During the past seven days I have been blessed to have several moments that I felt connected, engaged, and affirmed as a teacher. The first thing that made me feel this way was when one of my second year students raised her hand in class and asked me if I planned to ever return to working in "the Nursing field". When I responded yes, I will when I feel as if all my children are old enough for me to the goals that I have in healthcare. She then smiled and responded " well just don't leave until after I graduate", and then several others students echoed "me too". Another thing that happended that made me feel like this is what being a teacher is really all about actually occured today. I was working with my third year students on assessing blood pressures during the last block. They will have to check fifty blood pressures accurately by January as a requirment for the CNA program.
I unexpectedly had to have a teacher come in to relieve me for a few minutes while I excused myself to the restroom. When she came in and saw the students checking blood pressures she said "someone can check mine" and about three or four students enthusiastically exclaimed "me, I'll do it". I was so proud of them. Today was their day to dress out for uniform inspections so they were in uniform and had their medical equipment. They were looking and behaving professionally when she entered without my prompting them to. When I returned from the restroom the teacher quietly told me " I love that you're here...I just love what you do and what you are teaching them. You are doing so much for them. I believe they are really loving this" . I responded, "thank you so much, I love being here with them". Lots of times I think about how much they do for me, they keep me going what the work behind the scences becomes overwhelming...One of my students in this same class told me on Monday that last year the only reason she came to school was because she wanted to come to my class. It's times like that when you have to remember what is most important and know that you are making a real difference.
Last, but certainly not least, the time this past week that I knew this was what teaching was really all about and I REALLY felt connected was last Wednesday after school. I decided to stay at work until 6 pm instead of 5:00pm that day to catch up on some work. My usual 2-3 students came by to work on upcoming assignments which is always rewarding for me to see them take responsibility for their grade. However, three other you ladies came in around 4 pm. They all stayed until 6:00! I felt as if we were keeping each other company as we worked and talked. One young lady in particular had missed close to 20 days last year, slept most of the time she was there, rarely dressed out and hardly ever turned in any work. This year she has been attentive and alert in class and has only missed a couple of days so far. That Wednesday after school she stayed the entire time, completed her career timeline, AND presented it in class the next day! I love it! ENOUGH SAID :)
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
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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:
You are doing so wonderfully! I've had a handful of kids over the years say that Healthcare was the only class they'd bother to come to school for--it makes me so happy that we're getting them in the door and giving them a safe "home base" at school!
It is great when kids fall in love with what we do. I chose to teach film because it is my first love. Everyday that I go to work I get to introduce students to what it is that I love to do. All CTI pathways are so critical important. I just wish that the school systems would make sure we have everything we need to be successful. Its like they should start the program with everything needed.
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