I became a teacher for several different reasons. I worked at a job where the people were unprofessional, your opinion didn't count and there wasn't anymore promotional opportunities available to me at that time so I needed a change. Also, I enjoyed working with kids in some capacity. Before I moved to Georgia, I worked at the District Attorney's with a juvenile diversion program. When I moved here, before I went to work for the sheriff's department, my first job was a Direct Patient counselor at an adolescent psychiatric treatment facility. At my last job, before I was promoted, I was able to work as a case manger for SB440 kids(kids being tried as adults). So, as you can see, I have always worked in some capacity with kids. I think it was just natural to turn to teaching when it was time for me to move on. When I look back, I kind of think this was really my calling. After working with kids with all kinds of issues, I felt that maybe I could make a difference or a bigger impact on their lives in the school setting. There, they can actually see a young person in a positive setting, doing positive things (that positive person would be me).
With all of the negative things going on in our school system, the main reason I signed my contract was my students. I was really considering a move out of state. Most of the freshmen were my first students and at the end of last year, they wanted to make sure that I was coming back because they wanted me to see them through to graduation. I think that says a lot. Also, I want them to keep a positive attitude about the accreditation issue and to know that we do have some good schools, students and teachers and that they had nothing to do with this situation. I don't want to abandon them and every time I get upset with them or something that the school has done and I get those thoughts of leaving, something starts tugging at my heart and all the frustration goes away. I guess I just really love them.
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?
1 comment:
Mortissa,
You are teaching for all the right reasons, your students. You are right, your students have nothing to do with the decision of others(accreditation mess). They deserve the best teachers. They are very lucky and blessed to have you.
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