Monday Morning Quarterback - What Would I do Different?

As I sit and ponder over the past week, I find that there are many things I would do differently. Oh how I can count the ways! Considering I am a first year teacher and I am constantly experiencing “trial and error” days. I would say the one thing I would do differently is to be better prepared and knowledgeable about the course subject (Forensic Science). Considering I have “never” worked in the forensic science field, there is sooooooo much I have to learn. I sat home all day on Sunday reading and thinking of things to do with my class. Because this is my 3^rd level course, the students really want to know more about forensic science and they are eager to engage in class activities, such as, finger printing, crime scene investigation, etc. The current standard being taught is about the history of forensic science (not fun at all). I couldn’t seem find any fun activity to engage them. I feel like I was not prepared at all and they were all sitting looking at me like I had buggers on my face. A very uneasy and uncomfortable feeling. I said to myself, “Crystal, you have got to PREPARE and PLAN better next week so you won’t look like you don’t know what you are talking about.” I wanted to cry out for heeeeeelp so bad in class. Now that I am experiencing these days, it pushes me harder to make sure I am prepared at all times. I want to make sure my students are getting the best of the best when they are in my class. Why? Because they absolutely deserve it!

Something I Would Do Differently

Currently, we are five weeks into the school year. It has been a very smooth start. My classes are better organized than they have every been and I feel that I am managing my time and resources really well. However, nothing is ever perfect. An area a feel that I still struggle with is managing chronic behavior issues with that tiny handful of "problem" students. I think we all have one or two at least each school year. I certainly have a couple.

I have been working with one of my "problem children" (I call him that only to myself, of course and out of affection) since about week 3 of school. He is a student that I have had before, but as he has become much more outgoing this year. This is aggravated by the fact that he has several friends in class that he likes to perform for.

I always try my best to be a democratic and respectful disciplinarian. I try to keep discipline issues between the student and me as much as possible and not be unnecessarily rigid. However, I feel that those methods have not been effective with the student in question.

After correcting the same behavior (using disrespectful language toward his peers) several times last week, I told him that he had reached his last warning, and that if we had to speak again then he would be assigned detention. After it was all said and done, I had to pull him from the classroom and assigned him not 1 day, but 3 days of lunch detention and called his home to report the problem.

He has since served his detentions with me and I am surprised to say, his behavior has actually been better. I still have to correct his behavior sometimes but he is no longer argumentative or intentionally inflammatory with classmates.

The thing that I would change is that I would have given him stronger consequence sooner! Even though we had several conversations, had his seat moved, and he had lost employability points, he didn't change his behavior until he had the consequence of detention and a call to parents. I realize that I am too willing to give second, third, fourth, etc. chances. I hate that I wasted time for several days gently correcting behavior that really required a more serious consequence.

Hopefully, I will not continue to have behavior issues from this student. But if I do, I will not hesitate to use more severe consequences when his behavior warrants it.

CTE New Teacher Institute Forum: What I am proud of

CTE New Teacher Institute Forum: What I am proud of



In the past week I contacted one of my students parents about his attendance. This student had missed every day except three since the beginning of the school year. After speaking with his mother, I found out that he was a troubled teen who had disengaged from school and his parents. I contacted his Assistant Principal and counselor to set up a meeting with this student and his parents. A couple of days after the meeting, the student started showing up for class. I asked him to meet with me after class on the second day he was back and he agreed. I found out that he was not interested in speaking with anyone about what was troubling him. We spoke for the next two days and i was able to make a connection with him. This student was very interested in the military, so we spoke of my military back ground. I was able to make him understand the importance of staying in school and improving his grades if he wanted to pursue a military career. Now he is one of my best students. He had a conversation with his assistant principal and told her that I was the only reason he was staying in school. this was my proud moment. Makes you feel good when you feel like you can change a kids life for the better!

Something I am most proud of from the past

Thinking back on the last week I am most proud of the faculty cook out my Culinary I and II students put on. We cook 24 slabs of ribs, 7 pans of baked mac , 7 pan of broccoli and cheese casserole. we also did baked beans, green beans. we cooked fish, chicken and hamburgers.  My kids did everything from scratch and were very proud to serve the entire county that day. The kids wore their uniforms with pride, and I was proud to be a tiger that day.

What I am proud of

In the past week I had a former student, one who was difficult to say the least, approach me and want to talk. As we talked I asked about his summer activities and if he was still participating in the band. He told me that he is not in the band anymore, and I replied with a "why not"?

He then proceeded to tell me over the summer that his father had passed away from heart failure. His response caught me somewhat off guard. I told him I was very sorry to hear about his dad, and asked how he and his mother were doing. He told me that he missed his dad and followed that with another comment that caught me off guard. He told me that he was enrolled in my second semester class, but he would not be a behavior issue next semester as he had been in the previous class. He explained further, stating that he had thought about the way he acted out in class. He told me that he realized he was wrong to do so, and that he appreciated the way that I had been "tough" on him. He said that he realized that his behavior was unacceptable and that my being firm with him was a good thing for him.

After losing his father he remembered my telling him that facing adversity makes people stronger and helps prepare the person for life. He said when he remembered that, he realized that he had to get stronger and help not only himself through the death of his father, but his mother also. He said that he realized he needed to grow up and be a man. Once he realized what he needed to do, he said things became easier for him. He still misses his dad, but realizes that his dad would want him to be strong and be the man he should be.

I gave him a pat on the back and told him that I was very proud of him and I looked forward to having him in class. I am proud of him, he realized that he couldn't be a boy all of his life, and that tomorrow is important and he must be ready. This kid will be a leader next semester and he will excel.

 " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

     This past week I was in the hospital, so when I initially read this question I wasn't sure how to answer it since I had not been back yet.  My first day back (yesterday, 9/7/16) completely caught me off-guard and left me feeling like "proud" was an understatement.  I was bombarded with students asking about me and telling me how much they missed me, and even received a standing ovation (minus the standing) from both classes in 4th Block after returning from a meeting with my Principal.      It let me know the importance and value we hold in our students lives.  Even though some days are rough and WE get really stressed out, we don't always see the impact we have on our students.  It was a very motivating and perception-changing return to work, but I couldn't have asked for a better day than the one I had yesterday.

     When I first walked in I was expecting the kitchen and classroom to look as if Hermine had just came through them... and they didn't.  To my surprise, my classroom managers held down the fort while the Captain was out.  I suppose having the students fill out applications for the roles they wanted empowered them to a level that surpassed my expectations.  I felt that the changes from last year to this year (as far as Dropbox/Assignment Submissions, Classroom Roles, Classroom/Lab Expectations, etc.) weren't being received as well as I wanted them to be, but I am glad to say I was wrong.

     Change is not always easy and hardly ever happens overnight, but it does happen.  Implementing the techniques and strategies gained from this Summer, especially small group and hands-on activities, is starting to gain a much more positive reaction.  So to my fellow educators I encourage you to keep fighting the good fight, we make more of a change than we think we do.  I hope none of you have to be hospitalized, but I hope you soon experience what I did yesterday.  It makes it all worth it.

In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

In my teaching activities this week , I'm most proud  about getting my third year students excited about the lesson.
The first two weeks it was a challenge to keep their attention . This week I decided to differentiate and allow them to work according to their skill levels. This kept everyone on task , excited about going to the next activity and they were proud of their progress in the end.

PROUD MOMENT

I have experienced several proud moments over the course of these first few weeks of school, but the one that stands out at the moment is being able to reach two guys who are in my Introduction to Healthcare Science class.

The step brothers recently moved to Georgia from Florida and for whatever reason, were both placed in my 8th period class. The first day they arrived in class, I introduced myself, explained classroom expectations, gave each of them a syllabus, and caught them up on what their classmates were currently working on. As soon as I walked away from speaking with them, I observed both of them using cell phones, listening to music via ear buds, and even with heads down sleeping. After getting over the initial shock of what was happening, I made my way back over to them, reiterated expectations, and encouraged them to reach out for assistance if needed. By the time they finally started to participate, the period was almost over.

While greeting the guys at my door the next day of class, I chatted with each of them individually about behaviors from last class, and my intolerability of those things moving forward. Not to my surprise, 15 minutes into class, the same things transpired much like that of in the class before. However, this time, rather than pull them out, or speak privately with them, I did some research. Once I discovered they each play football, and one is  diabetic, I new exactly how to move forward with them.

When the next class day came around, both guys greeted me at the door questioning "why were you at our football practice yesterday?" "I enjoy the sport, and needed to give something to my cousin," I responded. They asked "who is your cousin?" I remarked "Coach Smith." They both laughed in disbelief! I inquired if coach should be made that they would not be attending practice because they are tired, and needed to nap during my class? They both responded "No ma'am."

I also asked the guy who is a diabetic how he was feeling, and instructed him to let me know when he's not feeling ok. He was shocked that I was aware of his condition, and thanked me for being concerned.

As a result of me expressing concern, and showing interest in them personally, both of them now come to when with questions, after, of course they have utilized the "ask three, then me" rule. They are both making good grades, participate in classroom discussions, and have genuine interest's in the pursuing careers in the medical field which was unheard of two weeks ago!

They are pictured below along with fellow classmates, participating in personality assessments.

The two of them helped me to remember that I can, and do make a difference



Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2

Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

I am most proud of the fact that even prior to tonight's class, I have placed my students into groups for varying levels of instruction and group work.  We have reading and math groups that are based on the students scoring on their MAP assessments (which are required to be according to their levels).  There are also groups based on my laboratory rotations since I have all 3 levels in class at one time.  Since the students are with me all day, I am able to chunk the information according to their varying levels and the groups are mixed with high and low achievers, as well as on gender, disabilities, and ethnicity.  The shining moment came today when one of the students approached me as he was headed to lunch and told me how much he likes being in groups because it makes it easier for him to learn the material and he can ask for help from his elbow partner.  In just one semester from the next, this student has flourished and become a classroom leader and has even improved his grade from a C to a B.  Small groups are definitely effective in my class!

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1

Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?

One of the things that I learned about during summer NTI class was the method that Dr. Burns uses before we break into groups.  She has a student summarize what the instructions were prior to moving on to the next steps.  I started doing this with my class week 1 and it has worked like a charm.  Not only does it give me an opportunity to see if the students comprehend my instructions, but it also helps me to see which students are paying attention.  For those not paying attention, it gives them yet another opportunity to hear the instructions again but instead of hearing it from me, they hear it from their peer, which typically results in them being more apt to retain the information because it's not just me rambling.  The students seem to be getting a better grasp on the material now because of this and they show much more enthusiasm.

What I learned...

I learned that the lessons/assignments you think are easy...usually turn out to be really challenging.  I found this lesson online that I thought it would be entertaining as well as motivating to my students.  I really found that my students were puzzled, unsure about money, how much things cost and had no clue what to do with a million dollars. Many of them didn't know where to start or how much to give or keep. Some of them really had to think.

The students had 1 million dollars and they had to write how they would save,spend, give, or invest  it.  I challenged myself to do the same. I allowed the students to write their answers on the board which many of them felt proud showcasing.

The assignment turned out to be a great teaching tool for me as well as it allowed me to create a second lesson where I was able to discuss cost for many of the popular items such as college tuition and purchasing homes.

So in your spare time (yeah right spare time) I challenge you to try it.

Tamika Day

Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

So for the last two weeks I have been teaching manual drafting, and the kids hated it! They complained, and said it was too hard and they couldn't draw and just every complaint in the book.  So the test was early this week and 95% of the class made an 80 or above!  I was so proud of them, and impressed by their hard work and dedication.  Also, I registered my entire third year in the leap program at Georgia Tech (for free) were they will get a Customer Service Certificate and a Supply Chain Management Certificate and have an official Georgia Tech Transcript.  

What I learned

One of the most beneficial things I learned during NTI classes this summer was the practical use of the classroom rules and procedures.

Now, unlike last school year, I have both posted in large print in poster form, in my classroom. If I need to remind the class of our procedure, behavior or general expectations, those items are highly visible for each student to see from any position in the room.

This has reduced my need for redirection in many instances. I do not have to verbalize to an individual, rather I can make eye contact, signal with my hand(s) a specific rule or procedure number and point to the poster. Or if multiple students need redirection, they understand the meaning if I state a specific number.

Classroom Managers

My most "proud" moment of this last week was not something that I did, but instead it was a moment in which I was proud of my students. This seems really simple, but it meant a lot to me.

After the NTI Summer Semester, I have been working on implementing my lab management plan. Last week I introduced the classroom manager positions with the video and other materials we produced over the summer. For the first time, I am letting students apply for the positions instead of assigning them. I didn't get much feedback in class from the students when I introduced the positions. Another teacher in my department even asked if I though any students would willingly apply for the positions since they weren't being "forced" to do it. I was really discouraged until the next day when I had so many students apply that I ran out of my printed applications. I had to print out more and had a line of students come and pick them up on their way to the bus after school. This sounds so silly, but I was so proud of the students who wanted to give of their time to make the classroom run smoothly. What made me the most proud was that many of my students who have autism or other learning disabilities were some of the first to apply. I immediately assigned students to fill the positions and they are already stepping up in ways I didn't expect. I am so proud!

Last Week's Football Game

Last week we were still in pre-planning but football is in full swing. We have a tradition that ever senior football player is allowed to pick one teacher that has influenced them the most over their time in high school. Wednesday i revived an email that said that I had been chosen, which did not surprise me much since i had some boys form my Youth Group from church that I have had in class and know since he was a young boy, I had assumed he picked me. When I arrived at the game Thursday night it was not the young man that I had know for years but a student I had meet just last year. Apparently he and the other boy both picked me but they did not give it to the one that had know for years. Shocked was one of many words that can describe how i felt, proud would be a better one I had no idea that in one year I had affected someones life so deeply.

My Proud Moment

The proud moments in the classroom are some of the greatest rewards of teaching for me. The "Ah ha!" moments, the "finally getting it" moments, or the moments when a kid comes running to tell you about a connection they made with course content outside of the classroom. 

My biggest "proud" this week was in a young lady who has been in my class before...and, in fact, failed my class before.  Frankly, this student has struggled through much of her academic career with low grades and poor study habits. She has some personal difficulties that have contributed to her troubles. She is now a senior.

From the beginning of the year, she has worked very hard improving her study habits, getting her work done on time, engaging in group assignments and even volunteering to answer questions in class. This week, she made the highest grade that I have ever given her on a unit exam: an 86! I was so excited as I was marking her test. I honestly can't wait to give her answer sheet back to her in class tomorrow. I know she will be as proud of herself as I am of her. 


I certainly can't take the credit for her new-found success and motivation, but I hope that my persistence and coaching has helped promote the positive changes that she has made this year. She is inspired by her own struggles with emotional health to pursue a career in mental health care. I believe she can do it! 

Although I'm not teaching as of yet, I would feel most proud to be given the chance to inspire and encourage the students mind to love the art of cosmetology. And to see every student interact and be involved in what I presented as instructor would show that my goal to have a positive effect on every student has been accomplished.

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2

Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

In my level 2 Criminal Justice Essentials class we are learning about proper courtroom testimony and professional demeanor.  The students took 2 days to write a DUI report with details I provided them.  They were given creative freedom with how they handled the impaired driver and which field sobriety evaluations they performed.  The then were called to "the stand" to testify in a jury trial.  The rest of the class served as the jury members.  I gave them a list of pre-prepared questions I would ask them as the prosecutor and then I would flip roles and "grill" them as a defense attorney with questions they were not prepared for.  I was trying to teach them to think on their feet and also show them how important every single word that comes out of their mouth is when testifying in open court.  The students loved this activity!  We laughed a lot!  My students kept saying, "I smelled alcohol on the driver".  I asked them, "What does alcohol smell like?"  This question stumped them.  This is just one example of a question asked on cross examination.

Now on to what I am most proud of with this activity.....I have a student who is new to the school this year.  He is very quiet and shy and does not talk to me or his peers in my class.  It was his turn to present and he was very nervous and told me in front of the class he did not want to take the stand.  I urged him to participate, as this was being counted as an assessment grade.  I told him that there was nothing to be afraid of and the class supports one another.  The class then began to clap for him and urge him to take the stand.  This student eventually took the stand and performed outstanding!!!  Easily in the top 5 in the class.  I was so impressed with his courtroom testimony and demeanor!!!  He received an A on the assignment.  When he was finished, the class again applauded loudly for him and told him how great he did.  It was the first time I saw him smile in 5 weeks! 

After class, the student approached me and asked me how he did.  I told him how wonderful his testimony was and that I was so proud of him.  He told me it was the first time he had ever spoke in front of his class.  He said in the past, he would always find a way to get out of presenting or just take a zero as a grade.  He told me he realized today that it wasn't as bad as he thought it would be and that he now had the confidence to stand up in front of his peers. 

I was so proud of this student and so proud of myself and my class as well.  I created an educational and fun activity that the class enjoyed; the students rallied together to help a fellow student gain confidence; and a new student over came one of his biggest fears!  To me, this was a successful week!  I'm proud of everyone in my class! It made me feel like a very proud teacher that my student over came his fear!

My Proud Activity!

Hmmm… Well… I can say that overall I’m somewhat proud of all the activities I have implemented even if the students thought they were cool or not. Sometimes, learning isn’t fun but it is still beneficial. I teach Intro to Criminal Justice and Criminal Justice Essentials. The standards for both levels are similar in some ways. The standard we are covering is “Career Exploration.” The students are exploring careers with in the criminal justice field and learning the different duties and responsibilities of each. We have been talking about courtroom roles. Sad to say, the students did not know what a prosecutor or defense attorney was. On the other hand, they knew what a defendant and judge was (how ironic). Well, I sat and pondered on how I can make learning about the courtroom personnel fun. Once again, I began to talk to myself. I said, “Crystal, what can you do to make this fun, interesting, and memorable?” Just then a light bulb went off and I came up with the idea of having the students’ debate about criminal justice and school related topic. One student had to be the prosecutor and the other, the defense attorney. Needless to say, all the classes enjoyed it for the most part. My freshman and sophomores had a blast and wanted to debate for the next few days. So to grant their wishes we debated for two days!!

Thinking about last week was really rough due to the behavior issues at my school. I will say my most proudest moment is when my students got permission to design a bulletin board within the school was great. We were working on the Sanitation standard and they had to design Newsletters about Foodborne illnesses such as; E. Coli, Salmonella, and Hepatitis A. One of the student came up with idea of the class notifying the public of an 'Outbreak". The board was right outside the cafeteria, so they knew plenty of people will see it and gain some knowledge of the different foodborne illnesses. Why this moment made me proud because I use some of the small group strategies and a new template  to create the newsletter. The students were engaged in the activity and they made it into a competition who had the best one.