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.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Developing as a Teacher
Last Friday, I gave a written test to my fourth period students. After the test, one of my students came up to my podium and asked to speak with me. Thinking it was something personal, the student and I went into my office for privacy. Since this is not a well behaved student, I was surprised that the student started apologizing for his bad class behavior especially during the first several weeks. He further told me that he has changed his whole outlook and attitude about the class. I questioned the student on why he had a problem with the class from the beginning. The student replied that he had heard the class was very strict and had a lot of rules. Since I do have many rules and restrictions, I asked him what had changed his mind about the class. Surprisingly, the student told me he had developed a desire to learn the course because of my ability in making the class enjoyable and interesting. The student further told me he would be taking the next two levels of the course.
Hi, Mark - 'enjoyable and interesting' - bywords of a master teacher - he and you have hit the nail on the head. As your student would say, or maybe he did - 'You Rock!' Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteStatements such as these, have inspired me throughout this year. They come out of the blue sky, unexpected, and so moving. You reached a student that was lost! With the desire to teach, perhaps this will become more frequent. This is so much more than a job, thank goodness the vast majority of teachers that contact our youth are as dedicated!
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