I think overall, I feel most proud that I am (or am seeing results) that I am making an imapct here at the school and with the students that I am teaching.
Everyday I see more and more examples of things that I teach and say being applied in pratical and successful ways. I know that this is pretty vague but I was asked the other day about a specific student in my class. She ask me how this student was doing and I responded that she was doing well and showed signs of positive learning
She responded to me by telling me that this particular student had some past school problems but that she spent alot of time talking about my class in particular and that she really liked it and was learning alot!
I really appreciate things like this. Small victories. That made a big impact on me and made me even happier that I was spending the time to be doing what I am doing here. After all-thats really why we do this right?
Thursday, October 1, 2015
I hope everyone was able to catch up last week on the blog! Here is our new reflective question: "In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
Last week, several of my students approached me and said, "Thank you for being the teacher that cares!" That was one of the proudest moments throughout my career. I felt like I had done what I am here to do as an educator. I think what made me even more proud was the fact that the students did not like me in the beginning. They gave me the hardest time when I started last school year. I just feel good in knowing that I am making an impact in a few students lives thus far.
"In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
This week my lesson is table settings. I bring in bins filled with flowers table covers, silverware, glassware. We discuss Russian table service vs French or American service. Then I let the class dress their table and give it a theme.
On yesterday the gentlemen completed their table and asked the young ladies if they would like to sit at their table. Then the all pulled out the chairs! even though it was not in the actual lesson, I did tell the students that when you do start to really date Gentlemen always open the door for you, and pull out their chair. They won't admit it but they are learning.
On yesterday the gentlemen completed their table and asked the young ladies if they would like to sit at their table. Then the all pulled out the chairs! even though it was not in the actual lesson, I did tell the students that when you do start to really date Gentlemen always open the door for you, and pull out their chair. They won't admit it but they are learning.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
"In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
I blogged quite a bit today while my students diligently worked on an independent assignment. I almost forgot! A student emailed me over the weekend asking if she could use me as a reference on a job application. Of course, I replied "I'd be honored for her to count me in". Today, when she came to class, she notified me she had to take an "employability test" as part of the interview process. She went on to tell me it was 65 questions and she PASSED! I asked her if she remembered to ask them when they would be making a final decision and she had.
I spent 4 weeks on "Employability" and a part of me felt like it was a little extreme BUT, I believe it's essential for our young people to know how to get a job and keep it. We performed mock interviews, proper handshaking, among many other tasks during this unit. My student seemed very confident about her interview and was elated to tell me she had passed the "employability" test. I hope she gets the job!! It would certainly prove more than one point!!
Either way, I had a GREAT time teaching them about not easily giving up. I employed many quotes and a video of a talented motivational speaker, Les Brown. He was labeled as "educationally challenged" at a young age yet has gone on to become an extremely successful, wise individual with an enormous amount of drive. I believe my students were encouraged by him and I hope his mentality will stick with them!!
I'll have to keep you all posted on how it all turns out!
I blogged quite a bit today while my students diligently worked on an independent assignment. I almost forgot! A student emailed me over the weekend asking if she could use me as a reference on a job application. Of course, I replied "I'd be honored for her to count me in". Today, when she came to class, she notified me she had to take an "employability test" as part of the interview process. She went on to tell me it was 65 questions and she PASSED! I asked her if she remembered to ask them when they would be making a final decision and she had.
I spent 4 weeks on "Employability" and a part of me felt like it was a little extreme BUT, I believe it's essential for our young people to know how to get a job and keep it. We performed mock interviews, proper handshaking, among many other tasks during this unit. My student seemed very confident about her interview and was elated to tell me she had passed the "employability" test. I hope she gets the job!! It would certainly prove more than one point!!
Either way, I had a GREAT time teaching them about not easily giving up. I employed many quotes and a video of a talented motivational speaker, Les Brown. He was labeled as "educationally challenged" at a young age yet has gone on to become an extremely successful, wise individual with an enormous amount of drive. I believe my students were encouraged by him and I hope his mentality will stick with them!!
I'll have to keep you all posted on how it all turns out!
Week 5
I hope everyone was able to catch up last week on the blog! Here is our new reflective question:
"In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
Well... I had hopped to have some good news to report on the Classroom search, but unfortunately for me, Lakeside High School choose another professional to fill in the role of Business HK instructor. This is GREAT news for the students however, as they have been RACKED with loss this year and need some normalcy in their lives right now.
But please folks, don't count me out.. as I am not giving up and I still have two more positions in Dekalb as well as two in other districts. Wish me luck!!
Best egg drop design
"In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
I finally received 100% participation in one of my largest and most stubborn class. The students really got involved in designing a container for the egg drop project. The students do not want to go through the design process which it is a process in every area of life. It may be called something different, yet it is a process.
Well, the other good news is that only 2 eggs out of 6 cracked or completely broke.
The students were so excited. After the project, I complimented them on how all of them participated and how proud I was of their attitude.
I rewarded the class and they really enjoyed their treats.
Wow!! I earned cool points but that was a great day
I finally received 100% participation in one of my largest and most stubborn class. The students really got involved in designing a container for the egg drop project. The students do not want to go through the design process which it is a process in every area of life. It may be called something different, yet it is a process.
Well, the other good news is that only 2 eggs out of 6 cracked or completely broke.
The students were so excited. After the project, I complimented them on how all of them participated and how proud I was of their attitude.
I rewarded the class and they really enjoyed their treats.
Wow!! I earned cool points but that was a great day
"In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
Reflecting on my teaching experiences from this past week, I am most proud of the growth I feel I have helped bring to our district's program. I was granted the opportunity to start Healthcare Science on the Middle School level in our district last year. Today I sit/stand among many of the students I taught last year. It's exciting to see the impact I apparently made on them and to continue that impact is a true honor.
Students are really pumped about a field trip I largely played a part in as well as a community service project our HOSA Club is hosting. On October 26th, 70 students (we had to place a "cap" on it; yet anticipate going back in the Spring) from our HOSA club (primarily Healthcare Science students) will embark on a journey to Chattanooga. There we will visit the Children's Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House, and the Life Force Helipad. The Children's Miracle Network Hospitals coordinator in Chattanooga has set-up numerous healthcare providers to speak to our students.
The most rewarding part of ALL that's to come is our Chattanooga field trip, it FILLED within 30 minutes of opening it to "paying" students. Students have also collected a massive amount of "pop-tabs" as our Community Service Project. We will deliver over 60 POUNDS of pop-tabs...A BUNCH to the Ronald McDonald House. The RMH will in turn cash them in to provide families with injured or ill children to stay close by at $10 per night or a 20-minute chore each day. Funds from pop-tabs also keep their lights on and doors open. I LOVE the fact I have showed our young people how easy it is for them to help and impact others. Saving pop-tabs is EASY!
I believe all of this and more has come from "my maker's" plan for me. When you live it and experience it first hand, it truly sheds light on the "little" things. This is also why I teach. For those who don't know (all of you except 2), you are welcome to google my 8-year-old daughters name. Giving God ALL the glory for All He has done and does for me!! Have a BLESSED day and I'll "hear" you SOON!
Reflecting on my teaching experiences from this past week, I am most proud of the growth I feel I have helped bring to our district's program. I was granted the opportunity to start Healthcare Science on the Middle School level in our district last year. Today I sit/stand among many of the students I taught last year. It's exciting to see the impact I apparently made on them and to continue that impact is a true honor.
Students are really pumped about a field trip I largely played a part in as well as a community service project our HOSA Club is hosting. On October 26th, 70 students (we had to place a "cap" on it; yet anticipate going back in the Spring) from our HOSA club (primarily Healthcare Science students) will embark on a journey to Chattanooga. There we will visit the Children's Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House, and the Life Force Helipad. The Children's Miracle Network Hospitals coordinator in Chattanooga has set-up numerous healthcare providers to speak to our students.
The most rewarding part of ALL that's to come is our Chattanooga field trip, it FILLED within 30 minutes of opening it to "paying" students. Students have also collected a massive amount of "pop-tabs" as our Community Service Project. We will deliver over 60 POUNDS of pop-tabs...A BUNCH to the Ronald McDonald House. The RMH will in turn cash them in to provide families with injured or ill children to stay close by at $10 per night or a 20-minute chore each day. Funds from pop-tabs also keep their lights on and doors open. I LOVE the fact I have showed our young people how easy it is for them to help and impact others. Saving pop-tabs is EASY!
I believe all of this and more has come from "my maker's" plan for me. When you live it and experience it first hand, it truly sheds light on the "little" things. This is also why I teach. For those who don't know (all of you except 2), you are welcome to google my 8-year-old daughters name. Giving God ALL the glory for All He has done and does for me!! Have a BLESSED day and I'll "hear" you SOON!
"In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
I have had two students, both in my advanced classes, approach me in the last week or so and discuss with me their options as far as pursuing Audio & Video Technology as a career choice.
Both said something to the effect that they had never really considered video as a career until taking my class. That tells me that even though there are days where my lessons or methods may not seem to work, an impact is still being made.
To me, that is huge and as teachers we can't ask for more than that, really.
Like some of you, I teach in a county where the kids face incredible obstacles when it comes to learning. From poverty to parental issues, a lot of our students need a way out, a chance to just break the cycle. Our classes can offer them that way out. Our classes can result in lifelong careers.
Both said something to the effect that they had never really considered video as a career until taking my class. That tells me that even though there are days where my lessons or methods may not seem to work, an impact is still being made.
To me, that is huge and as teachers we can't ask for more than that, really.
Like some of you, I teach in a county where the kids face incredible obstacles when it comes to learning. From poverty to parental issues, a lot of our students need a way out, a chance to just break the cycle. Our classes can offer them that way out. Our classes can result in lifelong careers.
So, it makes me feel very proud when a student understands that there is something more to the class than showing up, working on some vocabulary words, making a video, and then going to math class. There is a potential to make this a career, to make their lives better, or at the very least to use the knowledge they gain in my class to make whatever career path they choose more successful.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Week Five
"In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
I try and implement different teaching strategies in my lessons each day. However, I struggle with different activities to do most days, I have found some of the activities work where as some do not. Last week my school system was on Fall week so I am going back to an activity I did the week before. In my second level class we were learning about the integumentary system. Instead of having my students draw and label parts of the integumentary system I had them actually make a 3-D model of the integumentary system. I thought I would get a lot of resistance from the students because the project required them to do more work than drawing or just labeling a worksheet . However, I was surprised that they actually enjoyed the project. It seems like no matter what I do I always have students complaining about the assigned tasked! The best part is I even had some students tell me that they learned a lot more from this activity than other activities we have done in the class. When the students told me that I felt proud and felt as if I had accomplished something substantial.
I try and implement different teaching strategies in my lessons each day. However, I struggle with different activities to do most days, I have found some of the activities work where as some do not. Last week my school system was on Fall week so I am going back to an activity I did the week before. In my second level class we were learning about the integumentary system. Instead of having my students draw and label parts of the integumentary system I had them actually make a 3-D model of the integumentary system. I thought I would get a lot of resistance from the students because the project required them to do more work than drawing or just labeling a worksheet . However, I was surprised that they actually enjoyed the project. It seems like no matter what I do I always have students complaining about the assigned tasked! The best part is I even had some students tell me that they learned a lot more from this activity than other activities we have done in the class. When the students told me that I felt proud and felt as if I had accomplished something substantial.
In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
As I sit and think back of this past week teaching activities I feel proud about my student totally grasping the hair growth cycle and the terminology of the properties of the hair and scalp. they were able to learn this information from the group activities and games that we played to make it fun and interesting. I test all of the student and every student passed with a's and b's some c's but no failing grades which was awesome! Why? am I so proud because I was able to reach all of my student and they all showed growth in the area of cosmetology as far as gaining the knowledge.
As I sit and think back of this past week teaching activities I feel proud about my student totally grasping the hair growth cycle and the terminology of the properties of the hair and scalp. they were able to learn this information from the group activities and games that we played to make it fun and interesting. I test all of the student and every student passed with a's and b's some c's but no failing grades which was awesome! Why? am I so proud because I was able to reach all of my student and they all showed growth in the area of cosmetology as far as gaining the knowledge.
"What was the event this past week that most took me by surprise - an event where I saw or did something that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt or made me unexpectedly happy?"
It was a couple of events that took me by surprise and made me very proud and happy! I had a student that was doing extremely bad and just off track last year do a complete turn around he is making all a's and b's and won Mr. Cosmetology for home coming week. It shocked our principal and she said she was very proud of the student and the students grandmother came to me and said thanks for being a great roll model and pushing her grandson to do better. I drove my car in the homecoming parade while Mr.. and Miss cosmetology homecoming queen and king rode in car waiving and smiling. It may seem small to some but for that kid it was a big thing and was happy to be apart of the occasion.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Yes this makes me Happy....Renewed Strength and Renewed Confidence
"What was the event this past week that most took me by surprise - an event where I saw or did something that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt or made me unexpectedly happy?"
All in all, my week ended great. The start was shaky, but by the end of the week I felt a renewed strength to keep keeping on. Additionally, I realized that most of my third level students are actually very caring, mature, and understand the value of cognitive learning. As such, I am comfortable with most of them enrolling into the fourth level (internship).
Since the start of school, I worried about their maturity level and determined that most would not be allowed to enroll into internship. Through observing their work and work ethic, I believed they could not make important connections without constant direction. Over the last few weeks, I've worked with them and worked with them and gave less and less direction yet asked more questions to get them thinking.
After this week, I realized that they are actually mastering information and learning to analyze and make decisions based on information obtained. They are seeking less direction for an answer and are relying more and more on what they know. We are moving from a question-answer session to a dialogue session of great input and feedback.
I am confidence that they can complete internship without my constant supervision or direction.
It was also announced that I was nominated for Teacher of the Month. The nomination stated that I am caring and always go above and beyond for my students and colleagues. I do not look for recognition for anything that I do because all that I do, I do it from my heart. Nonetheless, the recognition was well received.
All in all, my week ended great. The start was shaky, but by the end of the week I felt a renewed strength to keep keeping on. Additionally, I realized that most of my third level students are actually very caring, mature, and understand the value of cognitive learning. As such, I am comfortable with most of them enrolling into the fourth level (internship).
Since the start of school, I worried about their maturity level and determined that most would not be allowed to enroll into internship. Through observing their work and work ethic, I believed they could not make important connections without constant direction. Over the last few weeks, I've worked with them and worked with them and gave less and less direction yet asked more questions to get them thinking.
After this week, I realized that they are actually mastering information and learning to analyze and make decisions based on information obtained. They are seeking less direction for an answer and are relying more and more on what they know. We are moving from a question-answer session to a dialogue session of great input and feedback.
I am confidence that they can complete internship without my constant supervision or direction.
It was also announced that I was nominated for Teacher of the Month. The nomination stated that I am caring and always go above and beyond for my students and colleagues. I do not look for recognition for anything that I do because all that I do, I do it from my heart. Nonetheless, the recognition was well received.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
What took me by surprise is the lengths that some students will go get what they want at any cost. I understand that we are in an industry that is not only training but also socializing the next generations of adults. But the degree that some children are practicing the art of manipulation at such a young age is mind blowing.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
HAPPY
"What was the event this past week that most took me by
surprise - an event where I saw or did something that shook me up, caught me
off guard, gave me a jolt or made me unexpectedly happy?"
Well,
I guess my week was happy! In the same
day I survived my Administrative
Assistant come into my class unannounced to observe me, then a student had a fainting spell in my class
and a “ SURPRISE” Fire Drill all right before
Dr. Montrois came to observe me!
I felt so off my “A” game it wasn’t even funny. Dr. M and I had a GREAT talk afterwards and
he gave me some great pointers and told me I was on track with things. After that I was at school until 8:30 pm the
Salon had a Fundraiser that night for students, staff and outside guests.
Helped a Student color another student’s hair Blue…Can’t have much more fun than that! Long day….but I was HAPPY to have survived
it!
Today,
I had a student tell me that I am the
reason she comes to school, my class is her favorite and I had 3 students tell
me today that they liked my hair, my eye shadow and that I looked very
professional! Again, made me feel HAPPY!
Next
week I am on Fall Break. I to will be
attending the New Teacher Conference in Macon. So HAPPY!
Looking
forward to it, just a small break to re-group and pick up some more tips,
tricks and insights for the classroom. HAPPY!
"What was the event this past week that most took me by surprise - an event where I saw or did something that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt or made me unexpectedly happy?"
What happened in my class this past week made me smile. One of my DES (special ed) students said something for the first time since school started. We had a fun class discussion on the topic of Careers in LPSCS. He walked up to me after class and said "Mr. Curry, I like you and your class!" It almost brought me to tears. I thought he would have never said anything. He doesn't even respond to the roll call. I have to make eye contact with him everyday. This just did something to me and I was glad to share it.
Blog Post September 24
"What was the event this past week that most took me by
surprise - an event where I saw or did something that shook me up, caught me
off guard, gave me a jolt or made me unexpectedly happy?"
This week has been a great week for me. The reason being is
that my school system is on fall break. This week has been a wonderful week to
relax and take a break from work. This has been the first week since school has
started that I have actually had free time that did not just revolve around
school and school work. In regards to the blog question I did get good news before
we were dismissed for fall break. I found out that I got approval to go to the
New Teacher Conference in Macon Georgia. I am honestly excited about going and
learning new techniques to try in the classroom. I really feel like I will benefit
from this conference. I hope to learn
better classroom management skills. I feel like I really need help in this
area. I also hope to learn how to better lesson plan. Lastly, I hope to find
new resources to use. I have a really difficult time making engaging lesson
plans for my third level class, so I hope to find some new resources.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
What was the event this past week that most took me by surprise - an event where I saw or did something that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt or made me unexpectedly happy?"
My event is a short story this week.
Being new to this teaching gig-Im constantly running around-feeling like I am playing catch up-and always feel like I am forgetting things. UGH! I am starting to get the hang of things slightly but just always go in with an open heart and mind and always do my best for the young people who look to me for guidance! Last week I got some affirmation that what I am doing is being received at my school very well!
It was Thursday and my last class of the day. I had an administrator pop-in for a quick observation or "walk-through". I was walking around the room and helping individual students here and there and looking over work. The bell rang shortly after and the students left for the day and my admin approached me and said "You really look like you are making good progress in the classroom! And the kids respond really well to you! I think we made a good decision bringing you in!" (And I probably shouldnt be repeating this!)
It made me incredibly happy to hear such praise! I am glad to be in a position where what I do on a daily basis makes a difference and positively effects my students and the school. I may not know everything yet but I am working hard and love what I am doing!
Being new to this teaching gig-Im constantly running around-feeling like I am playing catch up-and always feel like I am forgetting things. UGH! I am starting to get the hang of things slightly but just always go in with an open heart and mind and always do my best for the young people who look to me for guidance! Last week I got some affirmation that what I am doing is being received at my school very well!
It was Thursday and my last class of the day. I had an administrator pop-in for a quick observation or "walk-through". I was walking around the room and helping individual students here and there and looking over work. The bell rang shortly after and the students left for the day and my admin approached me and said "You really look like you are making good progress in the classroom! And the kids respond really well to you! I think we made a good decision bringing you in!" (And I probably shouldnt be repeating this!)
It made me incredibly happy to hear such praise! I am glad to be in a position where what I do on a daily basis makes a difference and positively effects my students and the school. I may not know everything yet but I am working hard and love what I am doing!
"What was the event this past week that most took me by surprise - an event where I saw or did something that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt or made me unexpectedly happy?"
I have a student in my class, a young man who always falls asleep in my first period class. I have and spoken to him about keeping good notes and all of the kitchen regulations he said he had them
After several taps on the shoulder I pulled him aside and spoke to him. He said he will try to get it together and make up any work missed. I told him we were catering for the teachers on Wednesday
(that would be today) & if he wants to show me that he still wanted to be in the program he would try to come and help. He came on time and was the best student there. I was so surprisingly happy. He used all of the sanitation and safety rules and regulations and even washed dishes.!!
After several taps on the shoulder I pulled him aside and spoke to him. He said he will try to get it together and make up any work missed. I told him we were catering for the teachers on Wednesday
(that would be today) & if he wants to show me that he still wanted to be in the program he would try to come and help. He came on time and was the best student there. I was so surprisingly happy. He used all of the sanitation and safety rules and regulations and even washed dishes.!!
I have experienced anxiety by trying to remember how to post this blog. I wrote a comment on Saturday and thought I published it but it obviously didn't work. But I will continue to catch up. School is pretty good. Most of the kids are where they are suppose to be in terms of their development. What separates them in my opinion is their maturity level. Based on their experience and family structure I deal with four to forty year old in a teenage status.
A little knowledge can be just as dangerous as no knowledge at all. My principal has a good motto that helps. 90% of your success comes from how you respond to what comes to you. I add, don't' sweat the small stuff and its all small. Hope this goes through.
A little knowledge can be just as dangerous as no knowledge at all. My principal has a good motto that helps. 90% of your success comes from how you respond to what comes to you. I add, don't' sweat the small stuff and its all small. Hope this goes through.
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