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.

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?

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Is this all it's "cracked up" to be as a teacher?


September 25 - October 2

What was the moment (or moments) this past week when you felt most connected, engaged, or affirmed as a teacher - the moment(s) when you said to yourself, "This is what being a
teacher is really all about"?
I especially felt most connected as a teacher when I was at a gas station today at the local Kroger where I live. It was ironic that I would fill up the gas to my wife’s car for her before the night wound down and some of our favorite shows were coming on like “Once upon a time”. We watch that series once a week as a whole family, I, my wife, and two kids. So today while I filled up my gas tank I looked to the right and noticed one of my very own students gathering the buggies in the Kroger parking lot. I hesitated a moment as I saw him look at me and I then quickly waved at him. He raised his hand and waved back.
I know this may not seem like much to the normal eye, but to me it was a connection to know that while I was out in the “real world” I had a student that I had JUST given props to the week before, someone I never connected with before, acknowledge me in his own world. He didn’t have to wave at me or even act like he saw me but he did and honestly that is what made my week in that very moment.
Connecting with students on their levels is something I had heard about for a long time but never truly experienced until today. To know that you bridged the gap between being a boss or being an authoritative figure to someone that someone else would acknowledge in some way, well, for me it has made all the difference. That same student by the way has been a quiet one that gave little response to my questions in class.
The question now would be is this newfound connection something I can use to my advantage in the classroom to help him open up more and express himself to others as he did me on a random Sunday afternoon? Only time will tell…
Mr. H.
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