makes all the difference in the world. I can imagine how proud you felt as you honed in that special gift you probably didn't realize you have. I agree, that was definitely one of if not your last "That's why I'm a teacher" moments.

Terry said...

"I made a promise to myself to make sure I was making an impact both inside and outside of the classroom."
That is a great commitment to make. I made a similar one when I decided I wanted to become a teacher. I am still working on the “become a teacher” part but I too strive to make a difference in these halls. I applaud you for taking the time to listen to your students. What they say may not be right or even make any sense, but, to them the time you are giving them is very important. Sadly, your attention may be the only listening they receive.