CYA Saturday

After the Skills USA Competition my students place 1st, 2nd & 3rd in various skills challenges. I couldn't be more proud of them. See ya'll on Saturday! Thanks NTI!!

Spring Breaks Over...Oh No :)

Well we made everyone. The next month and a half should be smooth sailing, NOT. Well for the most part I can't believe the school year is almost over. This has been a challenging yet rewarding year of my life. I have learned a lot. The most valuable thing I have learned is how to process all of 'this' stuff, without getting overwhelmed. Last semester I wasn't as lucky but if you are brought to something He can bring you through it. Thanks to all my family, friends and NTI family for making this journey one to remember. 

  

Teaching

Teaching is more than just passing along information about a subject. Its being there for the student. I have encountered some of the most bright young students. When a student feels like than can come and speak to you about anything thats a good place to be. Some students can't depend on anyone. So when they feel like you care that may help them get through the day. So when a student seems distant, asking how they are doing could change their thoughts of you. Students sometimes just want to be heard. Listening could be the best teaching strategy.

Most Important thing...

"The most important thing I've learned about myself as a teacher in the past term/year is . . .  that there is a possibility that I am a 'teacher'. I have realized that if I focus on what attracted me to teaching, the students, and leave all other things at the door. Over this year my students continue to surprise me. I submitted 11 students video projects into the county media fest and 7 will move on to State competition. Three students had perfect scores. I could tell that they are very proud of themselves. I had student from another class tell me congratulations and you know that means you are doing a great job teaching your students. His statement surprised me,  then I thought students do listen and pay attention to instructors performance. I have also noticed that a teachers actions will have more influence on students than talking. One of my students is Grayson Tech Student of the Year. The banquet was nice and she had to make a statement about me, she spoke about me staying late, coming in early and meeting her last summer for a project...that made me realize what we do/model as teachers will have a great effect on our students. We might not know it at that moment but it will be revealed when we least expect it.  

Most important thing...

The most important thing I've learned about working with my school administrators in the past term/year is . . . " that they are human too. They have the same fears and thoughts that teachers have. I have grown close to some of my administrators only to have them be moved. So I will start new relationships with new administrators next year. They really do want us to succeed and have great years of teaching experience. They were teachers once and can really identify with the ups and downs of teaching. I feel comfortable with my administrators, I can share my concerns and happy days without feeling like I will be judged. I have also learned that they have a lot of people depending on them to direct and model what they expect from their staff and students.   

The most important thing I've learned about my students in the past term/year is . . . "

The most important thing I've learned about my students in the past term/year is . . . " 

My students never cease to amaze me. Just when you try to put them in this teenage box, they turn around and show more maturity than I could ever imagine. They show me the imagination adults loose over time. They have no fear of the future and what it can provide for their dreams. At times I am running around the class, studio and edit bays helping and assisting, I forget that the students are also observing me, today one of my students stopped me and said "you seem like a road manager, always checking on everyone and working on your projects at the same time." This is coming from a student that didn't have a concrete idea of what career she may have interest in, I told her "that why they call me the producer and thats what you are." We are working on projects that should display their skills and talents which make them ready for the work world. This young lady chose producer as her focus. I was very excited about her visual approach to her topic. She has become more confident and knows she has a lot to learn but is on her way, that makes my day. 

Development

“Jack of all Trades Master of None” thats how I see my teaching skills at this point. I have progressed and learned the ways of a new school this year. I can only hope that next year will be smoother, wow I said next year. I have been my own worst critic when it comes to this science we call teaching. I don’t know if I will ever place the master teacher label on myself, because we are always learning. Then again maybe thats a trait of a master teaching, to never stop learning. 

Over the past two weeks we have been preparing for the county media festival. I am so exciting because my students have come so far. Some of the entrees are from students who had no idea what steps it took to production projects. Now I sit back and watch them come up with ideas that amaze me, I wish I thought of them. We brainstorm together and decide what approach they will take. Our next project is a nation wide contest through a website, http://www.bridges.com/video/. Bridges is asking ‘R U Rede?”, basically are students ready for the working world, they must demonstrate their skills and knowledge creatively through a 3 minute video. The students are excited about thinking outside of the box, not to mention first prize is $2,500. Its open to all student 13 and up, its a great opportunity for them to showcase their talent.

To sum it up they never cease to amaze me. When you think they have no drive they turn around and project such a calming energy and devotion to school projects. I think when they have a say in their projects basically ownership they take pride in the final delivery of the project.

Survey

Done! Thanks!

EPortfolio

The Google sites is a great tool to use to keep all your work organized. I have found it to be easy to navigate and create a nice area to display work. Its great to have a record of all the things you have worked on or are going to do. It also seems like it will definitely benefit me in the future by allowing me to have items I have created at my finger tips. If a new opportunity presents itself I can have the potential employer look at my portfolio and resume all at the same time. Having that in itself will show the employer I have computer and technology skills that may benefit their company. It can also be used as a file of all the projects I do in class with my students to show what and how we have progressed as a class. Administrative teams would love to see that, I believe. 

My own students can benefit from portfolios by having a record of their work and how they have progressed as I stated above. In my TV Broadcast Class they leave with a video compilation of their projects. Now they can compile their video into the electronic portfolios and rubrics to show there work. They could also blog about each project. They can use this to show colleges their work. By having this tool they are more well rounded and ready for the challenges that they are about to face in college. 

  

Online course considerations

Creating an online course is challenging. You must consider what types of learners you may get. You may not see any students face to face, so having very detailed course expectations is important. When teaching a online course you must try to know all the ins and outs of the application. Because questions will arise about the new application. Its probably a good idea to have students look over the frequently asked questions section before they ask their questions. In my past experience will online course we were split into groups for the quarter and it was our responsibility to logon and complete assignments on time. We would only sign in once a week for instructor interaction. The instructor could see if and who signed on for group sessions. I experienced having to complete assignments with only 3 members of a 6 member group, communication really is the key in an online environment. With anything new it will have kinks in the beginning but they can be ironed out over time.

In the online environment writing activities are best. Groups or individuals can always create and submit written projects from anywhere. You could also have groups create and present a power point presentation about some course information. I like blogging as well it keeps everybody communicating by sharing your opinions and ideas. 

Lavoie Movies

The Lavoie movies have given me great insight into the life of an exceptional child. He explains things so simple. The tools he has given us will be used in the classroom and in everyday life. As he mentioned when disscussing the childs behavior be sure to separate the child from the action he or she did. Also when speaking to the parents start with the positive things their child has accomplished then speak on what needs to be addressed and then end the conversation with the positive. 

I am taking an exceptional child class now and we saw one of the videos. It still had an effect on my outlook. We also had to give presentation on certain disorders. My group had Visually Impaired/Blind. Most of the teaching strategies for our presentation were the same as the ones Lavoie pointed out for a learning disable student. Things videos have given me the ability to look at everyone the same by acknowledging the differences we all possess. 

REFLECTION

This year has improved from last year (1st year). This summers NTI classes prepared me for the semester. Even though I put a lot of stress on myself, because this is one of the hardest things I have ever done. Teaching is a lot like running your own business, if you don't have a plan or sight of where you will be in the future you will be lost. I felt that way and of course have ups & downs. But NTI has helped tremendously, don't know if I could have made it through this semester without the support of the instructors and classmates. 

I am more organized than ever. Now I am not perfect but at least I have started to keep things in order. Teachers days don't end when the last bell rings, so not only should your lesson plans, classroom be orderly your home and life should be as well. I have found that having time for yourself can only help you have better days in the classroom. 

I need to keep working on myself, I have learned more about myself over these last months. By working on myself it will allow me to except the challenging that teachers have. I have fun days teaching and I'll say I get paid to have fun. Then one of those days happens and I'll say I don't get paid enough to do this. But at the end of the day if I am happy the school day goes smoothly even if I hit a bump or two. Thanks NTI!!!  

We couldn't see a rainbow if there wasn't some rain occasionally.

open mic 10-17

This week has been another adventure, I have had more ups and downs and turn arounds. I am being pulled from one end to another. I feel sometimes like I am running a small business and teaching at the same time, it got overwhelming. I feel like I am missing something or not gaining something out of this process. Overall the support from NTI professors and classmates has helped a great deal. My colleagues at school are very supportive as well. The students are good and seem to enjoy the class. But I still feel indifferent.

OPEN MIC: MIC CHECK 1, 2

Well, I have had some ups and downs, downs then ups, downs then ups. I have had to seek strength from way down in my soul and through GOD to continue. Teaching can bring out the best or the worst at times. I have gained a lot of patients and understanding through this process. Sometimes I don't know if I am coming or going. But I am here and trying. Things happen for a reason. This process is 'teaching' me so much. I learn something new everyday from my students.

Without the support of NTI I don’t know where I would be. THANKS SO MUCH TO EVERYONE CLASSMATES AND PROFESSORS…as a friend of mine would say lets KEEP IT MOVING!!

4th and 5th week post

Earlier in the year I had an activity where student were given a list of well known documentary film makers. Their mission was to research each and then create a movie poster of each film makers film which was given to them as well. Using Power Point they really got into the assignment. The students knew that there was going to be judging by their classmates in a gallery like setting. The student had to decide which of their posters they wanted to be judged.  I placed the paper rubric scales in front of each computer. Then students walked around and rated each poster, then a winner was chosen. Overall it went well. Some students just didn't get it but I worked with them and they understood. I will use this again and make others based off this idea. 

3rd week post

Well I have a classroom, control room, studio, 4 edit bays (rooms) and other storage rooms. Sometime I catch myself running around like a chicken with its head cut off, checking and checking on students which is what I am suppose to do. I am not complaining at all. Of course the area is set up that way because thats the way the real life TV news stations are set up. I find that this will expose the kids to real life working conditions. My former supervisor could not micromanage everyone you were held accountable for your actions. Thats what I am trying to instill in my students of course some get it and some don't. For the most part they stay on task its just a few I must keep reminding that, yes this is a fun class but we must produce a product. Overall things are okay, I will just strap on my roller skates and roll on. This is the 3rd month of school I can't believe it. 

WEEK 2 POST

Well Tuesday a student was honored by being a "respected ram" this points out great things done by teachers, staff, parents, and students in 9th -12th. This particular young lady had surprised me in the summer time by wanting to get an early start on this years video ideas. She is very motivated and a go getter, I only wish I had her drive. She started a Video Club and the kids just love it. Its a great toll to attract kids to my TV Broadcast class. She even got an interview with Kathy Cox and the Secretary of the State. She also manage to get all the principles in our area elementary to middle to speak via video to Grayson HS at the beginning of the year. 

She had no idea of the award she was to receive on Tuesday so I had to get her to stay after school and video tape the ceremony, so when they called me up to introduce her I was overwhelmed with emotion and presented her with her certificate. She was emotional as well and was very surprised. I know this young lady will go far after her graduation next May. She says she is already preparing to run for President of USA...I think she will!

Worked Well and Not Worked Well

A little of everything has worked well together. If that makes since. I have given control to some select students and they love it and run with it. While other students I have to think long and hard about giving them control. But in the end I must give them some sort of control because I will run myself crazy.
The use of a classroom and equipment manager has helped me out tremendously. The students really love the idea that they hold a title and can say that’s my job. I actually had a student ask when do I get to be the manager. I love that they take it seriously.
I am getting use to lesson plans. Sometimes they work well when I think they won’t. Then just when I say, “I got it” this plan is going to rock…Its all down hill…it doesn’t work. I then take it personally but the students have no idea that the day didn’t go as expected. They only except what they are given and move on to the next lesson they have.
One of my fellow teachers said to me don’t take the day/class and dwell on it internally because the kids let it go and start over fresh the next day, oh to be young again.
All that being said the strategies that we are leaning can only benefit our teaching practices as well as enhance the learning skills of our students.