"The most important thing I've learned about working with my school administrators in the past term/year is . . . "
Don't be afraid of them, keep them in the communication loop, and see them as an important part of your support network. We have 6 administrators at our high school and I see them all working very hard all of the time. I have respect for them and have always received helpful feedback from them. It can always be a little unnerving when you are called to their office and don't know why. Case in point was just this last week. I had a rough Monday. I gave a unit test to my 2nd year students and needless to say 15 students failed the test miserably. It was actually the first time I have had that many students fail a unit test of mine. I was very upset due to the fact that I told them this test would be harder due to the content (the endocrine system) and to be prepared for it. I reviewed the actual test questions with them, they had several opportunities in game format and worksheet format to match up hormones with glands. Well I tried to point out students who did well (I did not give out actual scores) and compare their study habits, study methods with those who did not do well. It quickly backfired on me and I realized (a little too late) that it was not the best way to handle the situation. The next day I was called to an assistant principal's office and told that a student complained about me stating that I embarrassed her in front of the class. I admitted immediately to him, without hesitation, that I did not handle the situation well. I described what had happened and told him my intentions but that it backfired on me. I asked him how best to rectify the situation and we discussed options. The conversation ended with him thanking me for being honest and not getting defensive right away. I was pleasant surprised for him to say that. I think they have to deal with so much negativity and defensiveness on both the part of the student and teacher that they appreciate it when individuals are honest, open, and willing to truly make corrections. They are not out there to blast us when we do the slightest thing wrong and they are not looking to accuse of being substandard. They truly understand how difficult it is dealing with students day in and day out and realize we all have good and bad days. I'm glad that I feel I have have very supportive administration.
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?
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