Question of the Week October 6:

In reading through last week's posts it seems that many of us are a bit overwhelmed and I wonder if we are putting too much pressure on ourselves. Let's take some time to reflect on the following quote from Beverly Sills and then post about what it means to you as a CTE teacher, "You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.

This quote says and mean a lot to me.  As a CTE teacher and still new to the game, I become disappointed if I fail to meet the Data requirements that the school instructional coaches are asking for.  It becomes overwhelming when I try to use my planning period to meet all the tasks that is requested.  If I do not try and not present anything... I am doomed.  In my opinion you damned if you do and damned if you don't.  If I try and it is not correct, I am instructed to go and do this and do that and it still does not make any sense but hey i do my best and say okay and keep it moving. 

information literacy

Discussion Topic for Two Weeks: We have spent two sessions related to our new blog topic, so I am sure you have some thoughts to share. We are bombarded daily with information from the media, newspapers, magazines, radio, and the World Wide Web. Is all information equal? Is it accurate, worthy of our attention? How do you decide which information to take in and which to discard? Most importantly, how will you teach your CTE students about information literacy?

In today's web based world it is difficult  to sort through the wealth of information that is at our fingertips.I find that the information on these websites can vary from one extreme to the nest. There is no way that all the information is correct and equal. There are just too many sources out there. No two people ever tell the same story the same way. Some may put emphasis on an angle of the story that someone else does not feel important. I have found that I tend to visit the same sites that I have found through trial and error to be the most reliable. I feel that is what is in the best interest of my students. I steer them to the sites that I feel will give them the most accurate information on whatever topic we are discussing. For instance, if we were learning about the heart, I would have them look at the american heart association website. I try to teach my students to look for the most updated websites that are from reputable authors each time we research a topic. These are important things to know about information literacy.

Question of the Week October 6:

This quote to me was my theme last year. I was hired 13 days before the school year started and I was handed a set of keys to my room and was told to go teach and have fun. I gave the first part one heck of a try and for the first few months, the “…have fun” part was not going to happen. I had taught at the Law Enforcement Academy for 8 years and when I came to Kell High School I made the mistake of trying to teach the kids the same way as 40yo cops. That first semester was full of disappointments and there were several projects, lectures and assignments that after I started I could tell after the first day or so that it was going to be a huge failure, but I stuck with my guns and acted like whatever we were doing was the most awesome thing that I have ever done. There were several times where after the first few days I could see that the assignment or project was going to be a huge failure and I knew if I stopped and tried something else right then, the kids would know that, as far as I high school teacher, I had no idea what I was doing. The first several months were painful and I wrecked more trains that I care to admit, but I continued to try different ideas, hoping that one would succeed. The first thing that actually worked well was about 2.5 months into the school year. It’s true that I was very disappointed that I kept failing, but at least I kept trying.

Open Mic
I think my greatest challenge this school year relates to inspiring my students to step up to the plate and understand that average should not be the goal but excellence should be what they strive for. Too many students are just interested in attaining the minimum score necessary to pass the class.  It feels as though I am in a constant struggle fighting against their will. How do you want something more for someone than they want for themselves. I continue to press on and try to inspire these kids to dream bigger and reach higher. If you have any thoughts on how I can encourage them and break the spirit of mediocrity, I surely will appreciate it.
Sandra

Information Literacy

All information is definitely NOT equal.  In today’s technology driven world it is difficult at times to discourage students from using sources that are not credible.  Students are exposed to sources that deliver less than credible information all the time.  Social media is full of stories from lalalala.com and other ridiculous sources. 

But, since we live in the world of technology students take those sources as valid. 

In my classroom, I make a conscious effort to go through some ridiculous sites and I compare the information with the information from credible sites.  After the comparison, my students usually stay away from less than credible sites.   I also use nie.com/ajc/; it is an excellent resource.  This site allows me to set up a username and password for my students to view the Atlanta Journal Constitution online.  For research projects, I send them to this site first for current situations on the legal issue.  I also use our librarian.  She conducts sessions with my students on how to use the school’s resources to find credible information.  She instructs them on how to find information from Galileo, nieonline, library books, etc. 

I teach information literacy constantly.  It is not one lesson; I infuse it into all of my lessons that require the use of online resources. 

OPEN MIC....

OPEN MIC…

Last week was my first week in the classroom. What a ride!!! My students was  assigned a long term sub  last school year and the beginning of this school year. The welcome that I received from SOME of the students was encouraging. They want a permanent teacher in their health Care classroom. Other students were not so welcoming because now we have Class Rules and Organization. I am walking into a challenging environment because there was no structured. My biggest challenge is Classroom Management. I remember my first day in the NTI class; we reviewed classroom seating/desk arrangements. I am implemented this suggestion on Monday. I am eagerly waiting the summer session of NTI to get more classroom strategies and classroom management methods that will be helpful.

 

As I begin my journey, I am sure there are going to be many obstacles. I am also looking for the fun and wonderful experiences that will follow.

Information Literacy

Information Literacy

The modules on Information Literacy in CTE were a great resource for me. It allowed me to look at the credibility of an article as I researched information over the internet. I am sure it will be beneficial as I look for Health Care articles to share with my class. As a CTE teacher, I will share with students that all resources, articles, and information on the internet are not reliable or accurate. It is important to evaluate information across a range of media and determine its validity. This can be done by obtaining information on the author or the date the information was published.

This will definitely be a lesson that I will include in the classroom before my students begin researching current events, pathology, or diseases. They can also apply this lesson to other classes.

 

Tawanna Minter-Cummings

Information Literacy

Unfortunately, there are a number of different sources students can acquire information from, and not all of these sources are accurate or reliable.  In my profession of healthcare, given its relevance to life, this information can be detrimental not only to the careless reader who doesn't due diligence in fact-checking, but also to those they might have direct or indirect influence on. 

I don't think all information is equal, accurate, or worthy of our attention.  There is truly a spectrum of information available out there, ranging from good to bad and with all sorts of "in-betweens".  Good information is characterized by being reliable, understandable, up-to-date, and sources of the author's data should be cited.  Some information may be more suitable for laymen, but the content could be so light, allowing for slanting of the information.  Information can be adulterated with images and headings contrived by the author to get the readers attention, however the information itself could be flawed.  Some forms of information are heavy in content, scripted solely to appeal to a select sect of individuals. 

Personally, I tend to obtain my information from a few reputable resources that are well known to those in the healthcare field such as E-medicine, Web MD, NIH, CDC, Up-to-Date, MD consult, and a whole host of textbooks that I am familiar with from my med school days (updated versions of course).  If I stumble across any alternative sources of information, I try to fact-check by analyzing who the author is, what sources they quote, how reliable those sources are, the date the information was published, and when was it last updated.  I teach my students these same principles of information literacy. 

Dwight Colbert

Open Mic

Once in a while it is fun to blog about anything you like related to you and your school. We call this "open mic." This week is your choice and what you would like to share.

Being a HOSA Advisor is very fun and challenging. In the beginning the interest of the students was huge.  I had 41 students to come out to the first meeting and pay their membership dues.  Then the next meeting ( we meet twice a month) there has only been a faithful few to come and to the meetings and participate in the activities.  I know they are kids but why pay your money and be inactive.  Anyway the HOSA members wanted to bake and sale cupcakes for fundraiser.  Well the fundraiser was approved and the hard work began. We had over 200 paid pre-orders, I assigned each member different assignments who would bake, who would ice, and so forth; well of course it didn't go that way.  I walked out for a brief moment for a PTC and came back, all 12 members that stayed was baking and it was a mess.  LOL but i let them work it out and it turned out ok.  The only problem with that was everyone was leaving early and not having enough members to finish the boxing and frosting of the cupcakes.  It was frustrating especially when its down to one student left icing cupcakes while i wash dishes. When its all said and done the fundraiser was a success.  The next time we will do things differently 

Information Literacy

There is a lot of information out there factual or fiction.  Majority of my students believe what is posted on instagram, facebook, twitter, world star hiphop, etc.  When we have current event discussions; some of the things that the mention I have to look for sources to see if it is true or not.  The hot topic of current events for my students is the ebola virus.  They have shown me postings on instagram about people who have died from the Ebola virus was resurrected.  Explaining to them that everything that is posted online is not true and no one arises from the dead.  In one of my classes we have learned that the media does not tell all the truth.

Redirecting students about information literacy is very challenging because once something is posted on different social media outlets they believe and it is hard have them open their minds to view things from another point of view.

Information literacy

As a CTE teacher, I enjoy having access to  information from different sources. The information can be enlightening to me as well as my students.  In healthcare things do change often and there is always news about one thing or another related to healthcare.  Therefore, I do allow my students to use technology.  Over the last two weeks I have learned a lot about information literacy and I will use this to help my students. I will teach them to be mindful of who is writing the information. I will also teach them to look at the site and see if it is well written and to look for information that deals with facts. If they notice misspellings of words, it may not be a good source. At my school part of the work is done in this area because many sites that my school feels are not good are blocked. This makes my job easier when it comes to information literacy.

Literacy Post...J. Whitfield

We are bombarded daily with information from the media, newspapers, magazines, radio, and the World Wide Web. Is all information equal? Is it accurate, worthy of our attention? How do you decide which information to take in and which to discard? Most importantly, how will you teach your CTE students about information literacy?

The hot topic in the world of healthcare is Ebola. This topic is a great example of bombardment of information. There is so much information currently out there that it does make it difficult to decipher what is accurate and what is not. Not all that you read is equal nor accurate. While on the topic of Ebola the information is worthy of our attention but you have to be aware of the motives of the sources for the information? Also you need to know if the information is backed up by research.

When I am teaching my CTE student about literacy information I teach them first that there is so many places you can go to learn about healthcare but not all of them have the most up to date and accurate information. The best way to determine the accuracy is to look at the source and find out whether the information can be back up by research. Also to not always except things as absolute because in healthcare there are very few absolutes. Again going back to Ebola, the protocols for isolation that were put in place by the CDC for healthcare workers was looked at as being accurate now from experience we know that those protocols do not always work so now the CDC is having go back and reevaluate how to do things and will have to update the information they put out in regards to Ebola and isolation procedures

Information Literacy- Chris Cannon

Based on the topic of information literacy I feel that  we as teachers only want to introduce students to those skills which will allow them to succeed in their future chosen paths. Being information literate ultimately improves our quality of life as we make informed decisions when buying a house, choosing a school, hiring staff, making an investment, voting for our representatives, and so much more. Not everything we search is accurate or equal. My personal experience with students and information literacy was when I filled in for Officer Gravitt's class. The students were assigned a task of completing a scavenger hunt and using the internet as a resource. I found that some students were able to maneuver very well and even chose to use their phones instead of a land line computer, but I could also tell that some students experience with multimedia was just with social sites. What was very interesting was that students found results, but acquired them through different avenues. As I walked around the classroom I noticed that there were so many sites for one subject and some appeared to be more informative and easier to navigate through.


The last two weeks learning about information literacy have been an eye opening experience for me. I have noticed that there is more to information sites. Learning about the differences in .com, .org , .gov has been very helpful. I have also noticed that the general public can be swayed with in- accurate information through the World Wide Web, just like they can through gossip magazines. Information Literacy is a great tool in teaching students today as long as the teachers and the students are making sure he information is accurate and worthy.








Officer C.Cannon

Information Literacy Chef Oliver

Question of the Week October 20 and 27

Discussion Topic for Two Weeks: We have spent two sessions related to our new blog topic, so I am sure you have some thoughts to share. We are bombarded daily with information from the media, newspapers, magazines, radio, and the World Wide Web. Is all information equal? Is it accurate, worthy of our attention? How do you decide which information to take in and which to discard? Most importantly, how will you teach your CTE students about information literacy?

       I am a true believer that all information is not worthy of attention nor is it accurate. I like keeping up with trends and news that what I believe makes me a better Chef and a better teacher, whether it is the newest cooking trend or the new slang and music my kids are listening to I want to know it all. I can not be behind times in my profession you will get run over. When looking at social media in regards to cooking it is amazing the things that come up and the cool new things people do. I come up with lesson plans based on another teachers pintrest page or blog.. I want my students and those whom I work with to challenge kids daily. I feel like I am very hard on this and the kids in the end are better. There is much information to discard but you don't know that until you look at it closer. I think information literacy is an essential part of our teachings, maybe that is why I have been fighting since fall 2013 to get some technology up in my lab....

 

Worthy?....

 Is all information equal? Is it accurate, worthy of our attention? How do you decide which information to take in and which to discard? Most importantly, how will you teach your CTE students about information literacy?


    Over the past two weeks I have learned more about the internet and how to use it. Before I would go "Google" what I was looking for in hopes it would appear magically on my screen. Now that I am aware of how to use .org, .gov, .com I have been able to sufficiently search the web. Which in turn has helped me teach my students. Though this generation gets marked as the computer savvy kids they are not all that savvy. The are very good at social media site but outside of that I have found at Marietta they are not too smart.
    I my class there is always something to talk about in regards to Law Enforcement. As everyone knows its always the bad on the media in regards to Police and what they did wrong and "who killed who" today. Now with the new White Cop v. Black criminal wave that has come about my students want to talk about it everyday and know my thoughts and opinion. I don't go into depth about the topic but speak on the ethical standards in which we as Law Enforcement Officers are held to. I also speak in regards to how we as the people have lost sight as to what is right and what is wrong and no matter what race, gender or sexuality we are we all, have a standard in which we should live by and should have self respect and respect for others.
    So what I have done in my class to teach is I have the students look up a topic daily and we spend the first few minutes of class talking about the subject. They are allowed to use their phones, computer or news paper article they saw the day before.
    In regards to this topic I try to get my students to realize not everything published by the media is 100% accurate. The bad is what sells and hardly ever the good. Stay positive and rely on yourself and hold your neighbor accountable if he or she is about to do something stupid.

Information Literacy in Middle School - Casey

I have already been discussing appropriate vs. inappropriate information with my students. One of my standards is that students should know about current events in health care, so I've been discussing in my class recently where they can find appropriate health care resources. I've also been explaining satire vs. true resources to them. It's difficult sometimes for even 8th grade to understand in my classroom, but they do seem to be getting it. Since my class is science-based, I try to be sure that I choose accurate attention that will provide my students with the best knowledge I can give them. I usually choose .org or .gov sites. I am also sure to read through the information prior to using or showing to students. I am trying to teach them about what it means to be a professional, so if I find something that puts up a red flag as being unprofessional or incorrect, I am sure not to use it. It can be a little difficult to focus too much in information literacy in my classes because they are still young and because I have such a short amount of time with them, so I just try to introduce them to the concept. Mostly, I am learning (and implementing) that I should provide the students with the resources they are to use. The way I am sure to encourage information literacy at that time is by making sure I explain why I ask them to use my resources. 

Teaching Information Literacy

Discussion Topic for Two Weeks: We have spent two sessions related to our new blog topic, so I am sure you have some thoughts to share. We are bombarded daily with information from the media, newspapers, magazines, radio, and the World Wide Web. Is all information equal? Is it accurate, worthy of our attention? How do you decide which information to take in and which to discard? Most importantly, how will you teach your CTE students about information literacy?

I am so fortunate to have an outstanding media center staff at my school. At the beginning of each semester, I have my students spend three days working with our media specialists on information literacy. The class will be assigned a project that requires internet research. Our library staff helps them by putting together a "glog" of information that should be utilized including search directories and browsers. Together they spend two days on gathering appropriate information and learning how to avoid unacceptable sources. We also take this time to teach proper citing of their research. This assignment is always a good semester starter by illustrating each student's prior knowledge of information literacy. It is often surprising to me how many students have no clue about effective research. I will then have various assignments throughout the semester that will require the use of information literacy to help refresh those skills.

Week #6-Teaching Information Literacy-Gina

  I enjoy writing about this seeing that I actually teach students how "To Be" the media.  They are taught to write and produce without bias or opinion as an ethical journalist.  It is so difficult nowadays to find a true journalist that just writes true hard substantiated facts.  So when I try and find examples to present to my students of good and ethical practices, I also try and find a poor example (what they should not strive to be like).  When asked the question about whether all information we look or read is equal-the answer is no.  Some information is instructional, some informational, some for entertainment or interest.  Is the information you find accurate-yes and no would be my answer to that.  You usually have to sift through a lot of fluff in order to find something that you can utilize for the classroom.  Is the information and the outlets used worthy of attention-absolutely.  They are where this new generation is headed.  Social media and internet use is now a given in today's students.  We as teachers need to be aware of the outlets and what they are delivering.
  How do I decide what information to use and what to discard depends solely on what point I am trying to get cross and what lesson I am teaching.  Some lessons may be more beneficial from having information from these outlets than others.  According to our documents, Information Literacy is your ability to evaluate media across the board.  You should be able to recognize what is needed for usage and what you can discard.  You should also be able to use it effectively using technology, communication networks and electronic resources.  I make sure that I know exactly what I am looking for before I begin my search.  I have an exact plan, therefore, I am not wasting my time.
  As a teacher in order for you to make your students information literate-you must first be literate.  How can you expect them to be proficient in this area if you can not help guide them.  Through CTE I make sure that the students are well aware that they can gather information and do their research in the various platforms mentioned earlier.  Through all media outlets and the web they can efficiently maneuver around to find what they are looking for.  In various projects we do throughout a semester, they will use their cell phones, internet, newspapers, TV and radio in their research.  I will direct them to certain pages to choose from so that they have a guideline to go by.  In doing that I will also be teaching them how to accurately choose information from a selected group of sources.

Socrative...Have you tried it?

I LOVE this new discovery. Our administrator used it yesterday in a faculty meeting, and it is my new favorite technology discovery. Students can load the app on their phones or go to the website. You can load quizzes, polls, even a quiz-based team game, or my favorite right now - exit tickets! I have been displaying it on my projector screen, and the class can see what other people write anonymously. I highly recommend you guys check this out. My 8th graders LOVED it too! It was pretty easy to figure out, but there are tutorials that you can use that will walk you through exactly what to do. Hope someone finds this information just as useful as I did!

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."

I am a perfectionist and therefore I put a lot of pressure of myself to be good at all that I do. Teaching comes natural, but all of the extra responsibilities have caused great stress. I think that if I could just teach, I would be much better at my craft. I work very hard in everything I do and so it is hard just accept that I am only human and can only do so much. Unfortunately, I think the kids suffer the most from this juggling act. I have tried to cut back on the "yeses" and am slowly learning to say no. I am so blessed to have an awesome student body that is flexible and supportive. They lift me up when they can tell that the stress is taking over. I have really enjoyed this journey of exploration we call teaching and I hope that someday I will feel proficient at it.

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."

The meaning of the Beverly Sills’ quote to me is to not allow the possibility of failure hinder you from at least trying to accomplish your goal.  If you don’t make an attempt to be successful, there is no possibility of ever reaching your goal.  Not trying is what dooms you.  If you fail, just keep trying until you are successful.  Each failure can be a taken as a learning experience wherein you discover what works and what doesn’t work.  Try accomplishing your goal with the knowledge you learned from the failure to become successful.

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."

I think this quotes means a lot. As humans we are bound to fail at one point in time of our lives, rather its when we are children, teens or adults. It inevitable to happen, but how we react to failure is what determines who we are. I personally would rather try a task 100x and fail rather than not try at all. When it comes to us CTE teachers it is very important that we accept the fact that some of our lesson plans are going to fail. Some our students are not going to be the angels that we want them to be but we still have to try to teach them as much as we can. Personally teaching at an urban school has shown me a lot when it comes to failing. Though some of the students have labels of trouble makers and misfits, I REFUSE to give up on that student, because I feel like if I FAIL to educate that student, that student could FAIL at life. That child's life could be "doomed" if I don't at least try to steer him/her in the right direction.

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try." - Chasity

As a human being, to me this means that if I don’t try I will never know my own greatness or lack there of in a particular area.  As A CTE teacher this means that even though I know that I am fighting an uphill battle with all of the demands that are placed on me by the school system, if I do not try at all I will not accomplish anything for my students or me.  But, if I try and I fail or succeed at least I can say that I gave it my all.  I can feel good about doing what I know is right even in what I feel is a somewhat unfair situation.  I can be confident in the decisions that I make and the requests and results that I seek.  I can sleep at night knowing that I have served my students to the best of my ability.  All in all, this quote says to me that you must keep trying even though it may be disappointing at times because the alternative is much worse. The only people who loose in a situation where I give up are the students and to me, that is doom.

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."

I have to break this quote down in two parts: “You may be disappointed if you fail,” I have do many things in my life.  Something’s have worked and others have not worked.  But you have to keep moving forward, it’s like when you plan a lesion and your children do not get the first time.  What do you? Figure it out.  “But you are doomed if you don’t try,” If you do not do anything in life, you live to do absolutely nothing, you might want take up the Darwin award.  The worst thing anyone can do is too be affair to fail.  When I read this quote I thought of the Walt Disney movie quote, “Around Here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long.  We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious…And curiosity keeps leading us Down New Paths.” Walt Disney. 

The only overwhelming situation about being a Career Tech Teacher is that Core Teacher and Administration that wear Core Teachers, do not fully understand what goes into Career Tech, but what the funny part everyone on earth utilize Career Tech Pathways every day.  I am not by any means saying that Core stills are not important but it is the service fields that drives the world.

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."

I am overwhelmed. It's rather surprising to me how school and district leadership has very little understanding of CTE Programs. Sometimes I feel that I'm fighting an uphill battle when it comes the pleading my case for supplies and materials for my lab and classroom. I really wish that every member of my districts leadership would visit other schools with well preforming CTE programs to see how we can improve our practices. Despite our inadequacy, I remain optimistic that we are moving in the right direction. So, therefore I'll continue to try even-though sometimes I feel like it may result in failure. On the other hand if I don't continue to try and push forward, my students and my district may be doomed. In the words of my grandmother, "Its OK the give out, but never give up."

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."

“You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.” I try not to be a negative person but I am harder on me and tend to be more negative toward myself. When I’m looking at something I tend to think of the worst, that way I’m not as disappointed. However, I've noticed the more I focus on the best of things it usually comes out better. When I focus on the best I have more confidence and I put more effort in it. I look at it much like the quote. I may be disappointed but at least I tried. Failures are just lessons to learn from or building blocks to success. Much like I tell my students it’s okay to not know, but it’s not okay to not try. If we do not try we will not have success. 

Week September 29

One of the things I have noticed this year is that the students take me more seriously. My first year it seemed like I was always behind and I spent several mornings during my 30 minute commute thinking; “What in the world am I going to do with the kids today…” Fortunately, this year I have had a much better idea what is expected of me and I actually have a game plan. Not only has it made my year easier, but the kids are much more focused and seem to think I know what I am doing (I really have them fooled). There has been several times, last year and this year, which I have tried projects for the first time ever during the class (not the best practice I should add). Many times I have thought to myself; “Holy Crap! That worked!”, but I always play it cool and the kids believe that I have done these things thousands of times. This year I have been much better taking the time to take the demonstrations home and making sure I don’t have any surprises during class.

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."




This quote hit home a little for this week. After the grueling week last week, I did some soul searching and found that if I fail at one thing that's better than not trying at all. I feel like as teachers and adults we are often times to hard on ourselves. Lets face it, we can only do the best we can. If the students don't want to learn it then that's on them. "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink." We just have to keep our heads high and know that we are reaching students who care and are preparing for a bright future. As I tell them, I hope you are getting this so I can some day retire.

Week September 22

My moment happened after my Unit on the court systems and court room demeanor. Last year I had tried the same unit and the output was a little rocky. This year I made sure that I discussed the breakdown of the court system, gave out a few handouts and made sure that I walked everyone through the whole process. When I came time for the court day the subpoenas had been served, the evidence was collected, the jury was selected and everything was in place to start. I was pleasantly surprised how smoothly everything went and it actually felt like a courtroom. The kids interaction was the most focused I have seen. Even the kids that were in the gallery were invested for the two days. This is one of the moments that everything seemed to come together and I knew that this is why I wanted to be a teacher.

Week September 15

One of the things that I have caught myself doing is redundancy. The first few assignments I mixed up the delivery of the projects for each unit, but last week I found myself slipping in to my old habits of assigning projects with the same output. When I started the year off I made sure to use different strategies, handouts and delivery with each unit. As the year has moved along, I have noticed that I have reverted back to some of the old lessons I used last year and I suppose I was hoping for a different outcome, but the results looked a lot like last years. I would defiantly start referring to the list we were given last summer about the different activities I could use. 

Beverly Sills- You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try

What it means to be a CTAE teacher?

Coming from post secondary education, I understand the impact we have on the lives of our young generation. I have personally experienced those thankful for the investment you make into them because they either were not considered college material, came from a background where college was not even discussed or life simply got in the way  and or they support they needed was not available. So they move into the mentality of "i got to do something".  I have even encounter some that was just entering career programs just do they could receive some for of public assistance. I have had the pleasure of having the "turn it around" students, where they entered for one reason and left with a different attitude ready for the workforce. Being a CTAE teacher means I reach all students, not just the ones in some sort of financial , emotional or social crisis. Also I am able to in a since bring work to school with me and teach what I love .

Open Mic

Once in a while it is fun to blog about anything you like related to you and your school. We call this "open mic." This week is your choice and what you would like to share.

Finally I am able to share an experience on this blog. I entered the classroom for the first time as a K-12 Teacher on September 19, 2014. The students thought I was " another sub". I had to do lots of proving to them to ensure them I was not "another sub" and I was their permanent teacher. Well, after that settled in their heads, then it all begin. I was in ahhh at the demeanor, disrespect and defiant behaviors toward me. I personally didn't raise these types of kids which had me patting myself on the back, but part of my mothering came forth and found myself slowing talking to the students one by one, by setting up personal conferences with each one of them during my planning and lunch periods. Amazing how  a 15 minute one on one will do to a child's demeanor and behavior. Well to make a long story short, I had colleagues tell me how they were shocked how I got the kids in check. I was then informed that my class was the "dump" class for the misbehaved and intolerable kids. Well it bring me to tears when as I walk down the halls and they see me, they are speaking to me, when caught in the hall, they start explaining "why" before I even ask, and just to talk in the morning during breakfast. I feel good about where I started and where I am currently. 

If anyone has any information on classroom management and classroom consequences for those students with behavior challenges please email me tennille.rainey@clayton.k12.ga.us

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try"

This quote provokes so many personal thoughts for me.  There was a time in my life when my mind felt paralyzed and I didn't follow my passions and dreams.  The feelings that resulted from that time were disappointment and doom.  I felt like I had fallen in a deep hole and didn't have away out.  When I found my way out I realized that I would be willing to take on any challenge to fulfill my dreams even if I failed trying.  Although that doomed feeling was awful it produced a tremendous amount of gratitude in me.  I have gotten overwhelmed a time or two this school year with all that I have on my plate.  I haven't perfected my organizational skills yet.  My classroom plans don't always work out.  I don't feel like the world's greatest mom these days, being stretched in so many directions.  Yet I am so thankful to be in this position right now.  I would rather be in the race and feel the pressure of the long stretches than sitting on the sideline wondering what it would feel like to be in the race.  I am having the time of my life trying to rise to the occasion of the challenges that I have asked for.  I am so thankful for this opportunity in my life right now.  I know it is more overwhelming to be doing nothing or not embracing the challenge to live life to it's fullest.

Grateful Candice

10/6 Chef Elissa

Question of the Week October 6:

 "You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."

In my meeting with my admin this week they asked me do you feel pressured. I said yes! They said by who and my res ponce was "ME." This is so true as a perfectionist I wear myself thin trying to finish Everything on my to do list. I need to often step back and remember that I do teach 190 students, I do try to cook everyday, but I am HUMAN! I need sleep, I need social interaction, I need family time. I do try my hardest at everything I do and I always feel I can do better. I am not the teacher nor the person to just make it by...I never have been. It is very hard for me when things are "out of my control" I tend not to believe that often... I can do it and I will. Lately I have been trying to back off of that because I know when I become a mother in February MANY things I will not be able to control. I just put in for my last day at school to be February 6th and I am due February 7th. I will make it through my last week of school.......right..... Determination is one thing, and knowing yourself is another. I can do all things I put my mind to but will I loose my mind while doing it ha. I feel like an octopus with many hands in different things being pulled in too many directions.

 

Week #5- Reflection-Gina G

  This week I am reflecting on the quote by Beverly Sills, "You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.".  In relating this quote to being a teacher in CTAE, I believe is very easy.  As a professional in my field for several years, I have seen failures and successes on both my part and the parts of those around me.  In striving to do better, be the best you can be and climb the ladder to success-failing is necessary.  It is part of the growth of each of us as a professional.  We become who we are by learning and experiencing failures and successes.
  Relating this to the field of teaching for me is easy. As a "Rookie" last year, I was confident that I knew the material.  I am knowledgeable and experienced.  That was not the problem.  I have to relate my knowledge and experience to teenagers.  I have to structure it in a way that they can learn and understand.  I also have to be up to par on the "teacher lingo".  Wow! That was a scary thought.
  Something came to mind when I made the decision to go this route.  My mom always said, "You won't know unless you try."  Having a positive and optimistic attitude is something that I have tried to maintain through out my life.  My parents taught me that it is all in how you look at it and approach it.  If you fail you will only know one way to not do it.  There are countless opportunities for failures, but there are also countless opportunities for successes too.
  As a teacher in the career and tech field, it is structured in a way that allows you to decide how to deliver the standards.  I look at my experiences when designing my lesson plans.  I try to relate what I know and deliver that in a way that would be easy to understand but also a way that will ignite or spark a passion.  I have had days that I would consider not the best on my part of delivering those lessons. What I do is go back and "regroup" and think about different ways of delivering the material.  By never settling for a less than perfect lesson, I am always looking for things to enhance it.
  I think looking at the quote, I can see that if you never try something than how will you know if it will work.  Believing in yourself and accepting your failures along with your successes will develop you into a wonderful teacher.   As a teacher, not unlike your students, you are always learning.  Developing your craft as a teacher is a process. Life is a process.  Failing and Succeeding are one in the same.  So I will leave you with a quote that Fredrick Douglass left us with, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress.".  Failure, Disappointment and struggle = Success, Progress and Fulfillment.

Oct. 6th Topic...Jennifer Whitfield

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."

 

Wow, What an appropriate topic! I am really struggling this year. Last year it seemed everything came very natural. I don’t know if it was that I was doing something different or if the difference is the students. This year I don’t feel like I can get the students to “buy” in like last year. I won’t say last year was perfect by any means but the students really seemed “into” what I was teaching. It was like they were sponges and could not absorb enough. This year I don’t get the same vibes. I’ve left more days frustrated than I have feeling like I made a difference. I’ve done a lot of evaluating and reevaluating how I do things. I’ve still not found the solution. I’ve talked with my department head about my concerns on several occasions and she has offered support and advice. While I’m not giving up I am starting to come to the conclusion that it isn’t a reflection on my teaching but rather just a different group of students. I will continue to work to find ways to engage them but I’m trying to learn to accept that they are very different from the group I had last year. I will also focus on the positive interactions I have with them and the few students who are really interested in my subject matter and make sure they are getting the most that they can while accepting the fact that some of the students are here because they didn’t know what else to take or thought “it will be an easy A”.  Being a type A person it is difficult for me to accept something like this but in the long run it is better to accept it than continue to feel frustrated, like I am not doing a good job and becoming bitter and burned out.

Beverly Sills Quote - Chris C.

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."


I really do not have much to write about this week. I did help Officer Gravitt with his classes this week by bring in my SWAT and Sniper gear and teaching the students about that side of Policing. As I was instructing the class I could not  help but remember when I first tried out for the team and questioned if I could do it. Getting on the team and being a Sniper was difficult and very stressful. I can relate this feeling to what it is like starting a career as a teacher. I don't have the stress factors being a sub that Officer Gravitt and the other teachers have, but I still understand. I know when I fail at anything in life it upsets me, but I agree with this quote that if you don't try it is trajic and you are left with a what if feeling.




Officer C.Cannon

Quote-Beverly Sills- Ruth

As a CTE teacher this quote is very encouraging. It makes me feel that I am doing the right thing by trying. I work at a school in which a lot is expected of teachers. This may be the case everywhere, but I really don't understand it. It seems if there is a job to be done, someone says " the teacher can do it".  As a new teacher I often find this difficult.This quote makes me feel that it's not all about getting it right all the time, but it's about putting forth effort.  I may not succeed in every area this year, but maybe more areas next year.  After thinking about this quote I will try more and I will not beat myself up when I have a failure, instead I will find a way to learn and grow from my mistakes.  Ms. Sills' quote is also going to help me to have a different view on industry certification ( another to do). I am going to give it a good try , but I am not going to stress out. Starting this new career as a CTE teacher has really taken me out of my comfort zone, but it is very rewarding and I enjoy what I do.

October 8, 2014 (Jan)

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."


This week I was asked to help judge the try-outs for the McEachern dance team. I am not sure why, since I know nothing about dancing, but I was honored to be there. As I watched the dancers  it was obvious, even to my untrained eye, who could dance and who couldn't. I admired the girls who showed up and tried their best. I am sure that some of them had an idea that they would not make the team, but they were there anyway. That is how I feel as a CTE teacher. I know that I will not reach all of my students and inspire them to go into the healthcare field. But, If I don't try, then all those bright young adults will never know the possibilities that await them in the future. That is what keeps me going when I feel overwhelmed. I feel that if I show up and reach just one child I have succeeded.

Open Mic

I have looked at the postings of my classmates for several days now and I pondered upon what to write and then I pondered on how to express my thoughts in this post without sounding negative.  I actually like you guys and all of your different personalities, so I will speak freely in this post.  I have the same dilemma as many of the posts that I have read in regards to “TIME”.  It doesn’t seem to be enough “TIME” to do “ANYTHING!”  Where is the “TIME” that I was supposed to use for planning???  Most “TIMES” that period is taken up by something else that is required like responding to a poll or survey or taking some kind of test online or meeting with a parent or calling a parent or even my collaborative group meeting, and if not that, some kind of training.   When am I supposed to have “TIME” to actually plan or grade papers?   After school there is Faculty Meeting, or Tutorial or Group Sessions with the activity I have acquiesced to participate in with the students or another parent meeting or just having to read the numerous emails that I have received so that I don’t miss a due date or offer from someone that can benefit my program!  Don’t get me wrong.  I LOVE TEACHING and I LOVE THE STUDENTS!  They make me laugh every day because every day is different with them.  I LOVE watching them soak up information and ask questions because they are interested in what I am teaching or coming to find me during my “FREE TIME/PLANNING PERIOD” to talk about some kid issue, good or bad.  That is what I find most rewarding, but then I have to deal with the corporate and adult part of it all.  During my “PLANNING PERIOD” when I am on my way to “PLAN”,  I will see a co-worker who ultimately has a lot to say (in this profession there is always a lot to be said), as I try to back away (to go get work accomplished) they continue the conversation without giving me an opportunity to cut things short without seeming insensitive or self-centered.  For the most part I like my co-workers and the seasoned ones always want to give me advice or a heads up on information.  It’s worth it most times for me to stop and listen despite the fact that I am not planning or grading papers, but at the same time, I don’t like hurting anyone’s feelings and I must be careful not to make enemies because it’s not worth the fight or sabotage.  Before you know it, there is only 20 minutes or less left for (planning).  Now, what do I do about the show-offs I have to deal with?  I will be brief with this issue.  How is it that some people have time to participate in 15 different activities in addition to the required activities?  Do they have a life outside of work?  If so, how is that possible?  Some teachers have expressed that it’s a facade.  If that is true, that performance is over the top and who has time for that???  I just want to be stress free.   I want to have time to plan and do all of the other corporate requirements, enjoy teaching, enjoy the students, and enjoy the comrade of my co-workers.   Is that too much to ask for?  In the end isn’t it all for the kids???