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, December 16, 2014

Student Learning assessment...anyone have a good website?

I want to have my students take a learning style assessment when we come back from winter break. Does anyone have a reliable website?

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Final Blog Like and Dislike

I love being able to share my love with others. Teaching students and watching them learn and grow with something they love to do is so rewarding. The things that I like least is that I feel sometimes teachers are not valued for what they do. There is so much other stuff outside of teaching that either the county or school requires you to do. The one thing I can’t seem to get students to do is read. I have yet to get them to actually read something before beginning on it. All in all I have enjoyed the teaching. I keep trying to make the good outweigh the bad.  Seeing my students each day and how much they truly enjoy class keeps me coming back. 

Sunday, December 7, 2014

What I like most  and what I like least about being a CTE teacher

I love the fact that I have a opportunity to share all of the experience that I have had in my industry with students that are interested in my field.  I feel as though if someone had given me the good, the bad, and the ugly maybe I would have known the better route to what I was trying to achieve.  I realize that all of the years that we have spent in our industry has given us powerful insight to our business.  I'm glad that I'm in a position to advise my students in a few different directions.  What I like least about being a CTE teacher some of the studens seem not to take the class serious because either it is not the field of their interest or they may feel like it's just an elective.  I try  convey the benefits of them being exposed to a possible career option but that is not sufficient motivation for some of them.  The good definitely out weighs the bad.
"Something that shook me up"
The class was working on a group project and  everything seemed to be going great. All of a sudden someone screamed and I thought something terrible had happened while I was working with one of the groups.  My heart was pounding as I ran to see what happened and the student said, "someone stole my phone" with tears in her eyes.  I was relieved to find out that no one was hurt.  At first I was shocked that someone had stolen something out of our class but then reality set in and I realized it could have happened sooner.  First of all we have a no cell phone in class policy therefore I didn't think that administration would authorize a search.  Secondly four people had gone to the bathroom so the phone could have been far gone.  The whole situation shook me up and caused me to be very frustrated. Of course the phone never showed up and I guess the next time I wont be shocked.

Most like- Ruth

Hello all, I feel that this first half of the school year has flown by. As a first year teacher I can truly say what I like most about being a CTE teacher is being a role model for my profession. I feel that even at the high school level, I am helping to mold the future of Healthcare workers. This week was our first week of clinical rotation and I feel so proud of my students. With my pathway we work in a nursing home for at least 24 hours. I think these teenagers are doing a great job. They act professional and mature and I can actually see that learning has taken place. What I like least about being a teacher is the constant meetings and the constant other things I am always having to do that is not teaching the students. At least twice a week we have a meeting during planning. To add to those we have CTE meetings once a month ( local and system wide). It just seems as if teachers are treated like students instead of  adults and that's something I have to get used to.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Reflections of a CTE Teacher by Jennifer W.


I was in a position I loved, at a hospital that I loved with colleagues that were more like family than colleagues when my teaching position “fell” in my lap. I’m a spiritual person and at the time was praying that God guide my life and my steps. Little did I know this would be the path he would lead me down.

There are days I ask him, “Are you really sure this is where I am supposed to be and what I am supposed to be doing?” It never fails when I ask that question I receive a quick reassurance that yes, I am. So I have to say the thing I love the most about being a CTE teacher is I know I am filling the purpose of my life. That isn’t to say that when I am working at the hospital I’m not doing the same but I’m serving a different purpose. It is a feeling like no other when I had a student come to me at the end of the school year and tell me that what she learned in my class helped her save her mother’s life when she was having a heart attack. Or that I am able to be there for a student whose mother is dying from terminal cancer and my student has no other support system. Yes, I love seeing the excitement in their eyes when they are learning a new procedure or diagnosing a disease but being able to be a positive influence in their lives means so much more! I don’t think as a regular ED teacher I would be able to connect with my students the way that I do, nor do I think I would have the same respect they give me. They know that I what I am teaching them is “real world”, they see me in my scrubs on the days I have to work at the hospital afterschool. They hear my stories of patients I’ve cared for and that I believe is the reason I am able to gain their respect so quickly and easily.

 

This year has been more challenging for me than last year which was my first year teaching. My students are very different and I’m having to learn to adapt to them. There have been more days this year than last that I do ask, “God are you sure about this”? But with all the challenges I’ve faced with the students this year nothing compares to the pay. That is hands down without a doubt the one thing I DISLIKE most about my job. I am working more hours at the school and I took a greater than 50% pay cut from what I made working in the hospital. I won’t lie and say it’s been easy or no big deal because it has. Unlike most of my fellow teachers I’m not privileged with the week-long breaks and vacations that occur with this line of work. When I am not working at the school I am working at the hospital to try and make up a little of the pay cut. Sorry to be Debbie Downer but unfortunately that is my reality.

 

Over all I have no regrets on my decision to become a teacher. I don’t know how long this journey will last, it may be another year or it may be 30 more, only God knows the answer to that question. I will continue to share my love of nursing with my students and try be a positive role model for them and help them pursue as they pursue their life goals.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Last post of the year...

I have to say that I have been challenged more mentally, and emotionally this year than my two prior years of teaching. I would like to start off by saying that my favorite thing about being a teacher in general are my students. Though they sometimes bring stress, the majority of the time, my kids bring such joy to my life. In regard to CT specific, I think I enjoy being a class of "reality" the most. That is how I run my classroom and, in turn, that is what my students appreciate about what I have to offer. My least favorite part about being a CT teacher is that I often feel all alone. Being that I am the only public safety teacher at my school, it is hard to find support among my colleagues when days get rough. Luckily, I have Chris, Chris, and Adam to help me when the going gets tough. They often listen to my complaining and offer advice that is supportive and encouraging. I am so blessed to have them as colleagues and friends. :)

Took me by surprise -

Think about your teaching this past week and then answer the following question: "What was the event that most took me by surprise - an event where I saw or did something that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"

I caught a student pulling his pants up under the stairway, i didn't see anyone else when i was addressing him about being under the stairway and not being in class (area near the gym locker room).  When i walked through the door I heard foot steps I go back  to see and it was a girl I stopped her, security, and the assistant principal and the male student was still in the hallway as well.  I told them what the situation was....... Talking about shocked and off guard

Monday, December 1, 2014

Like the most....like the least..Chef Oliver 12/1


Well... to start this blog off I did love the week we just had off for Thanksgiving! I am ready for Christmas break that is for sure.

People ask me all the time why teach when your re a Chef? I respond WHY NOT! I love my job for the most part. We work for the government so we have great benefits, paid time off, I live 1 mile from my job, I run my own program and get to be creative day to day, and I know I am good at what I do. With all that being said I have worked in Country Clubs, restaurants, Viking cooking school, and in people’s homes as a private chef. When I heard about a job opening for a Culinary Instructor at a high school I thought "Could this be real it is my dream job to teach high schoolers the trade of cooking and all that goes into it." I knew it would be work but honestly thought how hard can it be? If you don’t love your job it is hard. I come to "work" I guess I can call it every day with new ideas and get to see the students I know truly love this class. They leave me nice notes, emails and are positive for the most part during our lessons. This is what makes this job worth all of the 'not so great things'. I am so passionate about what I do that it rubs off on the students, their parents, other teachers and community. Many of my students work in a food industry and they will continue to do that some the rest of their lives. I am here to engage the students I can and to train them for the real world. If they go into a job and are ahead on knowing things I had a part in that! This job is a dream comes true I could not think of doing something else in my professional career. Even if it is just a handful of students that I make an impact for I have done my job. This is the article about Thanksgiving pies we raised over $2,300.00 profit for our program and it would not have been possible without all of my students.

http://patch.com/georgia/sandysprings/riverwood-charter-students-cook-successful-thanksgiving-fundraiser?utm_source=newsletter-daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=schools&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_content=article-mostrecent

Now for the parts of my job I like the least. I would have to say not having the full 188 kids I teach totally engaged in what I am teaching. I know it is an elective and most of my kids love it but I have to make the others love it as much as I do. That is a challenge. I would also like more money but honestly who wouldn’t??? You do not go into teaching for the money! I believe we have a good budget for the food/materials we use in the kitchen but we always need more. That is why we cater and fundraise! It is nice that the Fulton County maintence fixes everything for free!! I really don’t have a lot to not like as I feel like the luckiest person in the world that I get up every morning and LOVE what I do, who I work with and the lives I touch.

 

Leap of Faith

    Jumping into the education field from another career is like taking a Leap of Faith or in the words of Forest Gump, "...like a  box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get.".  Many of us get into a career we love at first and then realize we do not love it so much.  Some of us may realize that we are better at something else.  Some make career changes thinking it may help them find happiness or that a change is needed in their life.  Others may need something that makes their lives easier or can transition with them as they start families.  Whatever the reason may be, a career change is something common.  For most career tech teachers, they are pursing education as a second career path.  It is something they have made a decision about and left the fields they know to fill their students heads with that knowledge and experience.  Regardless of the situation they came from, most career tech teachers are still filled with that initial passion for the career they teach.
    What I like the least about being a CTE teacher is something I believe we will always struggle with, competing with academics.  While I understand the importance and need for college prep/AP courses, there is also a very strong need for career development.  Some kids have no clue what they want to do at 17, but some know already what they want to be.  Those kids that know they want to be a doctor, nurse, chef, lawyer, news anchor or police officer; want to jump into that training as early as possible.  For those that struggle with academics, a vocational or career tech path is a much brighter option for them.  I see a tremendous drop in effort and motivation in my classes around testing or exam time for academics.  The students have a lot of pressure on them to perform above standard and to constantly challenge themselves with more difficult courses.
    I also get a cold shoulder from academic teachers when our students leave for National Competitions.  Some do not see the benefit or the importance of what we are doing.  Just as winning a Region Championship and moving on to State Playoffs is important to the football team, so is competing nationally with all other schools in the same career field to see who is the best for us.  We compete once a year, just like any sports team.  We should be held to the same importance as anything else.  It is like we are looked down on.  We hear from the students that academic teachers make comments like,  "well my math class or my biology class is more important than that competition."  It's almost like we are going off to a carnival or a zoo to play, we are competing with the best soon-to-be journalist and filmmakers in America.  The students that go are passionate about what they are doing and 95% of them will be pursuing a similar field in college.  Sorry, but it is as important.  I believe this will always be a battle.
    What I like most about teaching CTE is that I do not feel like I am teaching something I read out of a textbook, but rather teaching something I have a passion for.  My experience in the field has prepared me to be better at what I do, because I have lived everything I am teaching them how to do.  I love seeing them get excited about a project or awarded with an Emmy or Nationally recognized for a production.  They inspire me to be better everyday.  I want to know different ways I can motivate them to be better at what they are doing.  The challenges that come with being a teacher are not that different from challenges one may face in a career field, however, they are something that dependent on how we react can change the course of a teenagers life.  I love the fact that the students learn how to develop their craft and find their way to what suits them best in this field as they climb through each level.
    Just like Forest, you may get a chocolate out of the box that you love but sometimes you may find one you don't care for all that much.  In teaching, as each passing year goes,  students come and go and so do colleagues and administrators.  If you weigh the good and the bad or the positives and the negatives, you will see that the good far outweighs the bad.  So when you start to feel discouraged, keep an amazing paper or a note given by a student that makes you smile and remember the good you are doing.  Like my mom said, or may be it was someone else, "This too shall pass.".  You too will have those moments where you are challenged with sour moments, but always keep motivated by the sweet ones.
   

The Good, Bad, and Ugly - Casey

     In the past month, I've had at least 10 correspondences by different companies trying to offer me a job in nursing. During my nursing career, my dream was to work in the operating room, but, after serving a long 2-year contract, I refused to sign another contract to learn in the OR. Just a few days ago, I was speaking with someone who was trying to recruit me into the OR. I love everything about the OR, and I occasionally miss the hospital - I considered this job long and hard even to the point of speaking with my husband and planning out my job change (again). My husband adamantly reminded me how happy I am teaching and told me I needed to finally just stop looking at jobs in healthcare because I am where I need to be in teaching. I used this conversation with my husband to reflect on my love for teaching and reaching the students.
     The good - What I love about CTE is that the students love my class. It is a break from the ordinary for these students. Most days, they come in incredibly excited about my class because they know they'll learn something they may use one day. Sometimes, they don't even realize they're really learning much because I can make it fun.
     The bad - The huge pay cut from my previous career and sometimes missing that career is a constant struggle. I sometimes wonder, "what-if."
     The ugly - I only have nine weeks with my students, and I struggle with that. I have a lot of material I have to teach in only a short amount of time (truly about 7 weeks). I also don't have much time to reach the students (my favorite part). It's hard to develop a lasting relationship in only 9 weeks. The other thing I struggle with is that my class is sometimes considered less than academics. If there are any guest speakers in the school, it's during my class. If there is a ceremony, it's during my class. We deal with many interruptions, and that can be frustrating at times.
     The good in my new career far outweighs the bad or the ugly. I enjoy teaching, and I enjoy working in the CTE department. I am so proud to have my new career.