We were on fall break this past week so I had to think back over the week before we went on break to answer the question of the week. I'm so blessed to have experiences on a regular basis that reconfirm for me that I am where I am supposed to be serving the purpose I am supposed to serve. The thing that stands out in my mind the most that is a perfect example of why I'm doing what I am doing (teaching) has to do with a young man in my class. This particular student has an IEP and isn't considered by most teachers as the "best student". He isn't doing well in several of his classes and I've been told he doesn't always try or pay attention. I try very hard not to develop preconceived ideas on people based on what others have to say. I'm glad I didn't choose to listen to others because he is doing Excellent in my class. Six weeks into the semester he has a 99 average. I've taken the opportunity to brag to him about how well he is doing and have sent emails home bragging about his grades, participation and behavior.
Before we left for break the students were required to turn in a project on the healthcare career of their choice. His poster exceeded my expectations and is one that I will be putting on display for the entire school to see.
After talking with him I've learned he has always dreamed of going in the military and wants to become a combat medic. It is so encouraging to see a student that isn't "expected" to do well thriving and enjoying class. Not only is he doing well in my class but he is working hard to bring up his other grades.
Even if I am able to make a positive impression on one student then I know that this is what being a teacher is really all about!!
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
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.
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:
I absolutely understand how you feel. As I am sure most of us do, I have many IEP students. I was not unlike you in wanting to refrain from listening to negativity about students and hearing about what they can't do. I wanted to judge for myself in my own environment. I have found that some of the most unpredictable amazing things come from students who may not get that praise in academic classes. It sounds like you have sparked something in this student. I commend you for nurturing that spark and keeping hope for those that may not get it elsewhere. You are doing a wonderful job!
What stands out the most to me about your post is that you have been bragging to him about his positive behavior and you're sending emails home to his parents. This is somewhere I need to improve, and it is clear in your story how well this works for students. I sent an email to a parent of a student who has always excelled in my class, and his parents were incredibly proud of him for his behavior. I find that I tend to like the "underdogs" who most write off the best. It is so great that you learned that he wants to be a combat medic and are using that to reach him.
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