Proud Moment

This week my proudest moment would have to have been my "mock safety scene". My Intro classes are learning how to identify safety hazards in the workplace. Once the students completed the classroom instructions they were given a scavenger hunt form to find lab/workplace safety violations discussed in class. The students were very excited once they entered into the lab area and they worked cooperatively to find the hazards. As I watched the students hunt for hazards, I observed their dialogue and how well they applied the instruction to the actual scenes. It was refreshing to see how many hazards they were able to find on their own and how they processed the information they received in class. This was a proud moment for me because it reinforced the value of hands-on learning for students.

What do I feel proudest of this week????

This week in my Introduction class we were going over team work. I took my students outside and did two or three team work activities. One activity is where without talking, the students had to put themselves in order by their birthday. The second activity was the knot game. The knot game is where you break them up into groups of 10 or 12, while holding hands they cannot let go and un-twist themselves (there's a little more to it....). I decided to let one group talk, one group not talk at all, and one group assign one person to talk. The kids loved it. By the end of the activity, I had two administrators observing me :) We sat in the grass afterwards and discussed what took place and why. It was fun being outside and the students realized that leaders do emerge and teamwork is essential :)

Lesson taught

This week was a good one. I had gotten this little electronic microscope this summer for the students to be able to see hair texture and density. In the past all I had were pics in black and white that doesn't really give you a true judgement or understanding. Well this year I whipped out this little microscope and what a difference the students all wanted to participate in that activity. Where as in the past they would just sit around and say what ever it just wasn't as real to them. It is amazing just how much more they are willing to do when it is such a hands on part even if it is a Science lesson at the same time getting a Cosmetology lesson. I am so glad I spent the money on that little piece of equipment.

Lesson Taught

Last week we wrapped up the Safety chapter. I chose to do a review a little different, with a round robin situation. Where they would go to different stations and complete a different task in relation to something in that chapter (i.e.- setting up a ladder, bring out different PPEs, show how to extingush a fire). They loved it! They wanted to do it more than once. It was better than sitting in a desk studying notes.

A Good Lesson

Last week, I thought of an engaging lesson to get the students' attention. It was a lesson covering a circular saw. I usually show a video, made in the 80's, that covers the tool, but this time I decided to ditch the old flannel dude video and do it myself. I have to admit, the videos save me time and aallow me the only time in my day to check and respond to emails. I taught the lesson in the lab area starting with the basics. The students showed interest when they demonstrated the saw's use. I then added more of the lesson of different obstacles and angles. They seemed more interested that day. The next lesson, I showed a video, and some of the students said they'd much rather hear me talk and show a demonstration. I don't know if it was the old flannel shirt, the beard, or just my good lesson.

Most Proudest

The past few weeks I have been doing a lot of reviewing, attempting to bring my Nursing Essential students up to par ( mostly seniors). The students lost their teacher in early March and had a Sub for the remainder of the semester. Therefore, they appear to be lacking on many of the skills taught in the second pathway called Applications in Therapuetic Services. In the past weeks the students have made strides wih demonstrations and check off, but this past week it appears that the light bulb is on. They are becoming more engaged, they are asking each other about how the topics relates to the standards. I hope that they truly mean it or if they are just marking me by repeating what I ask them often enough. It has been a bite of a struggle trying to get them were they should be, but I am very proude of their accomplishments. They will be ready for Nursing Intership next semester. In the next few weeks of lesson planning I will utilize more group activities

proudest eaching moment

Lately I seem to have this proudest moment every week! I worked all last year producing a morning tv show for the students. the year before, the morning show was an embarrassment to the students and to the school. i implemented a new show and did ALL the editing myself last year.

This year my wife suggested that I let the students edit the show...and WOW they took the show to a new level. I spent the next day after the show aired reading the kudos from the administration!!!!

Now, I can hear the students argue among themselves to make the show even better!!! I am soooooo proud of their accomplishments that I can hardly speak. they love it when I just tell them to stop and bask in the glory for a moment and then get their butts back to work!!!

They are striving to make it the best it can be!!!!

a lesson taught that went well (Tell me what you see)

The unit we are on now is audio/sound. in an effort to get my students to understand the importance of audio and sound in their video production, I have this interactive game called tell me what you see! the only thing is...the is NO VIDEO...only sound!

I play various sounds and various pieces of music and they have to tell me what they see in their heads. They write on a sheet of paper the things that they see from hearing the sounds.

I love this lesson probably more than anything because they actually have to think about what they hear..so they tend to listen harder for little nuances in the music or the sound effect.

I also go into another lesson called tell me what you HEAR...only there is no AUDIO..no SOUND...and the students have to tell me the sounds they "hear" from watching the video

A lesson taught this week

About a week ago I realized that my second level students had yet to fully understand the purpose and use of the GPS standards. So I decided to give each of the 14 students in that class a standard. Each student was given a rubric and asked to create a poster based on the given learning goal. Students have turned in their posters. Unfortunately I was out 2.5 days last week. So we will learn the info that each student has to share on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Thus far students have taken a greater sense of ownership in the unit. One student made the comment " I get it, this is how you know what to teach us". Sure I want them to understand the content within the standards. However, It's sometimes feels like they're never going to get it because they think its just busy work. I think showing them that my lessons are bigger than our little classroom will helps them meet the expectations of the outside world, which they so desperately want to be apart of.

Learning Together

This past week my Nursing Essentials class has been studying the different types of elder abuse. For this particular lesson I decided to divide the students up into groups of 4. Each group was assigned one of the abuse types presented in the lesson. The groups were given instructions to research an abuse type by finding a recent case using the Internet. Each group had to give 3 specific examples of the abuse reported and 2 interventions that could help to prevent the abuse from occurring again. During the presentations, each student would be responsible for completing their study guide while each group presented their examples to the entire class. I think this particular assignment was very positive for the entire class. The groups did a very good job with distributing the assigned task to everyone in the group and each group was able to learn the various types of abuse in an interactive format. I noticed that some of my students who normally sat back and watched were put in a position to participate. I really like the Learning Together Strategy and I will continue to use it with other lessons.

Back In TIme

This week the students worked in groups to go back in time researching the history of health care. The students worked in groups, making timeline posters depicting significant strides in health care. Many chose to do traditional time lines but I had one group, all who play instruments, decided to make their timeline in the shape of a guitar. Once the group found a point of interest they really got excited about their project.
Along with the timeline the students had a "Who, what and when am I" fact sheet to complete as a group which was used to reinforce the information from the timeline. Overall, instead of me doing a history lecture, the students were able to see how health care has evolved and how many of the advances and discoveries are still being used today.
On Monday each group will present a time period, making a human timeline. The finale, a gallery tour will provide a fun way for the students to view the creativity of their classmates and learn how to give positive feedback to others. Students initially complained about doing the time lines but once they begin working they actually enjoyed the project and learned, too.

Lesson Learned

This week, we learned about disaster preparedness and emergency codes utilized in the hospital. My methods of instruction were a brief lecture on the importance of having a disaster plan and why healthcare professionals need to know their role when a disaster strikes. The students were then divided into 8 groups of 3 based on the color shirt they were wearing (example, Code Red=red shirts). Each group had to produce a poster regarding their assigned code to include pictures.

The kicker was that before the groups provided an oral presentation, they had to communicate their emergency code using non-verbal communication! They couldn't proceed with the presentation until someone guessed the code. It was hilarious! The students had to complete a quiz over the emergency codes presented and they did really well. They stated that the non-verbal communication method helped them to remember more than the posters! So, I learned a more effective and fun method of providing instruction.

Lesson Taught Well 9/20 - Ethics/Patient Rights

This week I taught a lesson on ethics and started with a sponge that asked the students to write 6 -8 sentences related to their parents dying wishes and/or desires. The students started muttering almost immediately about the fact they do not think about dying and they do not talk about it. “Who wants to think about dying” was one of the statements. (I felt I had made a terrible mistake with that sponge!) I challenged them to create the sentences based on the small pieces of information they remembered about someone in their family, or that was said in someone else’s family to get them started. I circled the room, read their sponges and highlighted words related to wishes and desires. I thought this class was not going to work; however, as I had the student call out the words underlined in their sponges (i.e. pain free, peace, and family getting along) the students were able to transition into the parts of a living will and the importance of healthcare workers respecting the dying wishes of others.

I had a student who was emotional because of recent deaths in her family. (I had to provide personal comfort…this class was a bomb!…my thought). We were able to work through the process that this class is more about living well, dying with dignity and having all family members feel good about the decisions they make and having no regrets/no guilt. The students asked questions and we decided as a group to make it a homework assignment to ask their parents using an example copy. Death and dying is always a hard topic even with adults. However, because of the laws governing patient’s rights, the question “do you have a living will or durable power of attorney?” is asked when a person is admitted to the hospital and many people have stated , in my experience, “you must think I’m going to die”. I had a visitor in class during this session and she shared that because of a certain situation in her life, she has a durable power of attorney in place. The visitor in my class stated she “loved the class” and felt I had helped the students understand the reasons for a living will on their level and made it something important to do while everyone is feeling well and in good health.

Lesson taught 9/20

This week I introduced a lesson in communication. Communication in healthcare is essential and I wanted to emphasize to the students how important it is to understand what is expected of them when they are on the job. I also gave them real life examples of what could happen to patients if proper procedures were not followed. The point of the lecture was to let the students know if they were not clear about instructions while on a job, in the class or home to always ask questions. I started off by showing them illusions. The purpose was to show students that things are not always as they appear. I compared that to communication. Oftentimes what we communicate is not received the way it was intended. or it is misunderstood. I went online and pulled up a site with illusions and the entire class participated. They tried to guess about certain pictures if they were real, tried to locate pictures in pictures etc. They student were so excited. There was full participation and I was able to demonstrate the importance of communication in a fun way.

Small Group Dynamics (The Story of the Tates)

I implemented groups last week in my Computing In The Modern World classes. Great timing, since we also began discussing the same topic in our class. This week I planned to discuss group dynamics both positive and negative traits, then give a small assignment.

I used the story of Tate Family to get my point across. I explained to the class that a family is a small group and by studying the Tate's we could get a good insight on how group members interact.

I explain the father whose name was Dick Tate(Dictate). He was overbearing and always wanted to be in control. The oldest child, their daughter Hesa (Hesitate), always had good insight and good information to add, but never spoke up. The Tate's also had a set of twins name Ira and Aga (Irritate and Agitate). Ira never showed interest in what the family was doing and refused to participate. Aga on the other hand, lived to get on everyone's nerves, often sabotaging the family's efforts. There was also the mom Facila (facilitate), who had the skill to reign in Dick, give Hesa the confidence to speak up and get the twins under control. (of course I drag the story out, gave examples and made it very entertaining)

The students enjoy the story and immediately begin to identify with the characters, calling out which best describes them or their group members. I then gave out a simple group project and upon completing the project I ask the groups to identify the personalities in their group and discuss ways to deal with potential problems. It was definitely a success!

Chemical Process

I recently taught a lesson on the chemical process of permanent wave. Students first viewed a power point on the chemical reaction, which takes place during the waving process. Next they divided up into groups of two. The students then had to take turns doing a consultation on one another. Their objective was to make sure the hair and scalp were healthy enough to tolerate a permanent wave. After this activity each student was instructed to look through a current magazine and choose a picture of one hairstyle. The students had to establish what type of perm and determine the size rod used to produce the style in the photo. Each student had to present his or her findings to the class. They made some very interesting presentations. My students enjoyed the lesson of consultation and role–play very much.

Bones, bones and more bones

Last week I started the skeletal system with my 2nd level class. I was looking for a way to review with the students. I created 5 stations for the students to rotate through with different activities at each. They had 15 minutes at each station before rotating. The stations were: labeling a skeleton using tape; labeling bones on each other using tape; coloring bones on a worksheet; using play dough to shape bones and practice the cut lines, quadrant lines, and regions; and playing a match game with our skeletal vocabulary. The kids loved it! The biggest challenge was keeping the noise level down because they were excited about the change of pace. I will use this method again with a different chapter later on and change out the activities. I will probably make the groups smaller to keep noise down even though I will have to make another station. The students said that it was a great review and even though it took time to create and set up, I think it was fun and helped as a review for our test. :)

Follow the leader

Recently I taught a lesson to my class about communication skills. We talk about different ways to communicate. After a short lecture about non verbal communication, which my students thought was totally impossible. The only way they can see communicating non verbally was of course you know, texting. Well after the lecture we played a game called "follow the leader." It is a game where the groups stays in the classroom and one person who is called the guesser, is called outside of the room. While the guesser is outside the door, the group picks a leader. The objective is for the group to follow the leader, and to keep the guesser from figuring out who the leader is. So the leader has to communicate with the group non verbally without getting caught by the guesser. Every time the leader makes a move the rest of the group has to follow suit. The students were so excited about the game, my principle came in the class and the students explained to him the object of the game. They told him that they were communicating non verbally. He was so impressed he mentioned it in a faculty meeting, and stated that it was differentiating. He called it "follow the leader", cosmetology style...Who knew!!;-)

Lesson

This week please comment about a lesson that you taught that went well. What was the topic? How did you choose to teach it? How did your students react?

The past week, I have only been in the classroom one day. I attended a workshop on Monday and Tuesday, and Thursday and Friday I attended the Skills USA conference.

I guess the only assignment I can truly speak about is the teaching assignment I gave to my 2ND level students. They had to outline Chapter 1 on the textbook, and create a lesson from the chapter. They were instructed to create a PowerPoint presentation and a test.

A little background on this class, it's only 7 students, the class was changed after the third week of school. This particular class was third level class(Forensics) with students whom never taken the other perquisite classes. So, once the class was changed to the correct level, 2ND year(LCRP), I lost about 5 students.

The students are excited because I advised that not only will they be teaching me, but also the other Law and Justice teacher's intro class. This appeared to make them excited. It gives the student the opportunity to not only read the textbook, but act as the teacher.

They present either today or tomorrow.

Open Mic

Of course, I am going to write of my difficulties so far. The main one is the administration office "dumping" disciplinary problem students in my class. I had 3 students put in my class the 4th week of school that must have been kicked out of other classes. I've had one kicked out of my class so far for dangerous behavior in the lab. I just don't trust everyone in the lab to where I can allow them do group projects. I have to be able to watch everyone. The one's that don't take it seriously are given bookwork, and told that it is their grade for the day. I find their worksheets crumbled up in the trash because these kids simply don't care about their grade. It's sad. I don't have time to think of something for them to do. It's always unexpected when I have to kick some one out of my lab. I wish I could get a student aid to help me next semester. Another thing is the use of tools, I have to closely monitor every tool to see if it stays in the classroom. That's just a few concerns...

Right where I should Be!

During these past few weeks, there have been a lot of frustrations but there have also been those small moments that make me feel good about my job and help me get through. During lunch, students have stopped by to see what I was doing and if they could help. This made me feel good and made me realize the students are interested in this field and are beginning to respect construction as a "real job", not just guys in hard hats whistling at girls. Many other students have mentioned they want to take this course because "they actually do stuff in that class now". Most of the students remember the old class where only a few students participated in lab work and the others listened to music. It makes me feel like I'm making the changes that I wanted to make. Without these gestures, I don't know how I'd feel about this job.

Using NTI so far...

The NTI has helped me tremendously so far. The first day of school went by easier than I imagined it would. I used the "First Day of School" tab to prepare. The next major help from the summer course was the Sub Emergency plans I used the last minute to attend a funeral in Birmingham that day. The other teachers in my department were asking if I felt like giving up yet? I really felt prepared though. My Daily lesson plans have not been much use though. I feel like I rushed through them to complete them and have since thought of better ways to teach than the time allotted in the summer course. Being a fir4st year teacher, I have found that taking the NTI before teaching was a godsend.

Open Mic

I 'm just a bit bothered by the lack of knowledge that my students have about basic technology. I am even more put off by the lack of concern shown by parents and the school leadership. I have required that all my students own a portable memory device. I hear constant complaints able the ridiculous over use of printing materials. So I share info with students and parents via email and flash drives. You would think that I'm asking each kid for a pint of blood. I can't even teach a technology lesson with the assumption that students know how to type a paper in MS Word.

My little cousin who is in the 2nd grade in another county is required to have a flash drive and use PowerPoint. Never mind why I work in the stone age. How do I bring my school into the year 2010?

Using NTI this year

I started this year off with an idea of what I wanted to do to improve the dynamic of my program. I started the year by following my plans to the letter. This went really well until I was out for a week. I've struggled to get back on top of things. When I returned to work after my injury all of my students wanted to gather around my desk and share everything with me. Being that I cant walk I felt like I was being attacked. Then, I remembered the parking lot! I have been using the parking lot ever since. Its great. I don't have anyone at my desk at all. They even request breaks using the parking lot. I love it.

Open Mic

This week I had an FCCLA meeting. I instructed the executive counsel members what was expected of them. They were to have the meeting agenda typed and printed for the meeting along with other essential materials. Needless to say it didn't get done. I ended up being the person to conduct the meeting. After the meeting the officers were supposed to stay for additional training. They didn't. I was so over it all. Until 3 members asked what was wrong and offered to stay. They completed everything that the officers should have done. We were at the school until 8pm. I thanked them as we packed up for the night. I asked them why they stayed. They told me that FCCLA was more than a popularity contest. One student told me that she didn't care who got the credit as long as the work got done. Knowing that I have even a couple students who are that devoted to the program makes all the other stuff bearable.

Advisory committee

Has anyone established their advisory committee yet? I am working on mine as we speak. I have about 40 invites that have gone out to my colleagues. I am looking for more parent involvement, however...what has been your experiences?

Huge Success!

Well...we did our first morning show for our school year. this is a show I developed last year in which I used virtual sets, a variety of hosts and hostesses. the problem i had last year was that none of the students knew enough to take on the editing.

This year, however, I have NO planning period to take on the project...this year it's ALL student run...and their first show was a huge hit with the school!!!

I am still working on getting my classes to run more smoothly than last year...the big difference is now I have tools to work with in getting my classes to run smoothly!

Without the benefit of NTI, I would be lost and doing EVERYTHING the same as last year. I still have more to do!!!

Frustrated

I am having issues with students. Here it is 7 weeks into school and I keep getting new kids in program not that it's a bad thing , but it is very hard to keep trying to make sure the others get caught up. I got another today and we are already in chapter 7 . I am just hoping that she can some how stay afloat they didn't even say if she had Cosmetology at her other school so who knows. I am trying to give her enough handout that she has some idea what's going on at least that's the plan. Does anyone else have a suggestion? I am just venting but help would be great. I hope everyone is doing well.

Need to Vent

I enjoy what I do, but don't enjoy the way some of my senior students are thinking or where they are headed. Many have obviously graduated in their mind already and are disruptive, ungratful, and can be very rude at times. They really don't appreciate what they have or what it took for their parent's to get it for them. When attempting to teach them about respect for themselves and especially others. Their comment is "I won't respect anyone who does not respect me", but they want all the respect. Next semester I am taking several of them to a nursing facility to complete 24 hours of clinical training. Hopfully my mature few will be able to assist and attempt to calm them down or several will not complete their pathways or become nursing assistants. I will not jepordise the safety of any patient due to their bad attitudes or disrespect. Hope you all's day is great. Mine is just fantastic.

Open Mic

I am very glad to have made the choice of pursuing the teaching profession. However, it takes some adjusting at times from being "your own boss". If I needed a piece of lumber, all I had to do was just get in my truck, and off to the hardware store I went. Now it is, fill out this form, wait, wait, and wait. I know now the trick is to order from the previous year in advance. Which made it hard to do the first year. I can tell, it will get easier as the years go on! I enjoy passing on what I have learned through out the years of being in the profession, and watching them "get it".

Right Where I Belong- Teaching

One of the things that happened was during the first week of school. As you all have realized, the first couple of weeks feels like a revolving door has been installed at your classroom, with all the schedule changes. At least that's how I felt last year. I came into a sophmore construction program that had been absent for a number of years. Within those two weeks, I had a lot of students change their schedules out of my class. This year, I have had students asking me why they wern't in my class this year. And they were changing their schedules to get in my class! It feels awesome!

OPEN MIC "SKILLSUSA"

I have been preparing for my first SkillsUSA meeting with my students, and I must say it has been very exciting. I am learning as I teach my students about the benefits of being a part of a CTSO. The meeting took place on September 8, 2010 and I had a very good turn out. I have a total of 46 applications, I have 8 students interested in being officers, 10 students have given me their dues. I believe my chapter has been formed. This is my first year as an advisor for Skills, and it makes my workload full, but I'm excited about giving my students every opportunity to go forward. If you are thinking about becoming an advisor just do it, and it will work itself out, be positive,and really want it to work and I believe it will. I am excited about going to the Fall Leadership Conference, and although I am not taking any students it will be a learning experience for me to go and see how things are done. I can't wait.
VJ

OPEN MIC

I feel I'm being stretched in my professional and personal development. I'm blogging. I will start on the interactive sessions tomorrow 9/14. It is a challenge, even though I'm 29 and holding( Hint: I've been married 32 years)and have not used facebook yet! I'm not that comfortable with new technology as a rule. However, I'm happy that these items are a part of this class. I'm more aware of the what the students are using and I'm not as afraid of technology as I have been in the past. I have a new Promethean board, the software hasn't been loaded, but I feel using the whiteboard with "Elluminate Live" will help me when the software is loaded. I'm excited!!!

OPEN MIC...

Hey guys :)

I have realized alot just in the past month about my job and co-workers. I am lucky. I had to go to a workshop last week where I listened to horror stories about other counties. I realized how good it is to work for Douglas Co. School Systems. Yes we have problems also, BUT I work very close with the other 4 health occ. teachers in the county and our administration at the school as well as the board is very strong and supportive.
I feel very overwhelmed at times but I am choosing to wear several hats at the present moment. Our county is going through Industry Certification this year (for those of you that don't know, it is a BIG deal with alot of work). We are all in NTI, taking classes online weekly with observations (I love it!!). I still work 32hr weekends at the hospital and they are wanting me to become certified in Cat Scans by December of this year which requires studying for and taking a national registry. And most importantly.... I have a husband and children to take care of (thank God for my husband). If I can get through the end of the year I will feel like a weight has been lifted. I tell you this not to toot my own horn but to let you know that If I seem crazy at times or do not email you back right away, I will.... I promise.
I have learned to LEAN ON OTHERS!! If you cannot count on your friends/family/co-workers, then who can you count on?? We should ALL have each others backs because we are all in the same boat. If you need me for anything, PLEASE let me know :) I value good friends.

Open Mic

I really can’t say that I have an “issue” with the teaching profession. I think the biggest thing for me is to get my self all the way organized, get better at staying on top of things, and improving my time management. While coming from industry to education I can honestly say that it is a world of difference and there is more to this than meets the eye. I can say that the above mentioned things would help me to be a better teacher and professional. However it doesn't happen over night. There are times that I think that I got one thing under control and here comes something else before I can get to the next thing. Can it be overwhelming? YES!!! But, it can be done it just requires a little more than sometimes were willing to give. Now as a disclaimer, I can only speak for myself because we are all different and at different levels and there are always other factors that impact how much of ourselves we are willing to invest. However, I will say that we all have a commitment to those students who walk through our doors everyday with an expectation to learn and get the best out of us whether we’re up to it or not. As for me, I am far from satisfied I feel like there is more for me to do so that I can give them the best of me because they deserve it and they need it.

Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life. ~Henry L. Doherty

Last week we held our first culinary club meeting and I was really excited to see the students excited about the club and taking the initiative to see it come together and be all that it has the potential to be. It was different for me because I was enthused and excited watching them being excited and enthused. I had a weird sense of satisfaction if you will, just knowing that I could serve as the vessel to help them achieve a range of experiences and accomplishment as it relates to culinary arts. They all had great ideas for fund raiser and community service deeds as well as ideas for fun yet educational outings. This would be the first time for me that I have sponsored a club so I am thrilled. Knowing that I can make a difference somewhere in someone in the profession that I love and am committed to truly brings my joy. My students remind every day that I am where I belong.

Teaching, the right profession

Last year was probably my most challenging year so far in teaching. I had a small classroom which contained up to 37 students at any one time. I didn't have enough textbooks. I shared textbooks with another teacher. My computer stopped functioning between classes one day. Not only did I have a shortage of textbooks, I had a shortage of handouts for my classes. We have a limit on the number of copies we can make at my school for each month. Students would always ask "Can we write on this?" My reply, "No, use your own paper." Then the moans would start. But despite it all I survived and so did the students. This year I have some of those same students and I can tell their behavior has improved, and they seem to be more mature. Even though they still have to write their answers on their"own" paper I believe they are realizing that that is minor and the main reason they are in class is to get as much information they can. I have learned to be flexible and to not let the inconveniences change my mind about teaching. My students have learned to be flexible and go with the flow as well. I think teaching is about helping others obtain their potential and when I look at my students I realize I am where I am supposed to be. Each one of my students is different, and that is O.K.with me.

What I Have Implemeted From NTI

There are several things from summer semester at NTI that have been very helpful however, for me as a first year teacher I would have to say the lesson plans have been the biggest benefit. I say this because before NTI this summer, I had not seen a LP and my first semester was very stressful because I was coming up with LP’s at the last minute and they were inadequate. The NTI LP is so detailed that affords me the opportunity to constantly work on my classroom management because I know that if I am not into my set induction during the first few minutes of class, then there is a great chance that I won’t complete the lesson. I feel a bit more organized and I have a road map for what it is that I’m doing everyday so this semester has been a lot less stressful. This semester I have a good group of students with the majority being upperclassmen. Thus far I haven’t had any major behavioral issues but occasionally I have to use some of the lower level strategies such as the “to me to you” statement which seems to work very well. Also, whereas last year I spent more time at my desk, now I move throughout the class to monitor student activity and this helps deter them form going overboard and getting really out of hand. There were also some sample logs that I received during summer semester that I use daily and have been a tremendous help since this semester at least two are required by my administrators. In addition I incorporated some of the parent/student logs in to my syllabus. During pre-planning I made copies of all the documents from my NTI notebook that I thought I might need to quickly access and transferred them to a smaller notebook given to me by my principal that I keep it on my desk while my NTI “bible” is safe at home.

Open Mic

Concerning the teaching profession, it is a career that involves helping people, whether they are young adults or older adults. I really like informing people which is what you do when you teach. Teaching to me is a helping profession and you must like people. There is no room in teaching if you have hang ups about people's background, their looks, their learning abilities to name a few. The longer I am in the classroom the more I am aware of this. Being a teacher also allows people to explore their potential. Before I was in a classroom I worked in Public Health for several years which is about informing and helping people( the public) as well.

I really get excited when students ask questions about a topic we are discussing and even more excited to know I am contributing to their learning.

Sandra

I thoroughly enjoyed the classes I attended this summer. Some of the suggestions I utilize in class include raising my hand when I need to get the students' attention. I know Dr. Burns turned the lights off to get the attention of the class but raising my hand seems to be somewhat effective.Sometime after I stand in front of the class and raise my hand there is still some talking. What I do in addition to raising my hand is to stand there quietly until they come around. This might take a few minutes since I have a class of 34 students in at least two of my classes. I have a total of 162 students. Another strategy, I have a basket for each class to place their work in when they are finished. I also make sure I do not lecture more than 10-15 minutes. Before I took the class I know I was lecturing for 20 - 30 minutes, that was way to long to stand up in front of a class of 9th and 10th graders and expect them to listen and take notes.

I enjoyed being a teacher...especially when the effort is appreciated

I had a situation where I have two students assigned to the same class this year that did not get along last year and randomly chosen to work together. (A student helper, assigned students to groups during my planning period and posted the names for the next period). When the list was posted: one student stated loudly “I don’t want to work with him, we didn’t get along last year and I don’t want to work with him!” My response to her is my standard answer, “once you leave high school, you might have to work with people you do not like; however, to remain employed you will have to work with them and maintain a professional attitude.” The group was not changed.

The student placed her concerns in writing on an action plan sheet. To summarize, it stated, “I don’t like him and I don’t want to work with him”, I told the teacher that and she wrote my response.

I contacted the student’s parent, read her child’s response and asked her to ask her daughter for specifics. Her daughter was in the background and stated “he is lazy”, “doesn’t do his work”, and “I don’t like working with him”. The mother felt that if her child had attempted to work with an individual all last year, I needed to reward her and not have her daughter work with that individual this year. I explained to the mother, as a teacher, it would cause havoc if I allowed a student to tell me (in front of the class, in a loud voice) to switch a team member because they do not want to work with a person.

I explained the situation to a more experienced teacher. She stated to make sure the students were able to see the selections are random, and gave me several strategies. I went to school box and put them into place.

I contacted the mother again, to bring closure to the issue and explained the actions I had taken to ensure selections were random and visible to all the students. I maintained the stance that if her daughter and the other student are selected on the same team, they will still have to work together, but the assignments will be visibly random.

The mother stated, “you must love your job, most teachers would have said my way or the highway” She stated, she felt I went out of my way to ensure a fair system, appreciated the effort, and she encouraged her daughter to work with her groups as assigned.

Open mic Issue

Well lets see ,I have had an issue with another teacher at our school. I teach the Cosmetology class at our school and some of the teachers just look down their noses at the CTAE dept. I have a major issue with this she came in and asked if I had a student that was willing to work as an apprentice at a local spa learning manicures and pedicures. I told her that I had a girl that was interested that I though would be great at it. She decides to come down to my class and check out the student. The first thing she does is reiterate the fact that it was at the spa and that the student needed to look a certain way. While doing this she starts talking to me like I am beneath her. She asked which student it was so I told her and she looked at her and said isn't their some one else . She walked up to another student that she thought more fit her idea of what they should look like. That student told her she was not interested in the nail area she wanted to do the hair end of cosmetology. At this point I looked at her and said I am sorry but my students are not going to work in a place for someone to look down at them and treat them as if the are 2nd class people every one has the right to be treated the same. The nail interested student has since transferred back to another school, but the whole thing has put a bad taste in my mouth about recommending anyone to her for her work placement programs.

'OPEN MIC'

The Spanish word tapa means "Lid" and the nations obsession with these flavorsome tit bits began hundreds of years ago when Andalusian innkeepers used slices of bread t keep dust and bugs out of the glasses of wine and sherry provided for passing horsemen. Eventually slices of ham and cheese were added to the bread, and tapas as we know them today were born, evolving from the arid landscape of southern Spain into a national obsession of endless variety.

Tapas are small, bite sized morsels of tasty food, like finger food, that are uniquely Spanish. Tapas are served in Spanish bars and cafes throughout the day, and the preparation, eating and enjoyment of tapas are essential parts of everyday Spanish version of French hors d'oeuvres or Mediterranean meze (see photo above), but they are very different. Unlike meze, for example, tapas are never intended to replace a proper meal, nor do they form the first course of a meal, such as the role of hors d'oeuvres.

WHAT MADE ME FEEL I'M RIGHT WHERE I BELONG-IN THE TEACHING PROFESSION

This student came into my class swearing, very bad attitude, grade 9, very immature, not completing assignments. Involved in a fights, sent to detention too many times, you name it she did it. I spoke to counselor, parents, teachers, student several times, I did everything I could do to turn this student around. I had parent conferences with student and parent, invited student to come in and talk to me whenever she felt she needed to talk. Assigned tutorial sessions for this student, along with make up work.

Student ended up passing the class and improved her professional behavior.
At the beginning of this semester the student came to me and asked me to be her mentor, I received a great big hug. Student showed me her report card - grades were vastly improved. I received a call from her grandmother thanking me for turning her granddaughter around.
This made me feel that I am where I belong in the teaching profession.

WHAT I IMPLEMENTED THIS PAST SUMMER!!!

This past summer I implemented a color coded system to my class room. I purchased crates, folders, dividers, and other sundry items in bright blue, red, and green. In the previous semester I had a problem with students forgetting their folders so the large crates (color coded for each class - blue 1st period, red 2 nd period, green 4 th period) are placed in front of the white board and students can now leave their folders in these crates at the end of class if needed or take them home as needed. The folders I use to put in all printed handouts and assignments for each class - just like our NTI binder but not as detailed.

This system has added color to the class room and has solved the problem of students not having a binder in class on a daily basis. I have random notebook checks and give a grade after check is completed. This grade is placed in the grade book. Quite a few students had all the work in - some did not. This was a success for me, maybe you all can try it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Open Mic

Hello everyone, I hope all is well. After a long week of school I'm looking forward to attending SkillsUSA Fall leadership this weekend. I look forward to watching my student meet and greet other students for around Georgia. This is a great experience for the kids and I to build our leadership and networking base.

Open Mic

One of my biggest problems that has been constant thus far is technical support. I'm a technology based teacher. I have been having the most problems with my technology equipment features. My overhead projector, printer, and dvd player is down. This is such a handicap to me, especially since I teach and integrate with technology.

My issue is the support from my school and the urgency to get the equipment replaced or fixed. This is so frustrating to me. I want to make sure my students are always engaged. Working backwards, makes this difficult.

Open Mic

One of my female friends told me when she was in school, her professor told her that if she was teaching for the money, that they were in the wrong profession. How funny that is to me now. No one could have ever told me that teachers are required to do much. I see now that the statement "teachers are under paid", is not only a statement. It is the absolute truth. On the good side, I guess I am one of the people who don't do it for the money. I do realize that these young ladies and men, do need me. As time go by I realize that I need them as well. No amount of money can replace that.

Right Place/Right Field

This past week, I had a very interesting moment during school. One of my students; who graduated last year, sent me a message stating how my class and what he learned has impacted him already. This former student is studying Broadcast Video Production at Clayton State. He also talked about how he felt ahead of his class with the training and support he learned.

When my former student gave his testimony to me, it was a confirmation to me that I'm in the right place at the right time.

Right Place

The right place? I'm not sure.... But I must say I look my club. SkillsUSA is the force that drives me. My students seem to like the organization and its opportunities. The feedback from the kids fill me up with their interest and drive.

NTI and Teaching So Far

My experience so far has been very pleasant. The tools I learned in NTI has already been effective for me. I felt so confident and equipped starting school again this fall.My students can tell a difference in my classroom also. My intro students are so excited about all of the activities and classroom excercises that they are doing. I also implemented the parking lot and the "light switch transition". My older students (advanced students) are constantly telling me, " Ms. C, you've changed, you're really teaching us this year."

Test

test

Something that happened with students

The first thing that made me feel like I was where I belonged was having the kids come in the first day and say was going to awsome class. I had a great bullentin board and all kinds of posters up they were so excited. My second year kids came in and said Mrs. Kristie we missed you so much what do we get to start first this year. They ask to start new subjects all the time and want to go over others they liked the most. I love this class I feel like I have accomplished something with them every day.

classroom management

This summer was great for me it helped me in so many ways. The lab management I have used the most with having students run the dispensary and shop management when we are doing activities. They have a true sense of leadership and responsibility when working as a leader in class. It has also made it so much easier for me not running all over the place I am able to work with each student so much more . I think the students are getting much more out of our lessons because of the management system. The class room is also a little less hectic because the handing out of work and the turning in of work is so much more organized.

Trying new things

They say old habits die hard...and such is the case with how we do things that are repetitive. I sought out ways to make my class function better. I wrote down a list of the top 3 or 4 things that bothered me about last year...

I made those changes...but of course new problems or issues cropped up with regard to the changes....UGHHH, but here we go....in today's class we addressed my issue...plus we then addressed the issues of 6 others by acting as a consultant....

And lo and behold, some of my other issues are the sames ones my fellow colleagues face every day as well....comforting that I am not the only one....but sad that I am not the only one! My answers to my colleagues helped me face my own issues a little more objectively.

Planning and Preparation

I am currently trying to wrap up this quarter. Everything has been so busy lately. My students are taking exams and catching up on their online makeup work. It has been very hectic trying to get the last minute grades in the computer system. In my spare time I am already preparing for the Fall quarter. Students tend to notice my organizational skills and always make remarks about the other teachers who are not prepared. Students are inclined to observe our every move. Teaching requires a lot of planning, patience, and preparation.

Classroom Management!!

This past week has really tested my ability to implement all of the classroom management skills that were introduced in NTI. Due to an increase number of students and school budget cuts, my classes have such a wide variety of students and the number seems to increase daily. It becomes a little frustrating to have so many students who are just placed in classes they have no desire to be in, but have no other courses to choose from. It becomes difficult to manage these students who really don't care and bring negativity to the class. I think that I have handled things well up until this point, but I guess I just needed to vent a little because I know that there is really nothing that can be done. I will continue to use the techniques that I have learned for managing my classes effectively and hopefully things will improve quickly.

Hey There

Hello everyone. It seems like it's been an eternity since we were all together. This new teaching year has already brought some challenges. My father passed away recently and I had to miss the first "real" 2 days of school. Luckily, I had been to NTI this summer and was able to walk right in with my very organized binder and all my new found knowledge and start teaching meaningful lesson right away. Like many of you, my classes increased anywhere from 7-10 more students in each class. Therefore, I am extremely pleased we studied the unit on classroom management. It has been very helpful this first semester. Although things go off to a shaky start, I am looking forward to a productive and fun year!

When it rains...Dance

Well, reading over some of the post it appears we all facing the same issues. I was in a meeting and said that if corporate America was ran like how we run our schools we would be in worst trouble than we are now.
I can honestly say that I have never had a lot of confidence in Georgia's educational system. We are confused on what is important, and that is educating our young people. We try this, and change that, and at the end of it all we are still ranked in the bottom.

I read a sign that stated, "don't live in the situation," well I now understand what that means. I lived in my situation last school year. I was always frustrated because of lack of leadership, unconcerning students, etc. I teach with a smile, and I go home with that same smile. I am no longer concerned with trying to figure out this broken educational system. I do what I can.

I am sorry I want see you guys Saturday, but I have decided to go headed with seeing a very dear and close friend for nearly 20 years, walk down the isle.

"Live beyond your situation!"

JUST VENTING

I really hate to bring the negativity. I think I work with the most unhappy, unprofessional, people in America. The negativity has really been weighing on me lately even though I try to stay positive. It's very difficult to work in an environment where the teachers don't care about the students and don't believe that the students here can be successful. This appears to be the attitude of most of the teachers here. I feel like I am the only one here to "fight the good fight". I think it's sad that most of the students here do not get what they need to be successful from home, but what's worse is that the teachers here do not seem to have the enthusiam that teachers should. The morale here is very low and I know that the students can tell.

Where I Belong

I know that the teaching profession is where I belong! We had open house on Aug. 26. Usually, no one shows up and I was really expecting to just sit in my classroom and wait for the principal to announce that we could leave. Anyway, I had only 4 students to attend along with their parents, but the last student that came by said something that made me feel like I am where I belong. Her mother stated that she comes home everyday talking about my class! The student stated that she has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and even though she's in severe pain, she tolerates it so that she can attend my class. Also, she stated that she wished the healthcare professionals where she receives medical treatment were as professional as I am. It made me feel like I'm doing something right!

What I Found

Hopefully everyone had a relaxing holiday. We are just about to complete six weeks of school, that was fast. What I found out over the past six weeks is that there are some really dedicated teachers. They are passionate and really want the best for the students. Many come in early; ok maybe to get in line for the copier. But, for the most part they are preparing to share the knowledge and information that they possess. From conversations, mostly over heard, teachers are seeking innovative ways to reach the students. From what I gather, the teaching profession is changing; many more requirements in a day, not just teaching. Overall, I see despite the many requirements and changes, they all come back the next day... giving their best.

What I found out is that no matter how things look, our future would look worst without dedicated teachers. Take care.. Freda

A Change of Heart

Every year I start my classes off with the same two questions; Who's in this class because they sign up for it? and Who was just place in this class and have no idea what the class is about? I usually get about 20%-80% split with the “they just put in this class” always winning the battle. This year was no different. I always let those students know, my class isn't going to be one of the easy classes where you just play on the computers and you get an A. I promise them if they are willing, I can get them through the class and they may learn to like computers.
Well, upon hearing the “not easy” part a handful usually elects to get a class change. This year in one particular class 6 students elected to request class changes (I wasn't offended). Due to the budget crunch we lost 2 of our 5 counselors and the changes took over a week. During this time those students were force to come to class.
(While trying to be modest but honest) I enjoy teaching and my classes are lively, energetic, hands-on, and flat-out fun. By the time the class changes were made 5 of the 6 students changed their minds and beg to have me to email the counselors to reverse the schedule changes (of course I did), and the other one came by and said she missed being in my class (but it was her dream to be a nurse).
It is moments like these that reenforces my belief that leaving the high paying life of an IT professional was the right/best choice for me.

A good feeling

We had an outside project to repair an antenna at our school football field. Instead of giving the project to the maintenance department, I thought it would be good experience to let all the students help in the repair which involved a field weld with the portable machine.

We completed the work and all the students started walking back to the class. One of the students who I had last year slowed down and began walking with me. This student has a speech problem (stutters) and he started to talk to me. It took him a while to convey his thoughts but what he said was that he was going to drop out of school but did not because he liked my class so much. His background is typical for a lot of my students--no dad and no money in the family.

Last year, six of my students dropped out of school before January. They drop out for a variety of reasons. It makes me feel good to think that in some small way, one student at a time, I am making a difference.

The kid made my day.

Off to a pretty nice start (under the cricumstances)!

Salutations! This school year has been amazing and amusing all at the same time. In NTI, we laughed about my lesson plan times. My Principal had us to keep our homeroom all day the first day of school for diagnostic testing. It lasted FOUR DAYS this time! Their only outlet was their lunch period. But, I was so prepared and I loved it. We did role plays and goal setting activities based on some of the things that we did at NTI and we survived. Other teachers were truly frustrated, but to my suprise, people were actually coming to ask me for some things to do help pass the time.

On the other hand, schedules are still not set and two of my classes have been changed to a study skills class, so I am really afraid to truly get deep into the content and have to start all the way over. We had a great rivalry weekend and we defeated T.W. Josey 56-7 in the All-City Classic this past weekend. The chemistry is started to come together with the staff, even though I still do not have any books for any subject. I will just be happy when everything is finalized and I can truly cover the material. I am way past excited!

In the Right Place

My students are currently in week eight of this ten week quarter. I had several students thank me this week for making COS 112 such an enjoyable class. They were amazed at the amount of knowledge they had gained during this short amount of time considering we only meet once a week.

One particular student told me she could really tell how much I care for all of my students. This young lady happened to be behind with some of her online work. To help this student catch up I made her some hard copies. Sometimes it is just nice to have your hard work acknowledged by others.

" Missed"

Well unfortunately I got sick last week and missed two days. While I was out of course the students didn't get their daily bell ringer. My bell ringers have been brain teasers, that they complain and say "oh, that was lame" everyday. Well when I was out, I got a text from one of my students telling me that she miss me and she hope I feel better. She also ask me "when was I going to return. I must say that this made me feel quite special.

When I returned the same students that complain about my lame "bell ringer", ask for one and told me how much he missed them. Students are really something else, that's why I try not to take anything personal. I love my students and I know that I am right where I am suppose to be. Although it was only two days, me and my lame bell ringers were missed. It doesn't get any better than this.

"A Real Cosmetology Teacher"

This week I received an email that said " call me asap about a job after school." When I saw the name of the person I thought, I don't know him like that, but I called him and he said he thought of me when the middle school program coordinator for the after school program needed a real cosmetology teacher to work with the middle school students once a week, he was impressed with comments that the students had made about me when he worked at ARC. Again I didn't know him like that,well just in passing I would say hello. Well I spoke with the coordinator and she explained the job to me and told me what she needed me to do and that she had heard about my program and that I was a real cosmetology teacher, and I'm like wow this week I learned that I made quite an impression on my students and some of the other faculty and staff when it came to my program, and I didn't even have a lab. I told her to email me more details, and when she did she also sent me attachments telling me that other middle schools were interested in me too, and if I would let them know if I could come to their school once a week too. I know I am where I'm suppose to be right here and right now teaching what I love to all that will receive it. vj

Hands on Education :)

I am always looking for new ideas to use in the classroom..... This week I prepared a rotating lab for my students and a skin lab as well. The students love getting up and putting there hands on objects to learn. I had several comments from the students about how they love having me as a teacher and how I try to make learning fun. It made me feel good that the students liked coming to my class everyday. I know that I could make a lot more money at another job, but I feel that I am helping these children in ways that even their family might not. I listen to them, answer questions, and give positive solutions to problems. I still have a lot to learn, but I do the best I can with my busy schedule and that is all anyone can ask us to do.

Making An Impact!!!

This week I think that most memorable moment would have to have been a conversation I had with one of my senior students. She was feeling very overwhelmed and came to me in tears. She did not have a clear plan after graduation and wasn't sure if college was right for her. After a long conversation and a day later, she came to me and said that she was happy to have me as a teacher and felt more confident about going to college.

This example and so many other stories like this one have made me realize that teaching and being a role model for young people is what I'm suppose to be doing at this point in my life. I enjoy being able to encourage students and share my life experiences with them. My program has grown and I think that this is a direct reflection of the impact that I have made with the students.

Making Footprints in the sand!!!

What I am most proud of this week was my ability to began implementing programs that are directly related to Law and Justice, and the students are excited.

Let me go back, when I started last year I was replacing a very good and dedicated teacher. He brought the program to the school. I was confronted by parents and told, "you have some big shoes to fill." I kindly replied that the previous teacher definitely left his mark; however, "I do not fill shoes I make my own footprints in the sand!"

Not only can the students join Skills USA, they also have the options of Police Explorer program(1st time for the school), and to be certified with C.E.R.T. (community emergency response team) through the Fire department.
I have a verbal agreement with the adjacent middle school for my Law and Justice internship students to work at the middle school as an assistant to the School Resource Officer. This is what it is all about for me, trying to leave a legacy. I want my students to have many opportunities to succeed and belong.

Right Place, Right Now

This week has been filled with club bell, fire drills, bus drill and a blood drive. As I reflected on Dr. Burns' question, it occurred to me that this is the right place, right now for me. One key event, there was a student that passed out in the hall. I was called to help assist the student, of course I remembered, never leave the class unattended. One of my students was already there helping; she was calm and begin assessing the student that was passed out. After EMS arrived, she stated," I remembered what to do from last year's class".


It occurred to me, seeds are planted that we may never see the full harvest. The students may not know that they are learning, but the seeds are there. This event helped me to realize, I am exactly where I should be at this present time, teaching. Freda