"Better Prepared"

Today, I can honestly say, I'm better prepared now, than last year. I still have a lot to learn as a Teacher. But I enjoy this learning process. I agree with a few Teachers who posted earlier. Teaching is not an easy job, but it is very rewarding. NTI is an excellent class providing an excellent foundation for New Teachers.

I will definitely look back on this preparation process and reflect on the journey. Last year, I was so clueless, but I did the best with what I knew. This year I feel more in control of what is established in my classroom.

"Getting in a Rut"

I believe it is so easy to get in a rut, because consistency and comfortability provides convenience. As a Teacher, when you find a good method or style of teaching it is easy to continue to do it and get so far in a routine that you do not change your pattern. I must confess, I have been guilty for"getting in a rut" as a Teacher. This is something that is very easy to do.

I will become more conscious in making it my business to add variety more often. I do not like doing the same thing over and over. My students definitely love a variety of activities.

“Perceived Roles.”

Guidance counselors help students plot their high school career and prepare them for one, two, three or four year secondary education opportunities and possibly job placement after high school. They help the students find information related to financing their education and schools that meet the student's criteria to prepare them for their future careers. In addition, I have noticed the counselors at my school creating and changing schedules. They also ask the teachers to make recommendations for the students for various awards, i.e. governor's honors. To make it simple, guidance counselors guide the students through high school, make sure they have all the requirements necessary to graduate and hope they become productive citizens in their community.

"Rewards and Challenges"

I think if you could handle the stress of this job it would have so many rewards. You would see the students graduate from high school even go on to college. Being able to see them every day at school and see that little smile that would grow bigger ever day. Knowing that because you were willing to listen, talk to, and show you actually care about the students. Maybe even see them years later and see how well they are doing ,and know that just maybe you had a part in that. The challenge in the job would make me work that much harder to find a way to reach that student that maybe no on else could.

"Changed Impressions"

I have a new understanding of some of the duty's that counselor's do. I did not realize they were really teaching them coping skills with their family issue's. I new they listened and tried to give advice but, teaching those skills they can carry through out life. I also did not know they were the one to set up the hospital home bound services. It makes sense because they are the ones their to support the student academically and emotional. I was certainly surprised at just how much the counselors do. I do not think they get the credit they are due, wow could you even imagine the stress that would be. I now have a new respect for their job.

Perceived Roles

I believe the counselor is that person who is always willing to listen or talk to our students , when no one else is willing. Some times I think that we all forget that we need outlet's even the teenager. They are there to help the student make some tough decisions and lead them on the wright path. The student have problems at home they help . They have a problem at school they help, deciding on a career choice they listen and guide. I am grateful to have them at our school they help the student so much when they some times do not have anyone else to turn to.

Perceived Roles

I am torn with the impressions of what the roles and responsibilities of guidance counselors. My reasoning is because I have two very good friends that are counselors and they work hard; however my experience in my school has been bleak. High school counselors have a huge responsibility, and often times are burden down with paperwork. They are faced with the responsibility of assisting hundreds of students with their graduation quest. This alone is why I am very proactive with my sons graduation requirements.

I am constantly fighting an uphill battle with students being placed in my class incorrectly. It has become a battle that at times I just give in.
For example, I have a student who has never taken a law and Justice class; however she was placed in my third level Criminal Investigation/Forensic class. After several notification, I just gave up.

I could go on but I have learned to pick battles to avoid wars.

The proudest moments

Two months ago, our school was challenged by a rival school to produce a safety video. The project was sponsored by Alpharetta and Milton police, both mayors of each city and some really great parents.

Well, my level one student won the competition! He is a senior who took my class because he'd heard it was fun and creative. He was not sure of what he wanted to do after high school.

This week he was accepted to college to major in communications and video production! I am soooo proud of this moment!

Damn it feels good to be a teacher!

Assumptions

I think most, if not all of us have made assumptions or judgments about students. I had one student who joined my class last year. He came from a really rough side of Jacksonville, Florida. looking at his discipline record, many of us teachers wrote him off as another kid who would spend his days in In School Suspension..me included.

One day he got caught in a huge lie skipping from my class...it was the last straw for this kid and he was going to get kicked out. I sat with him and his mom...she was yelling at him and he just sat there..and there was just something that hit me...he was hurting inside and his mom was the first person who showed any care(he was living with his father for the past few years).

At any rate, I just connected at that moment and gave him a chance...we worked together and suddenly he just "got it!" I was amazed at his grasp of concepts...

And one year later, I truly enjoy having him in my class

Observation

Well, I had my second observation from Ms. Chillis this week. I was not expecting her and while I was about 10 minutes into my lesson, she sat down in the back right next to my desk.

Today my students were discussing that day because they could hear my voice go up an octave in pitch! I got really nervous, but then suddenly realized that i needed to concentrate on my students' success, not MY performance.

My lesson "killed" that day (that is an old expression from stand up comedians who achieve success with their audience). We went right into the lab activity smoothly...and then i took a deep breath because it all just seemed to flow together.

After the class was finished, Ms. Chillis looked for my objectives....I raised the pull down screen (I often pull down the screen after I state our course of action and use the lcd with my computer)..and lo and behold, all my objectives were there on the white board.

I did not mention that I had no white board in my class at the start, but found one under one of the sets of steps in our building. I have a small collection of white boards now. I have two affixed to the wall, one huge one that I lean against the wall and one on an aisle.

At any rate, I cannot believe how much I learned at NTI..I mean REALLY learned...and use EVERY day!

The observations are merely a formality to see if we actually learned during class.....and I think i can speak for the entire class...yes, we've learned it!

It's getting easier!

I look back to this time last year....what a huge difference a year makes....last year I made my lesson plans on the way from my car in the parking lot to the school...and this year I have a gameplan...a way to get my classes moving forward.

I think some of the biggest changes in my students from last year to this year is that they SEE a gameplan and they are buying into it. because of the objectives, I have far less discipline issues than I did last year.

The minimization of discipline issues has enabled me to get more done in less time...my students are now VERY engaged...and I am very pleased with the quality of the work my students are producing...

i can only imagine it is going to get even better.

Valuable Objectives

I think it is very valuable. The fact that all students are not on the same level is evident in the classroom today. Preparing instructional objectives in each domain of learning at the various levels lets you know as a teacher that the students are learning and progressing. Preparing objectives is also valuable because the students know exactly what is expected of them from simple recall to breaking down material, even as far as making judgments and decisions. I did not know about writing objective on different levels prior to attending NTI. As I continue to learn I continue to grow and so does my students. The objectives are valuable in our NTI class as well. I look for them in each session so that I know what is expected out of me for the day. If I am a good student, I expect my students to be good students. We must practice what we preach.

Year 2 in Review

Well, I must say this year has gone far better than my first year. The techniques I learned from NTI have been a true blessing.

There have been a lot of changes within my school this year. My school is going in the direction of Smaller Learning Communities, and Law and Justice is one of the communities. I have been requested to do a lot, which isn't a bad thing because I have had some great opportunities to attend some excellent training. My school leaders are very impressed with some of my accomplishments.Now, this is not to say I am an excellent teacher; I have to far to "grow" before I can accept that title, but I am "growing." I am not as lost most days, but I do have my days.

The lesson plans are good when I can figure out a time to sit down and actually create a weeks worth.
The concept of teaching is almost unrealistic to achieve. If I continue to give all that I got then I neglect what is most important to me, my son. I spend countless hours between learning my job and school. It got to a point where I started to resent the whole thing. Thank you Dr. M for steering my focus.
Things have gotten better.I guess the best advise I can give you all is God, Family, You, and then all other things. This is the correct order of things. Happy holidays to you all and wishing you a successful New Year.

Open Mic - Truly Feeling Helpless

These past 6 months have truly been an adventure for me.  I feel like I am on one leg and someone is hitting that one repeatedly with a 2 x 4!  Most of you are aware that I lost a student that I was very close to on the Fourth of July due to ignorance.  Fast forward 4 months later and I have now lost 2 close family members and another former student to the same senseless violence.  Along with that, my school has had a very nasty and very public change in leadership, and things couldn't be more out of control or unstable for me right now. 

In October, my 8 year old cousin was hit by an impatient driver as he crossed the street to get on the bus.  Yes, the bus had comploetely stopped and the sign was out to the side, but the driver didnt want to sit behind the bus and ran the sign.  My cousin fought valiantly for his life, but passed four days later.  Then, I had another to cousin to pass of a violent nature as he killed for mistaken identity, he was only 16.  Then finally, a former student of mine was killed after an argument broke out at teen party in which he and his friends walked away confrontation and left.  The guys they were arguing with left and later went to his neighborhood, started a fight, then one walked up to him point-blank and shot him in the head.  He was on 14.

I am reeling from these events and am trying to make it to the break, but that's not the only arena to be concerned about.  Our school had a major removal, where our Principal was removed and sent to the board office not abruptly.  The students and faculty heard about the removal on the morning radio show on the way to school and it has caused quite an uproar.  Even if there was going to be a change, they could have waited until the break, made a clean switch, and not been as dramatic or messy.  The moral of the kids, the focus of the staff, the buzz of the  "street committee" --- it all has been overwhelming!

Now, you have faculty running to the new Principal as if they were clueless to what the former Principal inforced and that they were on their own.  It is so not fair to the KIDS, but no one seems to understand that.
ALUMNI, that do not support the eh kids financially I might add, rule as if they want to stay in the dark ages.  Just Monday, the coaches of the boys basketball team were brought in because the Athletic Director is playing politics with the new Principal.  As an inencitvie for our players, our former Principal had ordered new black uniforms.  The school colors are red and grey, but white and black are legal alternates.  Our head coach decided to go ahead and give the boys the uniforms and they played OUTSTANDING!  The Athletic Director told the new Principal he had NO CLUE the uniforms had been ordered and she asked us "WHO IN THE HELL CHANGED THE COLORS"?  She claimed that she got calls from alumni all weekend and hoped they enjoyed because they will never wear those again!  She doesnt care how good they looked.

Now the kids are just devasted and wish that the Alumni would @ least take their feelings into consideration.  This all has just been one big set of craziness and I am about shut down!

"In a Rut"

I believe the reason it is so easy for teachers to get in a rut is because, initially we try to do everything our self. We are excited about our new found profession, and we're doing lesson plans, teaching, giving assignments, doing projects, and saying yes to things we're not sure we can do, and along with meetings, classes, CTSO'S, trips and programs of work, we have our family life.
I have used some varieties such as group projects,power point presentations. I've used a variety of assessments, like rubrics, chapter test, peer assessments like chalk talk, think-pair-share, group discussions,informal observations,and applications of skills to real life situations.I ask for help where I need it, and it all works for me.

OPEN MIC "Teachers Deserve a Break"

I am in my second year as a teacher and this year I realized how hard teachers work. I'm sure some work harder than others. Before I became a teacher I thought teachers didn't work that hard, "I mean how hard can it be" that they need all of this time off, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, Summer Break, and the various individual holidays given, was what I use to say, and now I find that to be the understatement of the the year and that everyday off is well deserved. As much as I really enjoy all that I do, and I work really hard to keep my students engaged and interested in my program and I love it, I mean everything, I love it, BUT!!!! I really look forward to my breaks and I apologize for all the times I thought negatively about teacher breaks. McDonald's used to have a jingle that said "You Deserve a Break Today" If you can imagine I am singing to each of you right now. Please enjoy your break, because "Teacher's Deserve a Break"

Preparing Instructional Objecitves

I think it is extremely important to prepare instructional objectives in each domain of learning and at various levels.  By preparing objectives, it helps in giving everyone a clear understanding in what is supposed to taken away from a lesson.  And because every classroom will have students that learn in different ways, it is important to be able to relay the in various forms.  By addressing the various levels in different ways, it allows students to learn across the board and provides a smaller degree of distance between your lowest level and and your highest level student.

Avoiding The Rut

Establishing yourself as a new teacher isn't the easiest thing to do.  Making sure that you do the little things to put yourself in a position to be successful is essential.  There's also the gaining of acceptance by both students and colleagues alike.  It's a mellow-drama and soap opera all rolled up into one!  But once an individual gains a certain comfort level, they tend to stick with what they are comfortable doing.   And it is because they tend to stick with those things that are comfortable, people seem to feel they are in a rut.

Being the new kid, at least for me, truly has not been a picnic.  And I have found myself "spinning wheels" at times.  However, I try to use a variety of tactics to break that monotany---- for me, and for them.  First of all, I try make things interesting.  I use current events, games, hypothetical situations and "what concerns do you have"  type days to ignite a change.  I also use groups and role-play to add a spark.  Unfortunately, these days it doesn't matter what you try to do, it seems that you always run into a kid in every class that just DON'T:  don't read, don't speak in front of others, don't act, don't try and most of all don't care!  To me that draws frustration and causes me to want to shut down as well.

Lesson that went well

My DNA lesson went well, because I had a great PowerPoint presentation. I then related DNA results to a crime scene. I then explained that DNA can put the suspect at the crime scene. I then had the students use the computers to research other DNA court cases. The students really enjoyed this lesson, because now they can see how hair, blood and fingerprints can lead the police to the suspect. I picked this lesson, because it is one of my standards.

What do I feel the proudest of about teaching this week?

This week has been great week. The activites this week were very interesting to the students. They took good notes. We used internet activies that made the lesson more informative. The great thing about my school is , I have lots of text books, 14 computers and a courtroom. I believe teaching will get better.

What I learned about myself as a teacher this week.

I have learned a lot about myself as a teacher. The first thing I learned is I have a lot to learn in regards to teaching high school students. I have to learn how to make learning fun. Sometime I believe the students are bored. I believe more group activities will make the lessons more interesting.

Student lack of ability to learn

I assumed that all exceptional students were slow learners. I have learned that most exceptional students have the ablility to learn. They need a teacher who understands their weak and strong points. They also need a teacher who know how to teach different type of learner, i.e audio and visual. It is very important that the teacher believes in the student and expect the student to try his or her best.

Open Mic 12/5

I am so ready for the two week break coming up. I will use some of it to catch up on some paperwork. I will also use the time to re-group for the remainder of the year. This is the first year our school system has went to a seven period day. Which means our classes are year round. The only issue I have is that we only have 55 minutes with our classes. That has been a challenge in many aspects. But, I will enjoy having the students all year round. So, the re-group will benefit us all!

Instructional Objectives

For several months I was not using objectives. I simple taught the standards. I have learned it is best to have objectives. Objectives are like a road map. They help you determine what direction you want the students to go. Objectives also helps the students. If they know the objective they will know what is expected of them. I am going to start using objectives.

A Break

I knew that I needed a break, however I really didn't know how much until Thanksgiving break. I really did enjoy myself. I made up in my mind that Friday before the break that I was going to enjoy myself, and that I wasn't going to let anybody stand in my way. I didn't realize how much of my personal life needed adjustment. It was all about work and school since August, so I also got some things straighten out in my personal life. A break, that's all we need sometimes to get back focus and start fresh again. We have two more weeks, then guess what? A break, again.

A Rut

I can't speak for everyone else, but for myself. I believe that it is so easy to get stuck in a rut, because we are over worked, and under paid. We are expected to do so much, and a lot of the things that we are expected to do, is so unrealistic. However, I know it is what it is. I am expected to be a teacher, an advisor for a after school club and for 28 homeroom students. A counselor, and a social worker, and a mentor. All of these positions come with it's own paperwork for documentation. Some days it becomes so overwhelming. I asked my mentor how can I juggle all these, she told me "I was asking the wrong person, because she don't know how she is going to do it either. With all of these hats that we have wear, I believe that's how it becomes so easy to get in a rut. I believe we are just trying to make it from day to day. The sad thing about it, I don't know when it is going to get better.

Hello everyone, well I had my last visit by Dr. Montrois on Friday. It was great. I have enjoyed having Dr. Montrois visit my class. The students love him and he makes my job seem easy. I have learned so much from this process. I look forward to having seeing him next year.

Why do you think it is so easy for teachers to "get in a rut" rather than use variety? What kinds of variety have you been using?

I think People get into a rut because they get so use to doing things there own way. Teachers like this don't know how to change with time or don't want too. Fashion and hair change everyday and in this field up MUST stay on top of it. So they get stuck in the past trying to catch up to the rest of the world. I stay up to date by attending hair shows and by purchasing the newest hair books and watching the trend setting videos that have all of the latest styles and fashion. I also try to stay trendy myself.

Open Mic

The semester is almost over and I feel that I am getting into the groove of things. This is my second year teaching, but my first at my current school. NTI has greatly helped me to improve my teaching skills. I'm more confident and much better prepared to tackle the day to day instructions. I do try to teach with rigor and relevant, but sometimes it's a struggle to keep students engaged in a subject matter that they are not interested in. Many are placed in my class because they need an elective to graduate or they are failing in another class. There is a situation at my school where a parent of a failing student went to the county office and complained because her child was failing in math and insisted that the student be placed in a business class twelve weeks into the semester because they think it is easier to get a better grade. Also, this moved placed the student in the middle of the pathway which they will not complete because, you guessed it, the student is a senior.

I wish that in some way the community can be educated to the importance of CTE. We have set up display tables during PTA night, but as usual only a few parents attend. However, if there is a school sponsored fashion show there is a large parental support. At my school it is very obvious due to various reasons why many of the students will not be able to attend a post secondary school. but who could benefit from the CTE courses that are offered. I have diligently attempt to stress the importance of all CTE class. I have disguise it with wording like: you can used this certification to get a job that will help you pay for college or work as a nursing assistant until you decide what it is you want to do after high school. Many of the students insist that want to become doctor's and nurses, but they are not willing to do want it takes.

Proudest

I am most proudest when my Intro class get to do hands on activities for the first time. Their enthusiasm is classic. Each of them wants to be the first to repeat a demonstration. when I'm demonstrating they gather around like baby chicks around the mother hen. As you know Intro to Healthcare is more theory, anatomy & physiology and getting the basic of what to do and how to do it in the nursing pathway. In today's generation the students believe that they know everything and can do anything without proper instructions. So, when the time comes for hands on activities I take pleasure in teaching them because of their eagerness and enthusiasm.

Assumptions

At the beginning of the semester I judged one of my students inaccurately based on her constant use of profanity and her "dumb blond girl" persona although she is black. She would ask questions that verged on stupidity, but she works hard and makes very good grades. She is one of the first to raise her hand to answer questions although the other students may laugh at her answers, she preservers. She will continually ask a question until she can comprehend the answer although my answer is the same I have to deliver it in a different way each time. I was inaccurate because I based my opinion on her abilities to curse (cuss) like a sailor and someone who I thought was dumb. It is true that you cannot judge a book by it's cover. She wants to become a nurse and I think that she will someday.

Getting in a rut

I am in a rut now and trying to work my way out of it.
I developed a habit of skipping lunch or planning time and responding to emails. I was spending so much time on emails that I got nothing done and took no downtime.
What I am finding out and what is now working for me is to take at least a short amount of downtime and answer no emails.
During the day, I now deal with each email almost as soon as it arrives. If it is critical, requires thought, and takes longer than a few seconds to answer, I print it off and handle at the end of the day.
My new method/variety has earned me a reputation as someone who deals with an issue immediately. But the drawback is that I am always in email.

Valuable to prepare

I teach 5 classes. In each class I have every grade and skill levels.
I have a choice to teach up to the younger students who are the least experienced or down to the older students who have the most experience.
Since I want to do neither I prepare a set of lessons in lessons. What I mean by this is that I may teach a section on vertical welding and show all the students. Younger students will take 2-3 days to master even the most simple concepts of this welding while the older students are frustrated at the assignment.
So what I do is teach levels of the same welding. Its all vertical up but the mastery levels are different.
This allows me to keep all the students busy and engaged on the same process but at a different operational levels.

Open Mic 12/1

Well here I am, still at school (two hours afer the last bell), trying to catch up on NTI homework, wrap today's events up, and prepare for tomorrow. I am very thankful to have this opportunity to do what I do. Even though it is crazy how much has to be done in the early stages of the teaching profession. I hear it will get easier the more years go by. If that is so, I think I will skip a few to get to that point. I really enjoy watching the students learn something new and thank me for that. Also, to be there to watch them win a competition. It makes all the hard work (and late nights) worth it!

Rut-Ro!

The only time I feel like I am in a rut is when we are in the classroom for more than a day. That only happens at the begining of the year with the first year students. After that, we are in the lab more. There is one other time that I feel that way. I have some advanced (seniors) students that do not feel that they should put forth much effort. I get aggrevated time and time again at their lack of particapation. We are starting a small remodel project on campus that I hope will make them shine! I guess being so busy doesn't allow me to feel like I'm in a rut either.

YALLERY - TOO "RUT" OR NOT

As I have said many times before I am new to teaching, in October I completed 2 years teaching in the Georgia school system. Now I realize why people say teachers deserve better salaries and more commendations. We are overworked, underpaid and swamped with paper work; often left wondering what administration is doing. Why we as teachers spend so much time on administration instead of spending more time giving quality instruction to our students.

As a result of the pressurs of time teachers are forced to do what is comfortable or less time consuming, this can lead to us falling into the "rut trap". Another reason is fear - we are often afraid to try something new when opportunity presents itself. Fear steps in and we become scared to implement new methods/ideas.

Teachers should grab the bull by the horn - the bull being fear - and try new teaching methods. I have been using so many new tools I aquired from NTI such as cross word puzzles, ask 3 then me, flip chart, role play, graphic organizers, student led lectures/presentations, and most important the I stick to 10 minute lecture periods so students are not bored.

So teachers please do not fall in to the compost pile and become "rut"...... > : > ()

Open Mic 1

I have done a lot of thinking about teaching during the break (but not working!). I keep thinking about my students and how they are great young individuals that need much more than students had decades ago. It seems that students at my school rely on objects (ipods, money, food, brands...) to feel good about themselves and identify them amongst others. I'm only 30, but in HS, there was one student with a pager that I knew of. Maybe I'm just frustrated that students would rather listen to songs they've heard a million times than learn something new. I think these students need to have involvement in organizations so that they could have more identity away from what they wear in the halls. I see that parent involvement is diminishing due to time of parents working, but schools should encourage or even demand that students participate in clubs. I think this will create school unity and pride that my school needs. I coach, and see athletes giving up way too easily when times get tough. When some students have no encouragement from home, I think schools should require students to participate in at least 1 extracurricular activity to teach the youth to stay involved.

Staying out of the RUT!

I hate to admit it, but I have been in several "ruts" in my first semester. The first rut seemed to be that I couldn't keep up with my emails that I had no idea would be so numerous. I had no sit down time during class and still find it hard to do things while the students are at work. I then learned how important the warmup is at the beginning of class and I use the board to post the daily assignment so the students can start on their own while I mainly handle tardies and emails and attendance. Another rut I get into is not planning ahead, and things pile up leaving me to make decisions on the fly. The variety of actions I've used to help me so far have been to realize that the first year offers no or little free-time and just suck it up. Also, I've learned that my lessons don't last as long as I planned, so I now think of multiple lessons for students who complete their work early, like bonus points. Even when I plan ahead, things don't go as planned due to materials, student behavior, time to get materials. I just keep finding ways to keep students busy and keep my job. I know there will be more ruts in the future, but the ones I've gotten into, I've somehow managed to get out...

Open Mic

I teach in a small rural town and resources are not very plentiful for my students. Before I became the Health Care Science Instructor, my students were not exposed to a lot of different health care settings or opportunities in health care. There is one nursing home located in the area and because the school has not had a strong presence there, the acceptance of students has not gone over very well. I have worked hard this semester to change this perception but there are still a lot of hurdles to overcome. I understand that it will take some time to establish my program and get the community support we need for the students to be successful. I am hopeful that this year will set the tone for years to come, but if anyone has any suggestions or past successes I would love to draw from your experiences.

Open Mic - Thankful

Since we are celebrating Thanksgiving, I want to thank you all for being supportive and our instructors for direction. It is easy to focus on the negative, but in the end I find myself drained if that is all I see. Tracy said earlier this year, that he decided to focus on the positive. He made a conscious decision to stay constructive. His words have been motivating to me. I have tried, instead of complaining, as much, to focus is on the positive. There are still some days when one person can do or say something and my cup, that is already full, will completely run over. But, by deciding even before walking into the classroom that this is a great day no matter what, has been refreshing.

So, I am thankful for this opportunity to teach about health care, which I love. The students have pushed me completely out of my comfort zone, causing me to really think about how I approach the material to deliver it to them. Finally, to do this job you must have support. It can be very overwhelming at times,that's why this program has been a key to me staying in the classroom. Again, thanks to everyone.

Open Mic

Well I would like to talk about expectations. As a teacher there are so many expectations. I f someone can give me pointers on staying grounded and not becoming overwhelmed I welcome it. It is getting down to the last three-four weeks of school and I am finding myself getting behind with checking papers, calling parents and other assignments I need to complete. I have gone through this for two years and do I know I will get through it. Also, what keeps me hopeful is the students. I really believe I am getting through to some of the students. When they stream into my room daily to just get a hug or tell me what happened to them the night before, I know I am making some difference. As for being overwhelmed I know I will get "through it" as I have done over the past two years.

Open mic.... check one, check two, check...check....

Hey guys, I do not know about you but I am ready for Thanksgiving!! This week my topic needed to be discussed is: I find it hard to get the needed supplies for my class!! With budget cuts and everything under lock and key, you have to ration out supplies. Not having construction paper, glue, poster board or butcher paper is REALLY bad when doing hands on activities!! I am already out of everything and I still have another semester to go!!! I usually only let my students use a couple of sheets of construction paper and if they mess up then oh well, BUT it is hard when they want to print and I'm out of ink. They have to go to the media center and pay to print OR print at home (ink is expensive). I try to give them more points for hand drawings and writing on the projects but does anyone have any other ideas!! THANKS ;)

Don't let the rut become a ditch!!

I am in my third year of teaching and I am here to tell you that it is VERY easy to do the same thing day in and day out. It is easier for me to take items out of my folder that I have already done or to work out of the workbooks than to try and find something "new" for the students to complete. It is especially hard for those of us without a lab!! I have had to try and be creative or work around other's schedules to do something more hands on. I also have had a hard time finding something new for the students to do that are third level and need to be challenged more or need a new worksheet that they haven't seen before. So far, this is what has worked for me: GOOGLE!!! You can google anything, and if you have time, look through pages of ideas and activities. We have heard Dr. B say it before: "Why recreate the wheel!!" Borrow, change, and make it your own. So far, this has worked for me. I have several activities now in my "folders" to choose from. It depends on your class.... some classes learn better with hands on materials and some may do just fine with the 'book way'. Don't let your wheels turn in the same little rut and make it into a ditch!! ;)

Open disscussion

We are having special learning days this week 2 to be exact. These 2 days before we leave for the Thanksgiving Holiday. The students are suppose to be with advisory teacher and are to make up any work that may be behind on including retake tests that they may have missed. My deli ma is if the students want even come to school on these days giving them the chance to make up and be back on track. Are we suppose to give them another shot when we come back from the Holiday. I don't think we should considering they had two days before hand to do it and they did not take advantage of the opportunity. We try so hard to help the students succeed but when do they realize they should take the help that we are so desperately to give them.

November 8 “In a Rut”

I think it is easy to get stuck in a rut with most anything you do. Things usually run pretty smoothly when you become comfortable with a particular procedure and schedule. It easy to use the same old lesson plans instead of venturing out and trying something new. It is very important to use diversified teaching methods. Using different methods will help captivate and keep your students attention. Each student has his or her own individual way of learning. There are many different levels of learning that need to be addressed in the classroom. I differentiate my student’s lesson plans and activities in order to meet their own personalized needs. I show my students interactive video clips that teach them how to perform certain hair techniques. They also get to perform hands-on labs and group activities. Lately, I have been preparing my students for their midterm exam by dividing them into teams and they play an enjoyable game of Jeopardy while learning.

Exhaustion

Plainly put, I feel overwhelmed and exhausted most days just from trying to get everything "covered" for class and "done" for administration. My brain is "burned out" and my mind laughs at me when I ask it to be creative!
I think being a new teacher is a blessing and a curse both. Most of the time I am not burnt out on teaching my students and wanting them to learn, I am burnt out on all the "other" responsibilities that are required of teachers.
I keep hearing that 3rd year will be so much better. My hopes are that this is true. Maybe I will have a good foundation for each of my classes and the "newness" will be worn off and my sanity hopefully in tact, that I can take some time to be more creative.
My plan for adding variety is to ask the students after each semester to write down something that they think would help them ie) this can be anything that they want. Of course, I probably won't implement each suggestion but maybe by having them honestly give their input (without having to reveal their name) I may find pattern to something that I am missing in my teaching skills. It also lets them know that I value and appreciate their opinions.

The same "ole" thing!!

The "rut" is simple and easy. It's hard to explain, teach, re-teach, and explain again. The complaints sometimes become overwhelming. Let's not mention, other school responsibilities, or limited space to create labs. In my case, sometimes falling back is easier and less of a headache than moving forward.

I will try different strategies such as constitutional rap, ABC book of Ga Law, visual vocab word association, etc.

I will try different strategies, but there is nothing wrong with reading out the textbook and having a good "ole" discussion.

"Teaching Rut"

As a new teacher, It is easy to get comfortable and repeat the same procedures over and over again. Sometimes, it is due to the overwhelming work loads and then other times it is just easier to stick with what you know. For me, I have found myself on both ends of the spectrum. It has been better this year as opposed to my first year because I have learned better ways to present and teach new information to my students. Now I understand why classroom management is such a valuable tool for teachers and how it allows for you to incorporate a variety of new ideas. When I find myself in those "rut" moments, I quickly attempt to change my pattern of teaching because I know that after a while it becomes counterproductive for both me and my students. I try to incorporate as many forms of technology as possible to get the students more engaged and active in the learning process. I have found that great set inductions are key to getting my students quickly engaged and ready for the lesson of the day and summarizing key points help to bring the lesson to a closure to assess student learning. Teaching is a challenge and a very hard job to master, but I feel that if I can continue to learn new ways of doing old things then I will not fall into those "ruts" as much.

In a rut

The first month of school I used various activities. A few of the activities that I used are role playing, research projects, student teaching, technology based games, songs and poetry. All of the students were productive and excited about the majority of the learning activities. Students were also interested in being apart of FCCLA. I was excited to see how well the lessons were being received by my students. By the second week of September I was struggling to find time to prep for the more interesting lessons. Between teaching, committees, FCCLA and all the administrative responsibilities, I was in the weeds. I think every teacher who is in the course would love to teach every lesson the we have learned. Unfortunately, all the other responsibilities tend to trump our lesson plans. Especially since at my school planning is used for subbing for absent teachers, having faculty meetings or PLU related training. I don't believe that the administration truly understands the work that goes into CTAE courses.

As of late I've been giving my students as much lab time as I can as they are always eager for hands on activities. The ones that arent really interested I find that I am able to keep their attention longer and the others who are interested are really focused on what they are doing. Typically, I put them in teams for recipe creation and plate presentations which are critiqued for taste, texture, flavor etc. The real world simulation is good for them and they look for it daily, so with the semester ending in a few weeks I've been trying to give them as much exposure to the labs as I may not have the same student in the spring and I don't want them to be cheated out of what should be a great CTAE experience.

Stuck in a rut

I think that it is easy to get stuck in a rut especially when you feel inundated or their is a lack of creativity. There are a variety of strategies that can be used to keep the lesson interactive and fun for the students and teacher but it certainly takes some effort. Before NTI I didn't understand the signifigance of lesson plans and how essential it is in delivering an orderly lesson and efficient pedagogy. Just like anything else it takes practice and its something that has to be continuosly worked on when its not being done then here comes the rut.

Ruts are easier to follow

I feel it is so easy for teachers to "get in a rut" rather than using variety because creativity can be draining. It's easier to fall back into what you've done before instead of doing something new. Attempting to make a dull lesson like plain old "facts and figures" exciting takes a lot out of me; at least, when I trying to keep my head above water. When I try new things as I learn them and they flop sometimes I'm so tempted to just go back to the assignment sheets I used last year...that rut keeps trying to draw me back in; because, it is easier to do things the same way. You don't have to think about it. NTI has helped me with the concept of having the students engaged in their learning and when I've had those golden moments of success, I feel rewarded so I keep trying.

During the last several weeks,I've incorporated more Internet activities into my class. In addition, I've used student presentations, poster boards as well as PowerPoint. I've also used a few new skills with my active board by allowing the students to complete their math equations on the board directly on the PowerPoint. I've also introduced the dice as a future activity to select groups. My first attempt didn't work as well as I thought it would, so I will re-think the use of the dice. I want to use them because the students thought they were "cool". Finally I changed the direction of the student desks, it may seem strange; but it helps when I need to change the flavor of the class. I use it when I'm changing an activity or introducing something new. The students seem to accept changes better.

The Rut Trap

When you get busy and tired it is easy to find yourself in a rut. You go back to more comfortable and familiar ground. I have noticed that many teachers are not just multi- tasker's, they are multi-multi tasker's. It seem that everything needs to be done now. In the end, students get remnants of the rut. At this point more discipline problems creep in.

Talking to the students and other innovative teachers is a great way to bust a rut. The students have great ideas. This week, instead of the students bringing current events, I brought in the article. After reading an article about the high school drop out rate in Georgia, the students worked in groups to discuss the article. They had three questions to discuss as a group. They wrote their answers on the tables with dry erase markers. They had great ideas and really liked the fact that I listened to what they had to say. Of course, writing on the table was the highlight for them. In the end. many students stated that they believe some students drop out because it is the same thing every day. Even though it seems easier to do things the more comfortable way, in the end trying new ideas not only help teachers out the rut, but the students are more interested and ready to learn.

Stuck in a Rut

I agree that it is very easy for teachers to get stuck in a rut. I think it stems from everyone wanting to have a routine. Adults and children alike love and need structure. Students today need differentiation of instruction. Society, school, and life has become non-traditional. We, as teachers, must change with the times to accomodate today's learners.

I have been incorporating more project-based learning into my lesson plans. Students seem to love producing things. Also, I try to shake things up by designing more hands-on activities in the lab. Instead of using a video to demonstrate performing a procedure, I demonstrate it with a student. The students love music and whenever possible, I try to use some familiar songs as set inductions to get their attention.

Using a Variety

I think it is easy for all of use to get use to our old methods of teaching ,because we are comfortable with them we know them backward and forward. When we continue to do this though the students get bored and start to become disinterested. then the behavior problems will usually follow. When we learn to incorporate new teaching skills we can pass this along to our students they become even more interested and sometimes even get more out of it. I know this year I Incorporated using sheets of foam that the students can cut out and create 3-D models for hair and skin structure. The students loved doing this and in doing so I think they retained more information than they would have. While they built their models they all kept saying how much fun they were having and they would like to more activities like this one. I did it on a slim shot that the students would think it was a kindergarten activity but, I did one to show them that it was possible and so they would have an example of what I expected. I will try to my best to use more of these types of activites when teaching stuctures.

differentiated instruction

Differentiated instruction is vitally important to the success of each and every student that we teach. By providing objectives for each learning style we insure that every student is given a fair opportunity to learn. Fortunately, the majority of CTE teachers have both a classroom and a lab space. This is great because the teacher can share information in the classroom setting. Then use the lab to continue the lesson with hands on instruction. The lesson and the assessment can be carried out in various ways. I have several lower level learners who are in special education for the majority of the day. I also have advanced placement students in the same block. I have to provide instruction for each student. I often assign an AP student to work closely with students who may need additional help. This way the AP students feel useful and the lower level learners receive assistance as the lesson is being taught. Once the bulk of the class understands the lesson I can begin to work one on one or in small groups. This allows every one who needs help to get help on there learning level. The thing I love most about providing objectives and instruction at various levels is that the students know what to expect from me. They all know that they're going to learn, understand and retain information everyday in spite of their learning level.

assumptions

In my first year of being a teacher I made a poor assumption about one student. This young man slept in my class daily. I didn't think very highly of him. I thought he didn't care about his grade or his performance. It wasn't until I pulled him aside and had a talk with him that I realized just how wrong I was. He informed me that he had a job. He also added that his father was an alcoholic. It wasn't the job the made him so tired. His father would drink too much and my student would have to care for his younger siblings and his father. I later found out that he was able to keep up with the class even when he put his head down.
I could ask this young man a question and he would always know the right answer. I learned the every student has a unique set of circumstances. Furthermore, I learned that fair isn't always equal. I was grateful for having learned this lesson early in my career.

What I learned about myself as a Teacher

This week, I learned something about myself. I'm always learning, no matter what. As a Teacher, I have to stay open to new things and creative and challenging new ideas. I've learned to be more flexible with my lessons and activities.

I planned a Unit Lesson this past week. Some of the lessons was a success and worked with the students. Atleast 20% of the Unit was more complex for the student. I had to adjust the way I taught the lesson, I had to cut out some of my lecture time and create an activity, such as a drama skit, to make the lesson more relatable to the students. The lecture was not as engaging as I planned.

I learned that flexibility is key to engaging and accomplishing goals as a Teacher. If I stayed with the original plan, my lesson for the week, would not have been a success. Their could have been a possibility of me having to reteach the entire lesson.

Assumptions

I have made assumptions about a few students before, regarding their learning abilities. Their is one student in particular, I remember making this assumption about 2 weeks ago. One of my 2nd level students had to work on a PSA for a class assignment. I have a student, who loves attention and is somewhat of a class clown. He embraced the assignment and took ownership for the activity.

My assumption was wrong, I learned that he is a stronger student when it comes to team work. He likes to work with people and he is more of a leader when he is allowed to lead. His usual behavior was channeled through his creativity. I learned to not assume but challenge each area of learning, before I draw my conclusion.

Preparation of instructional materials for all levels

The preparation of instructional materials for all levels is very important. Each class consists of various levels of students. The more Advanced,Intermediate,Beginner,and students with special IEP's or special needs. If my lessons are only geared for an intermediate level for instance, my students will lack or not be well-suited for what they are supposed to learn.

I've noticed that compensating for students strengths and weaknesses gives students more confidence to learn indepently and with groups. This is why I believe it is important to structure my lesson and activities based off of various levels of students and not one particular group.

Valuable domain learning

I think it is very important to do the objectives with the various levels. It in sures that you know the students get the topic. If you just started out at the top level they would probably not be able to follow. Sure there may be a few that get it but what about the rest of your students. In doing the levels you can be sure that the students are getting the topic and can follow along with recalling information. Being able to explain in their own words what they understand. Forming their own opinion about a topic these are skills they will need in the real world and if we don't prepare them then we are doing them a disservice.

Assumptions

I have made assumptions in the past where I have a student who will not participate in class when doing any class work. I tried so many different methods of trying to engage her, one day I decide to just go ahead and do a small lab. Well when went into the lab she was a whole new person she was much more involved and open to what I had to teach her. I have sense gotten her to do much better in class, because she is much more aware now that the book work part will help her. By focusing more with the class work she is learning that there is information that will help her to do much better with styling hair which she loves. So my assumption was proven wrong I thought she was just lazy but she showed me and now we both understand each other a little better as to why I teach certain parts first before going into lab.

Valuable Tools

I believe that preparing instructional objectives in each domain of learning is a valuable tool. Because students learn on different levels, by preparing the instructional objectives in each domain and at various levels, this will allow students to grasp and retain the information being taught. For me, I did not know about this teaching concept. Basically, I found myself teaching at a higher level than the students are ready for. By preparing the instructional objectives in each domain and at various levels this will allow the student to build up their mastery of the material being presented. It will allow me the opportunity to see the students progression or if they are struggling in an area. The instructional objectives will help me know how write essential and closure questions that would be relavant. Not only will preparing instructional objectives help the students but will help me to assess how well the informations is being recieved from the students.

Instructional Objectives

I believe it is important to prepare instructional objectives in each domain of learning. The objectives are part of your road map. They help point you in the direction that you as a teacher or facilitator want your students to go. This area is still an emerging area for me. Even though I have not mastered the art of preparing instructional objectives I understand enough about them to know that they are relevent and it helps drive your lessons, along with your essential question. When I have developed my objectives I have only developed them with one type of student in mind. The longer I teach I notice students are at several different learning levels and I better understand why it is important to develop these objectives at different levels.

Making assumptions

I can admit that I did make an assumption about one of my students and my assumption was wrong. I have a student who is over 6 feet tall and is very loud and is always rapping out loud. Well come to find out this student is actually a good student. You might ask, "What do you consider a good student?" This student completes all of the assignments early, to the point I have to give him more to do. He always comes to me and ask "Ms. Jackson I'm finished, what do you want me to do next?" I tell you when I realized this wasn't the average student I was pleasantly surprised. Most of my students do not complete assignments and I have to explain the directions several times. So the moral of this is don't make assumptions about "people" based on looks and your past experiences,get to know the person for who "they are" not on generalizations.

HAVE YOU EVER MADE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT ONE OF YOUR STUDENTS OR SOMEONE ELSE'S ABILITY TO LEAN LATER WAS INNACURATE?

This topic is one of my pet peeves - as i personally feel that I am judged inaccurately because of my accent. As a result of my personal experience I try not to judge people before I have an opportunity to know them or form an opinion of them.

It is very important fro me not to prejudge my students because this will put them an an unfair advantage. However,I can be very rigid sometimes and I am working on dealing with my students in a not so rigid manner. As we learned in NTI I have to remember that the student mind i not yet developed and they may not be responsible for some of the decisions they make, so I cut them some slack but still hold them accountable for any unprofessional behavior/attitudes.

In the past if I feel that someone has made an inaccurate judgment about me I go to them and bring up the subject and discuss same if the other person is receptive to the discussion. This has worked for me sometimes, maybe you can try it sometime.

HOW VALUABLE IS TO PREPARE INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES....

Personally I think it is very valuable to prepare instructional objective in every domain of learning, and if necessary prepare instruction to suit the various levels of your domain or area of education so the no child is left behind.

Not all students learn on the same level so instruction should be prepared using different delivery tools such as power point presentations, visual like video, lecture/verbal presentation, hands on presentations like my culinary labs (where students can actually do a task and you can judge if they got the concept).

When preparation is done you as a teacher are also preparing yourself for the task at hand. When you plan and present a lesson you see where you fell short and can adjust the lesson, especially when the kids do not get it - you adjust instruction and maybe reteach if needed or change the mode of presentation.

I have learned so much by planning my instruction even if I felt I was very organized it allows me to grow as a teacher.

What I meant to say was......

"How valuable do you think it is to prepare instructional objectives in each domain of learning, and at various levels?"

First and foremost, in almost everything you do you should have some objective in mind. Rather it's to be debt free in five years or to leave the students with a better understanding of the material you just covered.

As it relates to learning at various levels, I believe in each level the material should compliment the previous level, and the objectives should become more rigorous. In my intro classes, I give the foundations, in my second and third year classes, I build on top of the foundation. I want my students to complete the pathway with a clear understanding of the criminal justice process.

Don't judge the book by it's cover

"Have you ever made assumptions about one of your student's or someone else's ability only to learn later that you were inaccurate? On what basis did you make your first judgment and what caused you to change your perspective?"

Picture, a student with sagging pants and his eyebrow's cut up. Then imagine him sitting in you class and giving you one of those "looks"..you know the kind of look as if he was sizing you up.

"Great!" I said to myself.

Well he has turned out to be one of my brightness students. He join my Skills USA Criminal Justice Club, and told me that we were going to nationals. He always have a positive attitude, and when I learned that his sister was raising him because his mother passed away some years ago then I knew he was truly a "diamond in the rough."

What I enjoy most about life, is that I'm still learning. I pray that never stops.

Learning Domains

I think that it is extremely important to prepare instructional objectives in each domain of learning because it allows students to learn basic principles of a content area and have the opportunity to comprehend what it is that they are learning before advancing. As students gain knowledge and comprehension then they can advance to higher levels of learning. I think that it is also important as teachers to be able to recognize when it is time to switch gears and step it up a notch. I have had my share of experiences where I was under the assumption that my student really didn’t have any prior knowledge of a particular unit only to find out that they knew more than I thought, so I would have to use higher level objectives to make it interesting for them and to challenge them so I think that it is very important. If instructional objectives are not presented at various levels then the ways in which our students learn to process and decipher information will be stagnant and unvaried

Preparing Instructional objectives in EACH Domain??

While I think it is extremely valuable to prepare instructional objectives in each domain, it feels like another larger than life task for me at this point. I continue to struggle to make my objectives meaningful and relevant to the lessons and staying on target with the essential questions prepared for the GPS standards. Just the thought of preparing six maybe seven objectives for each unit of study appeared to be a lot. However, as I've thought more about it, I would prepare the levels starting with simple in the beginning and saving the more complex for last. Notice, when you ask just a simple question related to how valuable "I think it is to prepare instructional objectives in each domain at various levels of learning", I immediately attempt to make it happen. I may need to remain in the convergent mode prior to diverging at this point, but I truly feel it is important to create objectives at the various levels and in each domain. In that way, I'll be able to assist the students in developing critical thinking skills a step at a time.

Learning Domains

I think it is very important to prepare instructional objectives in each domain of learning. That way the students are also prepared in what they are going to be learning starting from the lowest level of thinking and learning. This will also keep us teachers in check to not to surpass things that we thought they should have known before hand. If we start at the lower level, then there is no room for getting ahead.

Learning Domains

I think it is very valuable to prepare learning objectives in each domain of learning and at various levels because it enables students to learn at the most basic level and then build on that basic knowledge. I have been guilty of teaching above the students' head. I now realize that if students have not been given the basic knowledge, then asked to comprehend that knowledge, they will not be able to apply that knowledge. Teaching and learning must be done in a logical order. Learning domains are a very valuable tool in student assessment.

Domains of Learning

I think that it is very valuable to prepare instructional objectives using each domain of learning at various levels because it allows you as an instructor to make the learning more relevant to all students. I think that by assessing the learning styles of your students you quickly learn how to develop a strategy for preparing your instructions. I think that because of the nature of CTE, instructors have to start at the knowledge level for many students and build upon each lesson using a variety of levels for questioning in order to understand where each student is with their understanding. This assessment, helps the instructor to focus on areas where students may be deficient or need additional instruction.

Domains of Learning

I believe you should prepare instructional objectives in each domain of learning and at various levels to fulfill the needs of a wide range of different students. First you will ideally start at the knowledge level. This will ensure everyone has a base line of knowledge to build upon. Then you will probably move on to comprehension, then application, etc. and even higher levels. You can be assured to reach a multiple range of students by using a mixture of levels in each domain. Gifted students sometimes challenge the diverse levels. Each student is unique and learns in their own special way. This in turn keeps us teachers on our toes. Teaching with various domains of learning at different levels, satisfy the individual needs of a diverse group of students.

I think it is VERY important to include all domains of learning in instructional objectives. Each domain has its own objectives that all come together for the total learning experience. The cognitive domain is important to establish content knowledge before moving on to other domains. The cognitive is the traditional way of teaching, but along with the affective domain, the students can put things into their own words to better remember it. In our classes, the psychomotor domain is the only way to evaluate a set of skills. Students can be straight A students but lack mastery in hands on skills and vis a versa. This is why I think it is important to include all domains when designing lessons. It takes more thought, but I believe the students will remember your class forever, whereas recall facts from core class go right out the other ear.

Valuable domain's of learning....

I think each domain of learning is valuable, but some are really close in comparison and they overlap in a way. I do think that it is important to teach in every domain and students learn differently at different levels. A lot of students stay only in the knowledge domain, you have to push them to move up or they will stay at the same level forever. I love the application domain. I also believe that students learn better in this domain and the synthesis domain. I have tried to keep my upper level classes more in the divergent domains because they learn the basic knowledge in the lower level classes and should be able to develop more in the upper classes.

assumptions......

This is a hard one. I really do not know of an example to give you about an assumption that I have made. I think the only thing that I have assumed was that all other teachers cared as much as I do. I know that sounds terrible but some teachers do not seem to care. Students go through a lot in this era, even more than we know. Sometimes they need a break. They do need boundaries and rules but every student is different and unique. I help sponsor our school's Relay for Life. Now, I assume that the other 120 teachers in the school would come support and help out.... wrong. They could care less. So, I guess I've been let down more by the other adults in the school rather than the kids. Maybe it's because I hold them to a higher standard?? Oh well :)

Not Always What It Appears

There is one student that I remember from last year,very smart and talented. Her mother is constantly checking on her and ready to help when she can. This particular student did not do well on the final exam last year. Her mother called me, very upset, remarking that she found very difficult to believe that her daughter could get such a grade. I am coming to the assumption in a moment. The student was asked, what happened. Her reply puzzled me for a while; " I am tired".
Now the same student is in my class this year. She still professes that her goal is to become doctor. The assumption that I made is that she really wants to become a doctor. When asked, she has all the right answers. But she only does what is minimally required. She does not listen in class because she believes she already knows the answers. Her actions do not line up with the desired goals. In fact from listening to her mother, I understand that to become a doctor is really her mother's goal.
This young lady has family support, good grades and very active in school but she does not have passion for the profession. I assumed that when you have the resources that a student will succeed or wants to succeed. What I see is that no matter if the student is surrounded by resources, if they do not have the passion or dedication than you cannot make them into something they are not. I had the connection all wrong. It is not the resouces that ultimately will lead to a student's success, but the student has to to have a desire to meet their own goals. No matter what I see in a student, I cannot do it for them. Like this young lady, her mom is doing all the work; she on the other hand, watches the work being done.

Assumptions About My Students

Just recently I had an experience in the ER that wasn't good. I went to th ER for pain in my leggs and was given 1000mg of a narcotic called vicotin. I had a very bad reaction to this drug. I was hallucinating, vomitting, climbing the wall. I was out of it for three days.

I went to school under the assumption that my students would know nothing about this powerful drug, and that we would have a discussion about drugs specifically pills and why they should be careful when they are out not to be influenced by peer pressure to take pills. Well to my surprise, they knew plenty about this pill and others as well. I just asked a question. "How many of you know something about pills?" They named pills and their doses and what makes them work and what they sell for on the street. I was told that the pill I was given sells for $25 a pill. I assumed they would know the basics about drugs but I was really blown away to find out the knowledge they had about pills.

I know these young people are knowledgeable about most things, but the discussion about the possibilities of not returning to your right mind after taking certain meds is possible. I asked another Question. "How many of you know someone that's not in their right mind after taking drugs?" and plenty of them raised their hands. Please help me to make student aware of the dangers of taking perscription drugs. Please respond.

What I have Learned about Myself As a Teacher

I have learned that I am very compassionate about my students. I am compassionate about them being heard as a person. These are people!!!! not just a young mind that we think don't know anything. Some are responsible, some are not. You can trust them until they give a reason not to. Some are introvert. Some are extrovert. I've found my students to be a well rounded and mature group of young people. Oh! I have a few issues! don't get it twisted. But it's something that can be cleaned-up with an apology. My students tell me they respect me so much because I respect them, and that I'm not afraid to admit my mistakes. They really like that!

My Proudest Moment!

I was able to really put my NTI Lab lesson plan to work. WOW! in fifty minutes I had an transfer in, an EQ discussion, a set induction, a demo, a completed wet hairstyle procedure from my students,closing questions and transferred out.Oh my god I was so excited, and I did it 2 more days after that. NTI is making me into a great teacher. I'm using my stuff. I don't know about anyone else. I'm excited as I'm writing this please don't bust my bubble let me live in this moment. I'm hyped!!

What I taught that went well

Your Physical Presentation; Proper Posture was the lesson for the day and when my students came into the class I was standing with a slouch and my belly poking out and everyone just wanted to know what was wrong with me? and can I stop standing like that? So I sat down slouched in the chair, and they were just laughing and I told them to look around the class at how they sat like this also and they already have bad posture and we had to change the way we walk, stand, and sit. No one thought they had bad posture. I explained to them that their posture should show off their figure and that it should convey an image of confidence. Once I explained the guidelines for good posture, head up, chin parallel to the floor, chest out, shoulders leveled, spine straight, and their abdomen flat, I called up the models who felt they conveyed an image of confidence and it was on. We created a run way, and we had the most fun ever. My students still ask me if they're doing it right. everyone is sitting upright and walking straight up with their abdomen flat. I have to tell them to breath.

Assumptions

Toward the end of last year I had several students who passed welder certification tests and were offered employment after graduation. One of the students had very little confidence in himself and his abilities. This student would get mad when he could not immediately complete or master a task and he would throw things around. I spent considerable time with this student in an attempt to teach him to accept the fact that he could do the tasks if he just stuck with it, took it slow, and stopped being frustrated.
My assumption was that this student would not make a good employee and would only last a short time on the job. Was I ever wrong.
The student stopped by my room last week. He had been on the job for 6 months and had even been promoted. He was confident and collected. When I asked him how he did it he said he remembered how we worked in the classroom to learn a task in small pieces at a time learning to master one step before the other. He applied this to each task he was given at the job and it worked for him.
My overall lesson learned is that sometimes when you think a student is not always listening he very well might be.

False assumption

I made the mistake of stereotyping IEP students who only take CTAE classes other than their assisted learning classes as being slower than the other students. This may be true for some students, but only in categories. I have some IEP students that earn the highest grades on my tests. I also made the mistake of believing that a particular student had difficulties speaking english because he was hispanic and never spoke more than one word in class. Later I found out that he was just shy and was raised speaking fluent English. I never thought any less of these students, but I did venture away from asking too much of these students. Rookie mistake I guess.

I've learned me

This week, I've learned that I seem to look toward next year very often. Sometimes I find myself wishing time would go by quickly this year. But overall, I find that everyday I can change the things I did poorly and move on. I'm slowly losing my perfectionist mentality and becoming whatever it takes to get through. I also find that it is hard to make changes in the middle of a unit. Between units, I've began to use new strategies that have worked. This job offers many ways learning the hard way; learning from mistakes. Just glad I wasn't evaluated the first month!

Proudest Moment of the week

This week, I prepared a new unitand hoped it went well... I was at my breaking point towards the end of the last unit. The students lost complete interest and I found myself raising my voice constantly for misbehaviors. I was yelling more than I do at football practice. The new unit is going much more smoothly. I think they needed a change of pace. Even though the new unit isn't lab activities (blueprints), it is something different. I think I just need to come up with better activities for each lesson. Time.........

Bag lady

This week, I learned that I am a bag lady. I've realized that as a teacher, I am taking on my students' baggage. When a student confides that they don't have power at home, I find myself worrying about how they complete their homework, and if food is being cooked in the home. I've found that the issues they're going through keep me awake at night and I want to do all I can to help them. I realize that these issues are beyond my control and that the weight of their problems will only weigh me down. I guess that it makes me a good teacher because I care so much and I realize that caring so much will be detrimental to me the person.

Surprise, surprise!

I wrongfully assumed that a student was special needs because of the physical deformity to his head and face. In my defense, I had received an IEP for him, but had not had a chance to read it. The student is usually very quiet and I would go out of my way to make sure he understood the lesson. Anyway, it turns out that he is very intelligent. He usually scores an A on all written tests. His IEP was simply based on his behavior.

Change in perspective..it's not about me

I made an assumption about one of my student's ability based on his behavior in class. He always had something negative to say, he was quick to challenge what was being taught and he made disruptive comments. I reached the point where I dreaded the days that he was in my class and silently rejoiced when he missed coming to class, because it was so peaceful without him. I don't remember exactly what lesson I was teaching, I feel it had to do with life stages, parental traits; because during the session, the student said in a challenging, very confrontational way that he was adopted. The first statement that came out of my mouth was "how wonderful...that means you where chosen." I went on to explain that most parents are "stuck" with what they receive at birth, but he had an opportunity to be selected..."a special gift" Of course, he did all the posturing that was part of his clowning behavior, but he said "yeah!! I was chosen".

The class went on and over the course of several weeks, I noticed a change in his participation and this year even though he is not in my class, he makes it a point to come and speak to me and calls me his other mom. He becomes agitated and raises his voice when he tries to explain things, especially when he feels he's right. We worked on that trait during the past year. I had an opportunity to assist him with another teacher this year, helped him clear up the altercation, had him lower his voice and apologize. He said "but that was what I was trying to do!!!

We discussed using a lower voice, so he can be heard and it worked. He is a better student, actively participates and my greatest joy was watching him help a fellow student calm down...what a change! Did he have a chip on his shoulder because he was adopted, I honestly do not know...but I'm forever grateful to the person who shared with me the idea that adopted children have the honor of being selected as part of a family. It sure helped and he ended 2009 - 2010 school year with a high B in my class.

My perspective changed because I realized my students have many issues underneath the surface that may overflow in the classroom and that in spite of what I may feel most of the time it has nothing to do with me.

Everbody loves pizza!!

A lesson I think went well was the lesson on yeast breads. It was a lab activity in which the students made pizza dough and during the next lab used the dough to make their own personal pizzas. It was fun for them and it was fun for me watching them shape their dough and create their masterpieces. They were very creative with recipes and wanted to go home and recreate thier pizza. While the lesson was on yeast breads and how to make pizza dough the pizza lab the next day was a fun free lab for them to experiment with and they really enjoyed it.

Why I feel proud....

I think what I feel most proud of in this week was how my students came out in numbers that I couldn’t have imagined to help with this weeks homecoming events. I guess I was proud because I felt like the students really showed commitment and a willingness to help to the extent that some of them had their parents bring them to the school as early as 6:30 a.m. Quite honestly I was surprised to see students that I had not expected to show up be there early. A few were students that really haven’t been participators in class or seem not to be interested in the class at all. By their showing up, it gave me an opportunity to see their potential and interact with them one on one. Also, after expressing my shock to some of the other teachers, several of them told me that it was a good sign and that if they didn’t think that I was a half way decent teacher they would have still been home in their beds. So, that made me proud in addition to the fact that they just did an awesome job. They showed professionalism and leadership and teamwork and I was just proud and all of their abilities were highlighted in the fact that the event was a success.

What I learned...

What I have learned about myself as a teacher during this week is that while I really enjoy teaching I have to be patient with myself because it takes time to get it under your belt. Like anything else, it doesn’t happen over night. This week was our homecoming week and it was very challenging because as the culinary arts teacher I was asked to prepare the homecoming court breakfast with the help of my students. As a first year teacher it was my first time doing the event for the school and I wanted it to go well but I was concerned about how I could turn it into a learning experience for my students. I think that if I had planned better and really thought about how I could have transformed the event into a lesson it would have been a better experience for the students. The lesson for me was not to miss any opportunity to create a productive lesson. I feel that overtime and with experience it will become easier for me to identify those hidden moments that I can make into memorable moments for the students.

Assumptions!

During my first year of teaching I made several assumptions about students. For the week of class, I normally like to go around the classroom to find out as much about the students as I possibly can. There was this one particular group of students who you would consider the high achievers, who always had to have the highest test score and who would challenge the teacher about their grades that were just not motivated to do anything in class if it didn't involve a grade. I assumed that because they made good grades and were concerned about their grades that they would want to be more involved. I tried to get these students to take the lead community projects and be leaders of their class, yet their enthusiasm was more than lacking. These particular students had no "get-up and go" about themselves and it took an act of congress to get them motivated. Their philosophy was if it didn't involve a grade then they didn't see why it was necessary. This type of attitude really puzzled me because you normally see this in other students and I just couldn't understand why they felt this way. This year I have tried to incorporate more types of participation grades and professionalism into the curriculum in order to make them more accountable for being involved. I hope that this will make a difference and show them that life is not all about the grades but it also takes a well rounded individual to succeed in whatever they decide to do in life.

Assumptions

Yes, my entire first year! There were a group of students that stepped up to compete in the teamwork competition for Skills USA. They started practicing and seemed committed. They were allowed to take part of a certain field trip for their commitment. Wow, what an eye opener on their conduct outside the classroom. And when we got back to the lab the next day, they totally stopped caring about the competition. That is when I realized how they just did that to go on the field trip. That was what they were really committed to. But it was a learning experience.

What have I learned as a teacher this week??

I have learned that I need to be a little more firm. I don't want to be the hard nose teacher, but I do want to be one that is respected. Now of coarse I am only referring to a handful of students that need this firmness. But I can't help feel this way across the board. I took a step toward this Friday when I was grading their corner building rubric. Normally they would build their project, then I would grade it after they left. This time I took their rubric sheet, and wrote comments on it while they were working on it. I guess it makes a difference when they see it in writing at that moment.

"Assumptions" Oct.11

Yes, I find that is the case sometimes. One year I had a particular student who was very engaging. At first, she seemed outgoing, polite, and very helpful. So I listed this student as a substitute helper for when I am absent. But by the third week of school this student talked way too much and distracted the class. Students did not respect her and she eventually got into an altercation with another student and was punished according to school policy. I quickly removed the student from my sub-list and wrote a more reliable student in her place. This student was quite the charmer. She had me fooled for a little while.

What I learned...

This week I learned that I am a teacher. This may sound a little funny but this week I found myself understanding that mistakes will be made, bottom line is that I want to teach. When you constantly look for flaws that is all you see, even in yourself. Learning to be kind to yourself is not always easy but it is essential to making it in this profession. For a while it was easier to think of myself back at the doctor's office. It would be so much easier than battling insecurities and frustrations that at times can be overwhelming.
With the realization that everyone works at their own pace (seen in the students); I stopped comparing myself to other teachers. It will take some time to find that groove. So, while I have much to learn; instead of running backwards, I think I will walk forward.

"What have I learned about myself as a teacher this week?"

This week I am at a point where I have accepted that I have high standards and that I expect students to strive for excellence no matter what the task at hand is. Some students care and some don't. For those that don't I have to follow up and make them accountable if needed with some form of consequence - when a teacher does not make students accountable they repeat their negative behaviors. My administrative team at school is not placing students in the correct pathways - so that makes teaching very challenging. I love what I do - an important goal of mine is to educate the youth - this job gives me an opportunity to achieve this goal. I am determined to stay focused, keep my standards high and keep finding new methods of delivering the message. No matter what challenges I face I know who I am - I see that I am making a difference with some students- so you see this week I learned that my goal is being met....