The new semester was like starting the year for me. My school is different than my classmates in that I work in a special ed center. I only have eleven students and I have a paraprofessional to assist me. I have the same students from about 8:15-1:30. This semester I got three new students. It doesn't sound like much but my student population typically comes to Warren Tech with long histories of discipline problems and general frustration with education in general. Also with new students coming in it changes the dynamics of the class. My students generally function better with a high level of structure and assignments that they have a high likelihood of success. Once they see that they are in a learning environment where they will not be embarrassed if they make a mistake most of the time they do well.
I try to concentrate and give notice to the positive things they accomplish as much as possible and I try to build a sense of self esteem with our students. I also make an effort to know their parents. Parental support has been very beneficial to my program. Some of my students are so funny that the laughs make the job worthwhile. I'll share one story that comes to mind.
Just before the Christmas break our class was returning from Work Based Learning on the bus and the bus had to stop for a long train. The train was hauling car after car of coal. Feeling pleased with myself that I was using every available "teachable moment" I explained to the class that the train was probably heading for a coal burning electric power plant and that coal was used to generate much of our electricity. One of my students said, "No sir Mr. Jackson that coal is for all these bad kids in Dekalb County for Christmas". He was dead serious and I had to sit there and try not to crack up. It wasn't easy.
This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question
1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).
This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!
Blog Post - Week 7
This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6
For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5
This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4
Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3
Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2
Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1
Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?
2 comments:
Johnny, you've experienced the joy that comes with teaching. Honestly, that is one of my favorite parts. Dr. J.
Johnny, I have laughed and laughed about the coal train! Yes, students are brutally honest sometimes. I just know that coal train made a stop right here in Henry County too!
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