Interview Post Secondary Technical College

One of your assignments this semester involves interviewing either a guidance counselor or a technical school administrator. How do you think completing this assignment could effect your program, and ultimately your students?

My interview was with an administrator at a Technical college. I previously went several counselor meetings while with the Cobb County School District nurse program. I had a good idea of their role in the high school setting but I realize you can always learn more. After interviewing and touring Chattahoochee Technical college I can attest to the validity and cruciality of this technical college. One of the most interesting facts that I left with was how graduates from one particular county in Georgia usually had to place their students in lower level and some remedial college classes until they "caught up". Oddly enough, this was the county I had previously taught in. The two areas that these students required help in were Math and English. I found this so enlightening and very helpful when dealing with students.
I gained valuable knowledge regarding the various degree, diploma, and certificate programs. One of my challenges as a Healthcare Science teacher was in answering questions students had about options after HS. I was not too familiar with the technical college level. I feel more confident now when these types of questions arise. I previously tended to steer healthcare students to a 4-year college path. But I realize that this is not the path for many students and now feel much more confident when explaining the different programs of study at the technical college level.

Effect My Program

Three years ago when I began my teaching career, my mentor gave me some good advice. The part of his advice that I remember the most is to make sure you don’t get the guidance counselors upset with you. Therefore, your program will always have the cooperation and assistance that comes from the guidance counselors. The guidance counselors and I make every effort to work together to make sure the students get the courses they need to complete high school. My program has grown for two reasons. First, I strive to give the students the best I have to offer. Second, I work closely with the guidance counselors by taking students in my class that are sometimes difficult to accommodate. Guidance counselors have a large responsibility to the students, parents and teachers of the school they represent. The counselors at our school are true professionals and have help make my program a success. By interviewing a guidance counsler, I believe I will gain more insight on ways of making my program more effective for the students.

Counselor

Learning more about something always has some effect on the learner. The assignment will help me learn more about the functions and responsibilities of the school counselor. What I learn will help me to better understand the role of my counseling department. If I understand more about the purpose of the counseling department, then I will be able to utilize it more effectively. If I do not know about something, then I can't use it like it is supposed to be used. I will know how to help my students when they come to me with problems or concerns if I know that the counselor is there to handle that specific problem. I may be able to make the counselor an active participant in my program. She can help my students prepare for life after high school. An important part of my program is to prepare students for what happens after graduating high school. When I discover whether or not my counselor's purpose is to work with my program, I will better be able to use the service as a resource for my program.

Interview

I think that by interviewing one of our school counselors I will gain a better understanding of the offerings of the guidance office. As a teacher I see e-mails, flyers and hear announcements but I seldom understand what prompts these messages. I also hope to gain a better understanding of the testing available that is done through the counseling office. Then, how can I assist my students with deciding to take the test, or understanding the results of the test.
We have advisement weekly at the CA, but the time is often wasted. I would like to get some ideas from my counselor to use during advisement such as leadership, personal qualities, employability. Yes, I know much of this, but what I know is healthcare specific and I would like to expland my advisor portfolio to encompass activities that meet all of my students needs.
And last, I am interested in learning how the counseling office works. How is scheduling done, and what must occur to make changes in sheduling. With this knowledge I can better assist all fo my students in their decision making.

Reports

I have completed these reports and have found great resources. I had no idea the counseling office had so much to offer. They provide various services to students and teachers. The students can get not only academic help, but social or personal advice. Adolscence is tuff, so to have someone to help you through it is great. Also, it is very convenient being located in the school. They offer teacher support by being present during parent teacher conferences. That is a huge plus to me.

I try to stay in touch with all the post secondary schools. I invite them to visit and speak to my classes. This gives the students a chance to ask questions and watch demonstrations. Gives the schools a chance to promote themselves. It is a win-win situations for everyone involved.

Lavoie Videos

One important point that Mr. Lavoie made in his video that stands out to me was the fact that there is no compensation for social skills. These students face social isolation and social rejection frequently throughout the day. How do we as educators facilitate their understanding of what is socially acceptable behavior and the unwritten curriculum of the school they attend? I like how Mr. Lavoie explained that we needed to do a social skill autopsy by examining and inspecting the cause of the social error. Mr. Lavoie stressed the importance of using the error that the student committed as an opportunity to teach the appropriate social skill versus using blame and punishment towards the student. I had never given much thought to the unspoken rules of school until Mr. Lavoie explained what a challenge this could be for the student with special needs. Now I understand how this could be quite challenging for some students and will use this increased awareness to guide students in the future who may face these challenges.

Rick Lavoie Videos

Both of the videos by Rick Lavoie have influenced me greatly. After watching them, I have a new outlook toward several of my students who are special or labeled as LD. The most striking thing that I have realized is that the videos point to a much, much wider audience. What I mean by "audience " is that the same ideas and techniques are needed by many of my students that are not under that "label". Students that are "normal" would benefit from the ideas and techniques used by Rick Lavoie. The three things needed by us to work effectively with learning disabled children should also by used all the time by effective teachers.
The most important thing that I learned were that any negative reinforcement only stops the behavior for that moment. Postive reinforcement , by praise and reward, will succeed because it will change behavior. It is always easier to express the immediate negative response, rather than taking the time to come up with the correct one. The seven questionable behavioral practices illustrated by Lavoie pointed out some of my own miscues. Also the three reasons why students argue with a teacher are classic discriptions of misbehaviors in my classes. I have used the postive poker chip technique with very good results with some very severe ADD adults and students. The use of poker chips will always be on my mind when confronted with any LD person. As Lavoie states, we all must be a "Talent Scout" to be able to find out what talent or gift a student has.
The second video was also good in that it pointed out we must always be teaching "Social Skills". The environment that our students have experienced may be so different from normal that many skills, learned at an early age, have been lost or not even taught. We have difficulty teaching those skills because they are so natural to most of us. The LD student does not learn the same way as what we have been able to. What seems so normal to us is very strange to the LD student. It makes it very difficult for us to teach because we know it really well. The point about not be able to question things to be able to learn was totally new to me.
I hope we can view more videos like these. I feel that the hidden social skill education and the unwritten curriculum are one of the major education problems that we have today.

Rick Lavoie Videos

“Learning disabilities: The real challenge is educating those that don’t have one.” This statement by Rick Lavoie lingers in my mind as I work with each of my students. It reminds me of the statement, “Half of the battle in resolving a problem is realizing that you have one.” So often, we do not realize we are doing things incorrectly. It is not until we see it done another way with better results do we realize something is incorrect about our method.

The information Mr. Lavoie provides not only identifies strategies and illustrates how to work with learning disabled students; it serves as a great resource for working with all students and people in general. The importance of providing the “chips” and being a talent scout cannot be stressed enough. It is amazing what a little bit of praise or positive reinforcement does for a youngster’s self esteem and initiative. When classes started this semester you can be assured that each of my students had a full stack of chips to start the semester. For those that have started to loose some, I have implemented ways for them to get more as quickly as possible. Having the right tools to teach makes such a difference in accomplishing the task with the most positive results.

Rick L. videos

The fact that was most thought provoking to me was the idea of individualism within thought processes. I have several special education students who do a great job in broadcasting but they require direction in a different way than a mainstream student. The video session reminded me of the lessons learned in my exceptional child class. As a teacher, I need to be in tune with all of my students and their strengths and weaknesses. There are a variety of learning styles and my classroom should offer lessons that cater to each type of student. I have a special education student presently who does not do well with written tests. He is better able to relay his information to me verbally. I accept this, understanding that this is the best way for him to present his learned information to me. I cannot work in a box as a teacher and have students succeed. My desire is to get to the root of each student's learning style and to help them experience their ultimate potential. Their way does not have to be my way or the highway. I will have achieved success as a teacher, when I am able to accept the differences with special needs students and have helped them reach their highest possible achievement in my class. Rick Lavoie presented material that was both informational and positive. I will remember various points that will help me become a better instructor.

Rick Lavoie Videos

Since I have several learning disabled students in my classes, the Rick Lavoie was very enlightening and informative for me. The information from the video has helped me in dealing with each disabled student on an individual bases. I have seen both of these videos in classes I have attended in the past. But, watching the video for the second time has made this information much clearer. I use several of Lavoie strategies with my learning disabled students and I have had considerable success. After watching the videos, I have more patience and indulgence when dealing with learning disabled students. The main thing I have learned is the difference between disabled learners and handicap students. I believe the videos are very beneficial for all teachers to view.

Lavoie Videos

The Lavoie videos were a reminder of how every learner absorbs knowledge differently. Although I try to remind myself to be empathetic to the various circumstances that exist within the minds of the children within the classroom, it can be difficult to empathize with a student when they are off task or causing a disruption. Through his videos, Lavoie reminds us that ones behavior is typically an act of something that is going on within and he shows us various ways to deal with such situations.

Lavoie reminded me to take a step back before reacting. He reminded me to remind myself that exhibiting patience and understanding can be more effective than embarrassment and intolerance. Showing a student that you care about them and providing them with a comfortable learning environment are two key elements in teaching a classroom full of various learning levels.

Rick Lavoie Videos

The Rick Lavoie video series should be included in the orientation process for all school systems. Mr. Lavoie has a gift for making the language of dealing with students with special needs less complicated and easier to understand. After viewing the video series, I understand the social skills of the special needs child better and I have made conscious efforts to communicate the subject matter on a level that all can understand without labeling. I was most impressed with the definitions for "no attention span" and "distractibility". Now that I am more aware of these students, I have made adjustments to ascertain successful outcomes. On a daily basis I am making every effort to make sure all children, especially those with special needs, "go to bed with more poker chips than what they woke up with. I am making more of a conscious effort to look at the world in the eyes of the students I am working. Most important "consistency" in dealing with children, not just adolescents, has always been a key factor in raising children to realize their fullest potential.

Lavoie Movies

The Lavoie movies have given me great insight into the life of an exceptional child. He explains things so simple. The tools he has given us will be used in the classroom and in everyday life. As he mentioned when disscussing the childs behavior be sure to separate the child from the action he or she did. Also when speaking to the parents start with the positive things their child has accomplished then speak on what needs to be addressed and then end the conversation with the positive. 

I am taking an exceptional child class now and we saw one of the videos. It still had an effect on my outlook. We also had to give presentation on certain disorders. My group had Visually Impaired/Blind. Most of the teaching strategies for our presentation were the same as the ones Lavoie pointed out for a learning disable student. Things videos have given me the ability to look at everyone the same by acknowledging the differences we all possess. 

Richard Lavoie Movies

The Richard Lavoie videos have made me more aware of the need to build all students self-esteem, to make sure that all students have enough poker chips to get through their school day and to contribute to their lifelong chip account. After all, some students may only have an opportunity to get their chips from you. It is important to value each individual student on his/her individual strengths and especially to never compare. Sometimes that can be hard to do.

I have always have held a high consciousness for the fact that we need to build self esteem but what I did not realize was how easy it can be to take away chips without even being aware that your were doing so. We are often so unaware of our comments in our rush to accomplish all of our tasks. It is very easy to convey disappointment without even knowing it and that is one of the things that the child/student has the most difficulty dealing with.

The Rick Lavoie movies have certainly made me more aware of the need to use reinforcing feedback and support. Even when we are being critical we must be reinforcing and focus on the task or behavior supporting what is expected. These movies are very informational, a must for all to see.

Thanks,
Ron

Richard Lavoie Movies

The Richard Lavoie videos have made me more aware of the need to build all students self-esteem, to make sure that all students have enough poker chips to get through their school day and to contribute to their lifelong chip account. After all, some students may only have an opportunity to get their chips from you. It is important to value each individual student on his/her individual strengths and especially to never compare. Sometimes that can be hard to do.

I have always have held a high consciousness for the fact that we need to build self esteem but what I did not realize was how easy it can be to take away chips without even being aware that your were doing so. We are often so unaware of our comments in our rush to accomplish all of our tasks. It is very easy to convey disappointment without even knowing it and that is one of the things that the child/student has the most difficulty dealing with.

The Rick Lavoie movies have certainly made me more aware of the need to use reinforcing feedback and support. Even when we are being critical we must be reinforcing and focus on the task or behavior supporting what is expected. These movies are very informational, a must for all to see.

Thanks,
Ron

Don't take away my poker chip...

Hey Everyone,

Happy Sunday. The videos were valuable to me in that they showed me a new perspective of viewing people and interacting with them. Regardless of whether "special" ed or "regular" ed, I think this mindset should be applied always when dealing with students. How many times have we witnessed kids taking chips away from each other? Or a teacher taking away from a student? Or as hard it may be to admit...how many times have we taken away chips? The videos presented situations in a Hit Home kind of manner and I actually have put his thinking into application. I try my best to be positive always and to build people up even though I have my moments of jokes and sarcasm. I guess long story short, you never really know what people are going through..what happened that morning, the night before, right before they entered your class even - so we should be mindful knowing we can make an impact and be in a position to give back those chips instead of taking them away.

50,000 chips to you all.

David

Videos

I honestly enjoyed the videos because it opened my eyes to have a better and clear understanding of seeing things from the students view. Sometimes we overlook or think that once we teach it everyone in class has gotten the information presented. With the videos and the Exceptional Ed course that I have previously taken it gives me such a better insight to how to help all students gain an understanding of information. I really enjoy working with my special needs students because once they accomplish something it gives my general ed students more of a push. I will never forget one of my students that would stand to the side and really not participate in classes and labs but one day after speaking with him and giving some encouraging words I decided I wanted him to be group leader. The kids in his group thought I was crazy and he was a little reluctant. Surprisingly he really opened up, started answering questions in class and proved that he to could accomplish anything. At the end of last semester he came to me to say thanks, for the first time he had friends and the kids would speak to him in the halls. :) I was so excited for him. I look at the each child that I teach as my own, how would I want the teacher to help them reach the next level. This job has proven to have its ups and down but for me it is more of the ups.

Rick Lavoie Videos

These videos have been very helpful and informative for me. Rick has a way of presenting information in a very tangible format. His examples, stories, and perspective helped me actually "see" what it must be like to be a special needs student. Things were brought to my attention that I would never have thought of or considered. The perspective of the adolescent was especially helpful for me and also the "poker chip" system. We all want to have a positive balance and as a teacher I would never purposefully want to take away from a students "balance". Through watching these videos I have been made more aware of what actions I can do to add to that balance and also actions that would take away. We can never discuss the needs and perspectives of our students too much. We will always be better teachers if we can place our selves occasionally in our student's shoes. I think we will be less frustrated and less likely to get burned out.

RL Videos

Mr. Lavoie's perspect on special needs children has influenced the way I deal with all types of students. Everyone has "poker chips". While I may not have the opportunity to learn what everyone's specific chips are, I always try to say something positive and give compliments to everyone. I love his spin, his practical exercises, and his demonstrations. They have really opened my eyes to a new world and a new way of thinking.

I wish all the teachers at my school would take the time to watch his video's. Especially our parapros and special ed teachers. Sometimes they can come across so harsh, like they forget so easily how these children operate.

I really enjoyed these videos and will recommend them and share them during our department collaboration, advisory committee meetings, and professional learning sessions.

Visit Rick Lavoie's Website at: http://www.ricklavoie.com/gateindex.html

Lavoie Videos

Rick Lavoie videos have influenced my thinking and actions in multiple ways.
For the first time, I felt that I was able to actually experience what the students with special needs experience on a daily basis. The concepts seemed so simple once they were explained in terms that I could relate to as an adult. Sometimes we forget to view actions and problems from the perspective of our students. Difficult as it may be sometimes, it is the pathway to understanding the pain these students experience. I especially love the self esteem portions of the lesson and the illustrative example of the poker chips. Additionally the adolescent lesson was invaluable. I knew the stressors associated with being a teenager and that being embarrassed about nearly any and every thing associated with adults was first and foremost the driving force for most misconduct. Mr. Lavoie brought this back to the forefront in my memory bank.
Thanks NTI for the opportunity…I plan to purchase the series

Rick Lavoie Videos

The information from video was very knowlegable it helped me understand the views of students with disabilities involving social skills. I have a student in my class with special needs, normally when I go over a topic in class she may ask several questions and at times she may interupt the class during the lesson. From watching the video it gave me ideas on how to deal with the matter and allow for the student not to fill out place or disrespected. I fill once you allow time for trust and respect it opens a window of oppurtunity to provide a foundation for learning that helps students with speacial needs and gets everyone in class involved the lesson and task. Everything has been smooth sense the start of Semester.

Rick Lavoie Videos

Although I was only privledged to view one of the Rick Lavoie videos, I was greatly influenced by what the author shared. I viewed the video on social skills in which Mr. Lavoie discussed social skils and whether they should be tought by teachers. I believe that as as educator you have no choice but to teach social skills because of the amount of time that you spend with the students. Although most students' behavior is not that far removed from when they are around their parents, they tend to do more acting out and exemplify more socially incorrect behavior at school. That acting out most of the time will cause a teacher to intervene and attempt to correct or repremand that student's actions. Mr. Lavoie's video laid out some very simple intructions on how to deal with social misbehaviors.

The suggestions that Mr. Lavoie shared on how to correct and teach those social skills was very insightful. A few of the key point that stuck with me were that: 1) we have to look at the world through the eye of the adolescent, 2) we have to teach the culture that they are in in order to achieve the correct social skill, 3) everything has to be broken down to it's most finite point and every social rule should be used as an opportunity to learn and teach. I have put a couple of these key points to use and have also shared them with a few of my colleagues at school. But the main conclusion that I brought away from the video is that there seems to be a fine line being drawn between special needs students and general education students. They all can use a social autopsy on occaision and we as educators have to be prepared to use that oppotunity to acknowledge the error, determine the damage and teach prevention of it's reoccurence.

LLL

I must say that the videos where quite entertaining and at the same time brought a tremendous amount of insight into my views of special needs children. I do not teach “certified” special needs children that I know of. But by watching the videos, I realize that I teach a lot of special needs students or are they? In one of the examples in the videos, the instructor talked about a woman in an empty auditorium and someone sits right next to her. To the average person, this is quite weird unless there were more people in the auditorium, but a special needs person would not know this was strange in any way. To that analogy, either many of the kids I work with are special need or simply ignorant. To that same analogy from the video, I meet the parents of some of these kids and find it impossible that these parents have raised the some of the kids I teach! On the other hand, I understand where some of the kids get their strange ideas about how life should work. Yes, the videos made sense, but I am just as confused after watching the video.

Life, Love, and Lavoie

I really cannot say that the videos have influenced my thinking and actions as far as special education students are concerned. I will say that they have influenced me in my dealings with all students. Now I honestly try to treat every student like they are special ed. Maybe that is wrong... maybe it's not. If I use Lavoie's suggestions only with students labeled as "special education" then I am treating certain students differently and I'm not sure that I think that is fair. Obviously Lavoie would disagree with me as he has stated, "...'fairness' is not equal, identical treatment; rather, 'fairness' means that every student receives what he needs."

Despite the tremendous sense of despair and agony I feel at having to watch the Lavoie videos, due mostly to production value, I really have learned a lot from them. The poker chips analogy has actually proven very useful in my personal life. I could use a governmental bail out with my poker chips sometimes. But as the wise, and aged, Kenny Rogers once said, "You never count your money when youre sittin' at the table. There'll be time enough for countin when the dealin's done."


And with that... I bid you all good night.

Question of the week for 1/17th -1/25th

These videos made me realize and helped me understand why some students behave the way that they do. The video content was very enlightening. The example or illustration that was given using the poker chips really helped me grasp how much others' words and actions influence students' lives. The old saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me", is a lie. I think that as a teacher, it is our job and responsibility, to encourage these students. We need to find good in every student and tell them about the good we find. Why is it that the negative always seems to weigh more than the positive? I see how these negative things influence my students every day at school. Students embarrassed and trying to save face and others that have been made fun of so much that they are numb. It is sad. How can I bring that numb student back to having self value and a healthy self esteem (give him poker chips)? I believe that in some way everyone has a special need and not just special need students. I think that this is what it is all about.

Friendly Reminder-- Class this Saturday

Hello All,

Just wanted to post a reminder about our class session for EDBT 3710 scheduled for this Saturday, January 24th, on the Alpharetta campus. We'll meet from10am-3:30pm. Please check your GSU email for more details about what you need to bring to class on Saturday, etc. I look forward to seeing all of you there.

Jessie

Videos

The video really changed my view of special needs students. It has shed a little light on what makes special needs students function. I realize that my special needs students have individualized needs. I need to talk to them on a more individual basis. It is usually easier to expect them to understand everything that I say. I can be more patient with my students because I realize that there are reasons that some may be slower than others. I feel that it is common belief that special needs students are simply lazy. Another belief is that they do not want to try. The video and my teaching experience has proven that special needs students can not control their actions. A teacher's job is to consider each child's individual needs.   

Lavoie Videos

The Lavoie videos have opened my eyes to things I otherwise would not see. The Poker Chips video has had a great impact on my philosophy of teaching. The analogy of comparing self-esteem to poker chips was right on. Some points of the video could even apply to my personal life in regards to the amount of poker chips I sometimes feel I don't have. I have learned that my main and number one objective as a teacher is to make sure that my students leave with more poker chips than when they arrived. I see this as a liberating idea. Suddenly the "important" things move down the list. The lens through which I view my position as an educator changes, and I now see how my actions can directly give or take away self-esteem. Great video!

Lavoie Post

The 2 Lavoie videos that we have watched in NTI have made me more aware of students' needs in general, special needs or not. What really struck me was when he mentioned that the number one most important thing an adolescent wanted to avoid was embarrassment. This made me stop and think about when I was an adolescent and I can remember that feeling of 'Oh, please just don't let me stand out in a bad way or look wierd.' This has made me more sensitive to the social students' needs and I have tried to implement his advice in my classroom. What also has made a difference is my mother's advice. She was a Special Education teacher at the high school level for over 10 years and she told me to treat all the students like I wanted my own children to be treated. She reminded me that not all of these kids have such a great home life or foundation to begin with and she echoed Lavoie's statement that I have to watch everything I do in the classroom because any little slight could tear down a student's foundation.

Lavoie

I think I have a better respect for the issues that all adolescence deal with each day. Like many of you have mentioned, I can apply what I am learning in my classroom, but also with my own children. As for special needs, it's the recognition of their needs that is the hardest. Only when you become aware can you begin to make interventions for them. We all like to have a great day, but when Lavoie stated "what can I do for you to make your day go better", WOW! If I can maintain that mindset during each block that I teach, all of my students will benefit. I'm not saying make lessons easier, or modify for all students, but keep in mind each of the students unique needs as well as talents. I think this is where we, as career tech. teachers, have an advantage. At present we don't have to worry about EOCT, therefore we can have a bit more flexability in the time that we take on a particular lesson, or the way inwhich we teach it. We can also have our students up and about practicing and applying the knowledge that they learn. Lavoie made me realize that, in a small way, we are all special needs people. It's just about identifying what our special needs are, right???

Lavoie Videos

These two videos will probably impact my teaching more than any others I have or will watch throughout my teaching career. In the past I judged poor behavior as a direct hit upon me as the teacher and had difficulty with patience regarding these students. Parenting came so easily to me why not to other parents? My children did not act in these ways so why should it be allowed in the classroom? But, it makes sense to me now. When Richard Lavoie defined adolescense as "a 365 day/52 week-a year battle not to be embarassed" it really influenced how I have and will now look at my students. I have tremendous compassion for students but when Mr. Lavoie discussed the "hidden curriculum" I felt saddened for these students and what they must go through on a daily basis. I will from now on look to these special students through a different set of eyes, eyes that need to seek deeper at what may or may not be spoken.

Lavoie

The videos have impacted my life greatly in several aspects. It changed the way I teach, my parenting, and my social interaction with kids. I did not realize how many times I asked a retorical question. I was setting or baiting the kids. Did not realilze how unfair or how demeaning I was. The poker chips! Wow what a novel idea. I always thought I was building up the children in my. I never realized I was taking away from them. This was the biggest impact on me. On the average, there are 10 kids in and out of our home on a weekly basis. Just friends of my daughters or neighbors. I hope and pray that I can implement the technique I have learned to touch these lives in a positive way.

Videos

The videos brought a new prospective on what special needs students may have to go through day to day. The video hasn't really changed the way that I view the special needs students, I have a special need student in my class but he really doesn't seem to function in that way he has some moments but for the most part he displays that he is just one of the other students. He has asked that he be treated as the other students to the RVI teacher that would assist him. On thing that I can say is the time that we watched the last video that upcoming week I had a conference with the student's parents and I used the technique they gave in starting off with something positive about the student and not negative things

Lavoie

Lavoie helped me understand the issues that face us and our students. It is not enough to know about these problems. In understanding, we can better evaluate and resolve problems. He has a way of explaining these problems you might not understand through traditional sources. I love how he removed the classroom from the student! I would have never considered this! Twice this year I could have used this. His thoughts on adolescents would not have crossed my thoughts without his input. I realise there are some but would not have thought all. It is the teachers, teaching teachers that make such a difference.

Lavoie

THe two Lavoie videos have made quite an impact on me. Not only in how I view my special needs students, but also my typical peers and my own children. THe last video especially spoke to me. The explination of what is an adolescent was profound to me. It really made me stop and revisit situations from the past. This explination that adolescents spend 24 hours a day doing anything to keep from being embarrassed made incidents really make sense. As we have learned in NTI it is important to take the audience away from the misbehaving student. This student will do anything to take the embarassing attention away from them and put it onto the teacher. THey need to be in control. I also better understand the "no sarcasm" rule when dealing with teenagers. Sarcasm puts them in an embarrassing situation and they are likely to lash out. I truly enjoyed both videos.

Mamane on Lavoie

The Rick Lavoie videos have been an eye-opening experience. You could also say heart-opening as well. He is quite masterful in helping you see through the students' eyes. That is the key to being a successful teacher with learning disabled students... or ANY student for that matter. The repeating a request three times in a row -- WOW -- it really works! I have a student who has Asperger's and is ADHD. He definitely is not a social creature, and I'm always trying to help him integrate in class. First I try to put him in a group that is going to tolerate him (and most do), and I try to find his strengths so he can have a role in the group. I think Lavoie's techniques help you understand students' needs, which in turn helps you become more patient and compassionate. Learning to create a calming atmosphere alleviates many possible problems from arising.

Bernardo

This fall semester has been very challenging. After several months of planning and designing my lab it still is not completed. I have had to explain to my students on several occassions why my lab is not completed . It seems as if the Atlanta Public School system do not understand the urgency in completeing this lab. I am trying to keep my students interested but some of them are losing interest due to the lack of equipment. Most of my students signed up for my class thinking they would have the opportunity to have hands on experience with the latest broadcasting equipment. I hope the school system doesn't let them down.

Back after a nice break

I hope everyone is off to a good start to a new semester after the nice two week break most of us had (and needed). Can you all believe the school year is half way through or that we are almost finished with NTI? Everyone, take a deep breath, summer will be here before we know it!

Improved Teaching Practice

I think I most improved on planning group activities for the class.  At first, I didn't really monitor the groups well, expecting them to just "do the right thing" and trouble shoot on their own.  I soon realized, through trial and error, that I needed to constantly walk around and monitor each group.   They seemed to realize more that I was available for questions and to help them stay on task.  When they see me circulating, they stay on task more often and seem to accomplish more.  I will work on my timing for class activities for the next semester.  I still run out of time - not planning enough time or too much time for certain activities.  Cindy suggesed that I write actual times out in the lesson plan. I'll try that for sure because when we go to blocks in the fall, I realize that timing will be even more critical.

Fall Semester Reflection

The aspect of my teaching practice that has improved the most is my preparedness, which is attributed to my learning experience at NTI this past summer. I am able to begin each week with a prepared lesson plan, that includes bell ringers as well as the learning activity for the day. And because I teach one class in particular three times, by the third class it becomes a breeze. Last year on many mornings, I would have this mad dash into the classroom to try to come up with an objective, bell ringer and lesson plan that made since. This semester is so much better that I am really looking forward to next year.
I need to keeping working on and mastering my lab managment skills. I was strong in the beginning of the semester but have struggled a bit in the last month. A part of that has to do with being more mindful of the clock and where we are in the learning activity. Sometimes I lose track of the time, the bell catches me and I find myself trying to clean and prepare for the next class coming in by myself. I also would like to continue to grow in the area of student assessments. I will work on simplifying my rubrics so that the students better understand how they are being graded. I am looking forward to the spring semester and the what it has to offer mysrlf anf my students.

Reflections 1st Semester

REFECTIONS

Gaining an understanding over the summer of the events of instruction has helped me to have more structure in my classes and develop lesson plans that are more comprehensive. I have clearer targets for my lessons which have resulted in achieving my objectives more than last year. An area that I need to continue to work on is classroom management. I have one class in particular that is better however it does continue to be challenging at times. I have several strategies that I am going to try at the beginning of the year and hope that they will be effective. I found the onsite visits to my classroom to be very helpful and I am looking forward to next semester with additional visits and also learning about assessment tools.

Reflections: Westbrook (PapaJoe)

I have reflected many times this Fall about how the NTI course has helped so much this fall. The main thing that I enjoyed was having a good start. The classroom management plan from day 1 was perfection. Having a plan for every day is heaven. I have had to use a sub three times this fall when I am pulled for instruction and the emergency lesson plans worked! The instructional plans and types of learning have helped. My students enjoy the change. The use of the video camera has helped me a lot. You hate to see yourself though. I need to go on a serious diet. The camera does point out many flaws and a lot of behavior problems that you are not aware of. You have to always be on alert, even with your stars. I had my best student get in serious trouble in class last week. He decided to create a huge fireball with a lighter and brake cleaner in the small tool room. He and I were lucky. Me for catching him in the act, and him for not creating a disaster.
I need to be better at monitoring all behaviors, especially during lab. Eyeballs in the back of my head are needed, but I have gotten new cameras in my room. I need to be able to challange my better students with additional special projects. I need more hands on material. Being better prepared for the additional outside responsibilities that are not taught at NTI. More training on LD and counseling techniques would be helpful.
The encouragement from all the NTI instructors has been amazing and very much appreciated.
Thank You!

Penny: Reflections

Most improved...
I have improved in my classroom managment skills. My room is more efficient and I have had less problems because of how I have approached my management. Involving the kids in running the classroom has been one of the best strategies I have learned from NTI. I have also improved in effective lessons. I realized how important time is in the classroom and how to plan proper lessons to not have dead time...and that an active student is much better than a bored student!

To work on...
I still need to work on my organization. I want to get my semester all planned out from start to finish...every day complete....but after 2 1/2 years I'm still not there. Maybe this summer...I remember hearing that teachers never really feel like they have a tight grip on everything until after their third year. Its true!!! Next thing to do would be to think of bigger and better projects for my kids to do!

Reflections by Captain Kitchens

My most improved area has been my ability to manage several different tasks at once. Before, I was much more focused on doing one thing at a time; however, this semester with extended day and no planning has forced me to cherish those 6-8 minute class changes and the morning without a homeroom. I was forced into a situtation that I didn't feel I was ready for but somehow realized that I don't always have to be a perfectionist and that settling for meets expectations is just fine.

What I need to work on.... believing the last statement I just wrote. Somehow I can say that to myself over and over again, but I always seem to strive for perfection.... my students taught me some excellent quotes (Fall Back and Chillalax). That's what I will be working on while I am enjoying my PLANNING PERIOD!!

Reflections.

I think the most thing that has improved for me would be my lesson plans and how I appraoch them in the classroom. The Lesson plan formmat we have at Morrow High school can be very generic in nature, but the lesson plans we accomplished this summer semester have really be the advocate for my teaching process. I try not deviate from them because it set the foundation for a structured classroom. So the students know my aspectations.

The one thing I would need to improve on would be making sure my kids really understand the information taught in class some days they can give the needed information for mastery in a subject and some days they come in class with the lights off. I think I can approve this process with more verbal reviewing and discussion in a interesting way in class. Man the semester will be over in a few weeks. It seems like yesterday we were in Summer Semester at NTI with the high FUEL prices to get there for class everyday.

Reflections on the Fall Semester

I am in my third year at my high school or with high school students for that matter. I enjoy teaching video broadcasting to these kids. I can see a great improvement with my classroom management since I have attended NTI. I still see room for improvement because I am too nice. However, by developing detailed lesson plans and by having management tips, I see my classroom management improving. The variety with the teaching styles and methods have really helped to keep my lessons interesting and on target. I incorporate technology and shorten my lectures to keep the students motivated.
Now that I have improved with classroom management, I need to improve with my time management. I need to be able to schedule my time better, because I am a giving person and am in a classroom setting that meets needs (dvd duplication). I am often approached by faculty, students and other teachers to help them out with technology. This is not my job description, but I naturally and automatically help. This has sometimes dominated my entire planning period. I have recently delegated the work to upper level students or said no. I find this to be difficult, but necessary to protect my development of being a good teacher. I thank Dr. Burns for giving the class this summer a "heads up" on protecting our time. My thought now is to say as Dr. Burns did "can I get back to you ? ". In the future, I will try to come up with a plan to help but protect my valuable and stretched time frame. Thanks NTI and Dr. Burns.

REFLECTION

This year has improved from last year (1st year). This summers NTI classes prepared me for the semester. Even though I put a lot of stress on myself, because this is one of the hardest things I have ever done. Teaching is a lot like running your own business, if you don't have a plan or sight of where you will be in the future you will be lost. I felt that way and of course have ups & downs. But NTI has helped tremendously, don't know if I could have made it through this semester without the support of the instructors and classmates. 

I am more organized than ever. Now I am not perfect but at least I have started to keep things in order. Teachers days don't end when the last bell rings, so not only should your lesson plans, classroom be orderly your home and life should be as well. I have found that having time for yourself can only help you have better days in the classroom. 

I need to keep working on myself, I have learned more about myself over these last months. By working on myself it will allow me to except the challenging that teachers have. I have fun days teaching and I'll say I get paid to have fun. Then one of those days happens and I'll say I don't get paid enough to do this. But at the end of the day if I am happy the school day goes smoothly even if I hit a bump or two. Thanks NTI!!!  

We couldn't see a rainbow if there wasn't some rain occasionally.

Reflections First Semester

The aspect of my teaching practice that has improved most is probably my ability to implement and transition to various teaching strategies in one daily lesson plan. My students do not have very long attention spans. With an hour and thirty minutes of class time, I tend to loose my students if I only plan one or two actvities. I have learned how to split my actvitiy time into no more than 20 minute slots using several of the strategies learned in NTI. My students are still a bit chaty at times but the constant activity keeps them busy and thinking. I still need to improve on assessment activites to ensure that my students are accountable for the activities and do not use it as social time. I need to develop more rubrics, and better guidelines for completing the tasks. I still struggle with giving clear directions. Even when I take extra time to plan out and do an activity before giving it to the students, I leave out some bit of information necessary to complete the task correctly. It reminds me of the directions for makin a peanut butter sandwich activity we did in this summer! It's still difficult to gauge how much the students already know about completing the task without being too elementary.

Most Improved Teaching Practice

I would like you to reflect on Fall semester this week by writing about the following:What aspect of your teaching practice has improved the most this past semester, and how? What aspect do you need to keep working on to move forward during the Spring semester, and why?

Overall, all of my teaching practices and performances has improved thanks to the Georgia NTI staff and classmates. The most improved aspect of my teaching practice has been classroom discipline and management. I received a trophy from the administrative team during a recent recognition program. The trophy was awarded for having the most discipline classroom.
I truly had to smile upon that one myself because in my mind I have not achieved the level of discipline I really would like to see. It is improved but I must continue to use the NTI strategies and research other methods to achieve the classroom I visualize in my head - mature students, task oriented, students talking but talking for a purpose with each other, no profanity or harsh words directed to each other nor the teacher and goal oriented. I believe that vision is achievable in our high schools and I will continue to strive toward it.

Reflections on First Semester

I have to say this has been my best year in education. NTI really prepared me for teaching. I am most proud of myself when it comes to classroom management and organization. The strategies and techniques that I acquired has helped me become a better educator. I'm always learning new things but having the basics has helped me so much. I still have room for growth when it comes to time management, I find myself overloaded with so many projects. That's something that I want to really work on..............I always let things load up on me then I get overwhelmed. Along with that you have the added stress of trying to complete all task by the deadline.So my goal is to have better time management for next semester and my future years in education. Also I am going to continue to be organized, have well planned lessons and enforce my classroom procedures. I have truly enjoyed this semester, of course I've had a few rough days but they don't out weigh all the good days.

Reflection 1st Semester

I never thought I would say this but the area with the most improvement has been classroom management. Posting the rules the first day and repeating them over and over and over has really taken care of some issues. Also, for the most part, I have managed incidences much differently than in the past. Now, every once in a while I forget and try to regress but not often. Lab Management has also improved somewhat but is still challenging in some instances. Space restraints require close proximity in some instances which lends itself to excessive talking and noise and sometimes control. However, I am working with rearranging for next semester to avoid this situation as much as possible.
The biggest culprit for me this semester has been time management. I have used many of the strategies that were taught in NTI which have often taken more time than allotted. Perhaps as I become more adjusted to the group activities and so forth, I will obtain more insight into the amount of time required. Overall it has been a great 1st Semester.

Reflection

THis is an easy one for me. The area that I have improved on the most this semester is definately my classroom management. This time last year I had written up more students than I can remember. I have not written up one single student this year. I have been given the tools I needed to handle situations before they get out of control (proactive discipline!) I feel that because of these new tools, my whole teaching style has become so much more effective. I really feel that my students are enjoying my class more and getting so much more out of it. I am enjoying it more also!

Now as for what I need to work on...Number one, my set inductions need some serious work. Yesterdays class really helped in this area. Also, I feel that I am really in that slump of I need some time off. I am hoping that my creative juices start flowing again after the holidays. One area that I need serious help in is remembering my students names. I am terrible at this. I still don't know half of their names. This really embarasses me. I always appologize and remind them that this is an area that I am weak in. But, I feel really bad about not knowing their names. Believe me I have read books and tried different strategies as this has been a life long problem. NOt the best problem to have when you are a teacher/hairstylist! :(

1st semester reflection

Wow! I can't believe the first semester is over already! As I look back on it, I think that the thing that I did a really good job of is building a good repor with my students. For the most part, I feel that I have established a respectful relationship with them and it helps with the overall operation of my classes. Other than my sixth period class who thinks the day ends after fifth, I really have some eager students. I think I have developed a comfortable environment for them and also for me.

Reflecting on what I need to work on, I can think of more than one thing as there is always room for improvement. At the top of my list would be sticking to my lesson plans and not deviating from them. Personality wise, I am a very "go with the flow" type of person. There are some days when I get to work and read my lesson plan for the day that I decide that is not what I want to do, so I change it up, causing more work for me. I stick to the same topic, I just change activities. Second on my list would be doing a better job following through with grading work that the students are supposed to do in their notebooks (bell work, daily work, etc.). I need to do a better job of showing students my expectations for them as far as independant work is concerned. I could go on, but I will stop there! It really has been a good first half so with all things considered!

Reflection on Fall Semester

Knowing and understanding the components of the lesson plan and how and why preparation is so important to creating a good psychological atmosphere in the class has been my biggest improvement. I have enjoyed feeling more relaxed and prepared. I have enjoyed finding out that I have the tools to do a good job teaching. I really have appreciate all the different activities and methods we have been taught to use to present information in a way other than lecture. The area in which I need to improve in is figuring out how to evaluate student work in a thorough but quicker manner. I am stuck on thinking quizzes and tests are the only way to evaluate if a student has truly learned. I am looking forward to next semester to learn alternative ways to evaluate students fairly and in a manner that is truly helpful to determine their knowledge.

Reflection

This semester, I have really learned how to be more efficient in managing my classes. Having the tools to manage the class properly in the beginning and close it properly in the end was very useful. There used to be a time where I would literally run out material during a 90 minute class period with 20 minute left in class and the rest of the class time was in disarray. But with all the added material where I would do a set induction, a review in the beginning, and closing and cleanup at the end eats up that 20 minute gap that I used to have. I notice that it is also easier for me to manage the class by setting the expectations with written objectives and have the class follow it. I have been told that I do a good job with the "look" but I haven’t quite bought into that yet, but I am certain that I have perfected the “choice” as a discipline tool. I use that as much as I can. I also feel that the kids I have do like the class better because of the routines and expectations that I provided from day 1 of my ‘introduction’. Overall its been great, the visits from our advisor have been very helpful and I will continue to use all of the things that we have learned. I have not implemented all of the knowledge that we have learned in with group dynamics, but I am gathering the tools as we speak and have a plan to implement some, if not all of the things that I have learned this semester for next semester!

Fall Reflection

This is my second year teaching. During my first year, I divided up the semester into four parts. I assigned a bundle of assignments into one module, making four modules for the semester. These modules were full of work that each student would struggle to finish. As a new teacher, I felt that I needed to basically work my kids to death. I didn't know when or if anyone of authority would stop by for a visit. The teacher who was in my position before was "retired in place". The word on the street was she was constantly in the hot seat because of her lack of ability or desire to teach. So I took it to the opposite end and was a drill Sargent.

This year, I have relaxed a bit. Even though my program did increase in size after last year, I want to have a pleasant work environment in which my students can succeed. With the counsel of fellow teachers, I feel that I have lightened up a bit, but not enough to lose control of the class or the program. Since I've done this, I feel less stressed. I no longer feel like someone is over my shoulder critiquing every move I make.

I have settled into my position and will continue next semester to design lessons and projects which incorporate more fun into the class. I have moved from four project modules, to many smaller projects. Both the students and myself benefit from this strategy. We are not only working on computer based projects, we are up completing group activities and hands on learning. NTI has expanded my views and helped me to work with a variety of instructional strategies.

Reflections for Spring

Deciding where I have improved the most over the past semester is difficult. I feel that improvement has occurred in many areas of my teaching practice. Many of the lessons we have studied from classroom management, to learning about preferred modalities, teaching styles and methods as well as delivery systems are all interdependent. Better delivery that applies to all helps with classroom management and vice a versa.

I believe that my classroom management has improved the most. I am able to handle surprises from the students better as well as make adjustments in my teaching methodology and material when un-expected influences occur, whether it be student induced or a schedule change that may result from the home schools or other sources. There is still a lot of room for growth in this area.

I have noticed as the students grow and mature during the year that their attitudes change as well as their motivational needs change. Across the entire this change can be observed as well as how they interact. Sometimes it may seem like a mood change but there seems to be a greater change. They are growing and maturing and sometimes not in the directions we would like as their lives are influenced from many directions. Just as fish change their feeding habits when the weather changes and we must change our fishing techniques so do the students change as they mature and grow.

Overall I would like to review all of the material that we have covered so that I do not forget or lose any of the many tools and knowledge that we have learned. I have been able to use so much of what I have learned, often implementing in my next class after NTI. New Teacher Institute has provided me with many tools to become a better teacher.

Thanks,
RS in Alpharetta

Reflections

One of the things that really made an impact on me during Summer NTI was the deliberateness in the way the instructors provided the lessons. Everything was well planned, thoroughly explained, and time managed. This left little room for misunderstandings of assignments but also allowed students to ask specific, and dare I say intelligent, questions. I have tried to copy some of this deliberateness with my lessons / instruction and can see a big difference in how the students respond to assignments as well as how they respond to me as a teacher. There is an elevated level of respect for teachers who appear to have it together. Of course, sometimes I get it together 30 seconds before the bell rings, but my students don't need to know that.
Today I gave instructions for a project that is relatively easy to do but difficult to explain and students often struggle with how it's to be done. I really worked hard on the written instructions, gave 3 different visual examples of the project, and tried to be specific in my descriptions. Amazingly students started work immediately and had very few questions. Putting into action the things that I have learned and seeing positive outcomes is very rewarding!

What do I need to work on for next semester, other than everything, is trying some of the instructional stratagies we have learned. I have true intentions of implimentation, but not enough time to carry them out. I think we're all in the same boat with multiple preps, new curriculum and administrative "stuff" that limits our time to plan. Here's my goal, try one new instructional stratagie every 2 weeks. That will give me a week in between to make changes and time to plan for the next week. I also want to get my advanced students Blogging and doing some online curriculum work. The technology of NTI has been a bit of a struggle for me but now I am very proud of my accomplishments with the computer, and I'm ready to learn more.....I think. I want to be able to share that with my students so when they go to college they can say, no big deal, I did that in my high school class.

Reflection of Fall 2008 (Josh)

I would say the teaching practice that has improved most for me is in planning group activities. After one of my observations by Ms. Greene, she suggested that I have smaller groups. I had always divided the groups mathematically… I had five computers so I had five groups. Unfortunately, this caused me to have larger groups and that meant less “hands-on” learning for some of the group members. It also meant more playing around and potential for trouble. By decreasing the group sizes, I have better control of the groups and we are getting to work on a variety of projects.

In order to improve, I need to be more consistent. I am so stressed with life and work that I have a difficult time maintaining consistency. I will start something and then drift off down the path of least resistance. We may start a project, but if the kids are having a really difficult time with it, I will break it down and make it easier. I know this may be a good idea on occasion, but I think it would be better if I set the standard and keep to it. I’m pretty sure the State would prefer that as well.

Reflection on Teaching Practices

I would have to say that I have more interesting lessons this semester. There are so many of the activities that we've done, that I can't find the time to implement them all in my classes. I have been able to keep students more engaged by differentiating lessons for different learners, including activities in lectures and walking around the room when giving lessons.

I still need to keep working on time management. I spend way too much of my time (planning periods) fixing technical problems or simply trying to improve my production system. I should focus more on teaching my lessons and less on the technical issues. This is a problem when it comes time to give lessons and I rush through them to get back into fixing problems. I plan on using a pacing guide from now on.

Reflection

The aspect that I am improving on is adapting my classroom teaching style and lesson plans to the student's strengths and weaknesses. I have learned that I can't do the smae stuff for every class and this has helped me out with classroom management as well. For example, my third period is very loud in general and very active, so I g ive them alot of activities where they move around alot and can discuss the material or lab activity. They get the work done, but they don't have to stay quiet while completing their tasks. My first period is very quiet and work better with worksheets or small group activities, so I try to keep their activities on a smaller scale. My fourth period is a mix, so I have learned to try to provide a medium level of action in their learning activities. I have found this flexiblilty works better for me and my students.

The one thing I need to improve upon for next semester is time management. I have let a few lessons last a day or more than they should have and have found myself a little pressed for time to cover some of the material here at the end of the semester. I have worked around this so far, but I don't want to be in the same position next semester, so I have looked back over my lesson plans and placed a reasonable, realistic time limit on each activity, based on what was really needed for the lesson this semester. I guess practice does make improvement-certainly not perfect, but better.

Reflection on Fall Semester

My biggest teaching improvement during this past semester would be classroom management. I have been better prepared for every class this semester. Last semester, I would be looking for extra things for my students to do in concluding the class time. Sometimes, I would be fifteen to twenty minutes short before the end of class time. It was difficult for me to get the classroom time down to a specific time allotment. This semester has been totally different. I now have good lesson plans that fit the time allotted for the class. When I finish ten to fifteen minutes early, I have several student activities I use until the class is over. Therefore, one important learning subject that was worthwhile and useful for me was the lesson plans.

The aspect I need to keep working on is developing new lesson plans for a different course level that I will be teaching during the spring semester. During the fall semester, I had three levels to teach, levels I, II, III. During the spring semester, I will teach level I, II, IV. Level IV is a course that will require much research to make it fun and interesting. I will have to come up with enough lesson plans to cover the entire course. I know with the knowledge I have learned from N.T.I., I will be able to meet the challenge regarding these lesson plans.

December 1-8 Question Of The Week

My confidence level has improved very much, I believe my delivery in the classroom is more fluid and my time estimates are better as a result. I find teaching Bell To Bell requires less late alternative back-ups. This also helps with my curriculum mapping, not having to make adjustments as often. My (Tool Bag) is growing and I enjoy trying new methods.
I feel classroom management continues to need adjustment. Most days are good, some are more difficult. Moods of different classes continues to amaze me. I feel this is one of the most important aspects of our duties, if classroom management fails, we and our students fail. I am grateful I get a second chance the second semester as I will receive a brand new block class. I feel this opportunity may place me a year ahead on classroom management by the end of spring semester. I have received advice from other teachers saying not to smile before Christmas. I wish this was in me, but totally out of my character. I see how this advice may help as the students do not have to like you to learn from you.

December 1-8 Question of the Week

I feel like I have improved in the area of engaging my students in the classroom and lab more this semester than ever before. I think learning, experimenting with, and implementing different teaching strategies have made a positive change in my students' desires to learn. This is very encouraging. I feel like I still need to improve on classroom and lab management. I always seem to have a few students that just won't stay on task no matter what. This causes great distraction and interference with the other students' learning and ability to focus and to stay engaged.

THANKFUL:

I am thankful for many things: my job, my principal, and my students even have their moments (Good moments) . I am thankful that this semester went well and I have grown as a public school teacher. I feel like I was able to reduce my lessons to better reach high school students.

If there is one thing I would change for next semester, it is my recap. I don't feel like my classes end well. It seems like the students are left hanging. I don't want them to be confused or still have questions. I plan to spend more time on closure and questions. Overall I think it has been good experience.
I hope each year goes smoother!

I am Thankful for...

I am thankful for my principal, who took a chance and hired a young wanna-be teacher, with no certification and little experience. I believe he saw in me the desire and passion to teach Broadcast Video Production to teenage students, and gave me that chance to prove myself. I'm also thankful to John who referred me to someone in the county, who referred me to someone else, who referred me... which ultimately got me the job. I appreciate all the effort he put into helping me get up and running in the beginning. I have a very successful program thanks to his help. And of course, co-workers can really make teaching enjoyable. But my colleague and classroom neighbor Heather has made my job so much more enjoyable, 1) because she's the only other adult in my building, 2) she's a great and knowledgable teacher, and 3) she's just plain cool. My husband I thank for his patience and dedication -- between my commuting nearly 2 hours everyday and going to school, he has taken on the role of Mr. Mom. God bless him. But this year wouldn't be complete without thanking the NTI teachers who have filled my head with lots of cool stuff, including the strength to keep on keeping on.

I am thankful for...

I am thankful for my family-my two daughters, my mom and my sister. 2008 has been a rough year for me-I got a whole new career, went back to school, was in a pretty scary wreck where my car was totaled, got divorced and packed up me and my girls and moved to a new location-all within a 6 month time span. My family has been my rock and has really gotten me through all of this without letting me lose my mind-too much at least!! I am thankful for my faith in Christ and for my new job. I really love my students and my school staff-we are all a big team at DCHS. I am thankful that Christmas Break is almost here-I spent Thanksgiving break unpacking our new home that we moved into last month, so I am really looking forward to a good long break from everything in 3 weeks!! I am just thankful that not only have I survived all of the interesting new changes in my life, but I think I am starting to thrive again.

Thankful

I am truly thankful for the opportunity to teach. I remember a few years ago how it was working in the "real world". I looked forward to my two weeks off a year, with a few holidays thrown in the mix. I sometimes hear chatter from fellow teachers who state their displeasure with their job. I have to watch out and not align myself with their way of thinking, or I too could become ungrateful for what I have. The time off makes up for all the stress that goes with the job. I am having a blast!

"The more we have fun, the more we succeed."
-Tom Ehlers

I must not forget how it was before; going back to work on December 26th, or not having a full week off at Thanksgiving, or not having a summer break at all... How can I not be thankful for teaching?

Too Thankful

Well, I am thankful that Thanksgiving break finally got here. I was able to find some time to rest... almost too much time that I forgot all about my college classes putting my focus which was much needed elsewhere. OOOPS!

I am thankful for my position right now; however next year, I may not have it because the high school is switching to a Hybrid 7 period schedule with study hall and a 0 period. Needless to say, this is not an "elective friendly" schedule. By the time the students take Foriegn Language, Band or Fine Arts, and Business Ed, poor little ol' police course falls short on numbers as there aren't any students left to pick my classes. Although my time may be limited on this "new direction" the school is taking, I am thankful for the lives I have impacted and those who have made a difference or change in me, the relationships I have made, and the life lessons I have learned along the way. The students impact my life just as much, if not more, than the associates I work with. They are all great individuals exploring who they want to become and I am grateful that I may have helped guide them to bigger, better, and safer things.

I Am Thankful

I am very thankful for my teaching position. It is a blessing to me and my family. I was told by my personal construction teacher, when I was a student, that I would never amount to anything and that I would certainly never become a carpenter. I am a successful carpenter with my own business and I am becoming a successful instructor and teacher to inspire other carpenters and construction workers to be the best in their field that they can be. I have been blessed with these young men and women that are in my classes, and their peers, to have the opportunity to pour into their lives and encourage them to set and reach their goals. I am very thankful for this opportunity. The teaching staff at my school, in my department, has been very supportive and helpful since my first day. I have been very fortunate and blessed with my lab and classroom supplies and work area. I am thankful for all these things. I am thankful for my college experience. It has been very challenging but I know that I can do this. I have had an extremely stressful year in many aspects of my life. I am thankful for all of the opportunities and challenges that this position has offered me.

Thankful

I am always prayerfully thankful for every aspect of my life. Presently with teaching in the forefront, there is of course a list of things within this realm. First, I am thankful for a teaching job. It is quite ironic that growing up I always wanted to be a teacher as many young girls during my generation. But, I didn’t finish college initially and ended up working as a nursing assistant and later as a nurse. Full circle and back, I am now a teacher and loving every minute of it. Secondly within this school year, I have successfully completed the GACE exams; I am within 2 weeks of completing the Exceptional Children’s Course; and of course on the road to completing NTI. I owe an abundance of thanks to my instructors of NTI for their instruction, patience and support. Last but not least I am thankful for the opportunity to have met and work with a wonderful group of educators through NTI.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

As I reflect on what I am thankful for in the teaching field, I realize that I am blessed to have a secure job in this waning economy. For twenty years I was self employed with my own video production company. I made the switch to education two years ago, and I suppose that now I am lucky to have been hired into this field at that time. We received word that there will not be any teachers losing their jobs next year, although I doubt any new programs will begin. Not only am I blessed to be able to have begun a new program, but to have received a hefty state grant for equipment funds. All of this happened just before the downward spiral of job freezes and a poor economy. With self employed businesses suffering, I imagine that I would have been in that mix as well. So during this Thanksgiving season, I a grateful that I have my faith, family, friends and JOB. With this in mind, my goal is to approach each day of teaching with energy and direction to make a difference with students. One more day to eat lots of leftovers !

Thankful

I am thankful for all the new friends that I have made this year and that ever one in my family is in good health. I hope that ever one has a grate week off.

Thankful

This week I am thankful for getting the opportunity to see my great grandmother on her 96th birthday. It has been a struggle watching her health fail, and I felt fortunate to see her doing so well.
What I am thankful for my teaching position: I am thankful that I am still employed. A lot of my friends that worked at the dealerships that I used to be at have been laid off. I feel fortunate that I didn't have to go through that. My teaching position actually came to me when I was thinking about changing careers. I didn't know if I wanted to still stay being a technician. I was tired of the six day work weeks, but the money was good so I kept getting up for work everyday. I still wonder what everything would be like if I hadn't started teaching. But, before I was a technician I taught music. My family thinks teaching was in my blood. My great grandmother was a professor in WI. She only taught for three years, then became a full time mother. My mom taught music, and still does. I grew up watching teachers teach, and had private lessons on several instruments. My teaching position came up as teaching dual-enrollment, but like a few other people. I taught part time while I was still working in the automotive field part time. A full time teaching position opened up and I took it. I am not in my third year of teaching automotive, and it's only my second year full time teaching automotive. I have moments when teaching that remind me why I'm teaching. I didn't expect the long hours, and all the lesson planning. One of the perks that I was seeking was the opportunity for more time off. Three of my grandfathers passed away while I was working as a technician. I hadn't seen each of them for about two years when they passed. I was upset with myself for not being available to take time off at holidays or time off for family events. I always worked the day before and after a holiday, even new year's day. Now I have time to travel to Indiana, Wisconsin, and Florida to see my family several times a year.

What I am thankful for...

I am thankful to have a job during these tough economic times! I am even more thankful that it is a job I enjoy! I feel very fortunate to know what I do within my career field area and to be able to teach that information to others. I am happy that I am able to learn those things that I am not knowledgeable about and can then transfer that knowledge into information in which I can share with my students.

I am thankful to work in a place that facilitates a positive environment for students and staff. I truly appreciate veteran teachers who share their stories with me. This provides me with encouragement and lets me know that I am not alone.

I am thankful that I have students who make me think about things in different ways. They make me see things that maybe I had been looking at differently and introduce to me ideas that I may have missed. They inspire me to think with an open mind and remind me about the differences within us all. My students make me a better person.

Thankful

I have just returned from a week long trip to Chicago and back to be with family for Thanksgiving. I'm grateful that I have a teaching job that allows me this privilege. Vacation time, time to be with family, is a big reason I saught out this job and I am thankful I was given the opportunity to get this type of job. I also had to bring papers to grade and I really put it off to the last moment. I first graded my level ones and unfortunately their work was not great. It made me feel aggravated and stressed. Then I began to grade my level 2 papers. What a difference. Format was great, content was excellent. I'm not sure, but I may be seeing the fruits of my labor. The level two students know my expectations, have written papers for me before, and it appears that learning has occurred. I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to be helpful to someone. That is what I have always wanted to do. It was easier to see the help I was doing when I was working as a nurse. Teaching is very challenging to me in many aspects and I admit that I am still struggling with this age group and whether it is right for me. I am thankful for a job that works best for my family, which was my main goal. I am thankful for the opportunities teaching has given me to expand my experience and to share the knowledge I am passionate about. I am thankful for the great mentors who have gotten me this far. I do believe that all things happen for a reason so I know that there is a purpose in me teaching this age group. I am thankful for this experience and I just need to be patient to see how it will all play out.

Thanks

well I am most thankful for having a great job. On many days it does have its ups and downs, good and bad, but its good out weighs the bad. The ability to be able to have an impact on so many lives other than your own is a very good reason that I am thankful. Also being thankful for a job with such a great schedule because anytime that you can be off of work for a whole week and still be paid is a great reason that I am thankful. I have a great relationship with my students and my fellow teachers so I am very thankful.

Thankful CTAE Teacher

Just as Webster's meaning for Thanksgiving, I am very thankful for all of the Divine interventions that I have seen over the last year as a Teacher. I can truthfully say that teaching is a profession that you have to love and want to do or it can't be done. In the 2007-08 school year I started the school year out with nothing except a textbook and a room with 25 desks. There was no lab and certainly no equipment to give the students the hands on experiences they will need in the health care industry. Today I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to influence several students into seeking a career in the health care industry. I am thankful for the large new lab I now work in and the equipment I use to give my students real life experiences. We have a long ways to go before we get to the fully equipped health care science laboratory but I and my students are very thankful for what we do have at this point.

I am thankful and hopeful that through Divine interventions I will be able to continue this inspiring journey as a CTAE teacher. Teaching is a very rewarding and enjoyable position yet it is extremely exhausting at times. Sometimes finding the strength to continue in this position is difficult when you are sleepy and exhausted after preparing detailed lessons and grading stacks of papers. But when you take a moment to reflect back and when a parent at a PTSA meeting comes up and say my daughter really likes your class and is learning a lot, then a sense of satisfaction is felt in the midst of being exhausted and sleepy.

I am thankful for all of the wisdom and positive encouragement received from the NTI staff at Georgia State University. I am thankful for having the opportunity to meet my NTI classmates and for the opportunities we have had to share experiences with each other.

My Thanksgiving Yesterday- A Prayer For Everyone

I am not a religous, street preaching person, or one that shares my personal beliefs in public very often. I never talk about politics or religion in my classes. But I have several things to be thankful for this year in particular. I have spent a lot of time thinking about the amount of real changes in my life and career that has happened this past year. You go on for years without any major changes in your life and when it happens you wonder why. The "Why" has the same source for all of us. It comes from Someone who guides us in our journey here on Earth. He places us with good friends, new and old, family, and new instructors that awaken us from years of "static thinking".
I have celebrated several Thanksgivings this past year. From starting a new career in education, to going back to school again. I have many things to be truly thankful for. What follows is the prayer why wife said yesterday at our "Thanksgiving" She was quite emotional when she was saying it and you can read a lot of extra meaning with every line. She also believes that it was a special calling for me to teach.

"We,ve come a long way this year, some of it very difficult, some of it wonderful, and some of it life changing. So as we come together this Thanksgiving let us give thanks again once more to our Lord.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the miracles of today. For laughter and smiles, for hugs and kind words. For new babies, old friends and family that never let you down.
For old jobs and new jobs and for jobs yet to come. For old homes and new homes and homes yet to come.
For brothers and sisters, for daughters and sons, for Moms and Dads, and new family members we have come to love.
For Fridays when we think we've made it through another week. For Saturdays when we sleep late! and for Sundays when we decide that tomorrow we can be a little better than we were the day before.
For fireman and policeman, for our soldiers who fight for freedom. We call them all heroes and they really are.
For summers with butterflies and winters with frost, for good health and prosperity and for love of each other.
From top to bottom, thanks for it all, but most especially Lord, thank you for your Son, who gave His all so that we might have all.
We offer this prayer of Thanksgiving in His name. Amen"

Thankful for . . .

First thing I would like to be thankful for about my job is that I have it. With the economy as it is, it is nice to have it. That being said, there are other things about the teaching profession that I am thankful for. This job keeps me sharp. Kids are very inventive in trying to get one by you that you must be aware of. This occupation is rewardingly challenging, because I simply enjoy it. I really enjoy being around the students even as annoying as some of them could be. This job allows me ample time to spend with my family. Also, if I want to learn a new skill, I have opportunities to try and do so because of the time off that I have during the summer. I am not sure what other avenues this occupation will take me, but for now I am having a great time with it.

Thankful

I have spent some time wondering how I came to be in my new position. It started as a favor, went to part time, to being offered a full time position where I presently reside. It was quite a sequence of events, my wife feels it was a calling. I must admit there certainly was a driving force. I had considered a change in field, but had not considered this one. The challenge, and change of mindset has been huge. I am enjoying the change dispite the long hours, the rewards are not as obvious, but require a different scale to measure them. I am truly blessed to have a staff at school such as I do, a family that is supportive, and of course good friends. I am also fortunate to have a support group in all of you. Knowing that you have seen it through, gives others such as myself strength that I too will succeed. This is a whole new world, so much planning to do with so little in our tool bags. It does seem that practice and time heals our shortfalls. I hope all enjoy their holidays, and that we all continue to be blessed. Those that receive great support, and those that do not may find it somewhere. Happy holidays, Ken

Thankful for Teaching Position

I am “Thankful for my Teaching Position” for several reasons. I enjoy working with people in a helping capacity. Sometimes at the end of the day it does not feel like I have helped but over the course of weeks and months progress and growth can be observed. Like a traveler traveling to the East, the compass may not always point east, but eventually they do reach the east. It is great to see them gain understanding. I am also “Thankful” that I can still learn. The first time my children saw me as being smarter than a dinosaur was sometime after they graduated from College and were trying to establish themselves in their careers and lives, almost thirty and that was over ten years ago. Recently, while finishing up some NTI homework while they were at the house, they commented, “Dad you are getting smarter, going to school and teaching school has made you smarter”. I have a lot to be Thankful for!

Thanks,
RS in Alpharetta

Thankful

I am grateful that I have been able to manage 3 preps, extended day, beginning a newHOSA chapter, and NTI without a nervous breakdown. Oh yeah, I also have a family too.....last time I checked. This has been an exciting year with excellent students and an administration that seems to recognize and appreciate the work that is done in the classroom. I was even told last week that Healthcare was the premiere program at the CA, WOW!!! I am also fortunate to have a partner who also teaches healthcare, we both started when the school opened, and we work closely together with the same visions and desires for the program. I am most fortunate to have began NTI this summer. I have really made some changes in classroom management as well as how I implement my lessons and can easily see how well they work. It is especially evident when my co-worker complains of a classroom issue. I try to help her out some, but don't won't to reveal all of my new secrets because she will probably begin NTI this summer. I feel blessed to be able to make a career change and share something that I am so passionate about with an age group that I enjoy working with. I tell the story that when I returned to school for my BSN I was certain that God had a wonderful job in store for me when I finished. I ended up becoming a school nurse and thought, God, this is not really where I thought you would lead me. I even begged my supervisor to NOT put me in a high school. Had I not taken that job as a school nurse in 9-12 I would have never realized how much I like working with that age group. I feel that I am definitely where I am supposed to be and I'm excited about my future and what teaching has to offer.

Thankful Teacher

Thankful Teacher

First, I am grateful to have had a long career in law enforcement and making it to retirement. I am thankful for finding a teaching position in my field of interest and education after my retirement. When I started teaching on August 3, 2006, I had some misgivings about teaching teenagers in high school. Having been a police officer, I was more conditioned in arresting or putting criminal juveniles in jail. Definitely, I was not keen on teaching teenagers the pros and cons of law enforcement. But, now after two full years and one semester, I have discovered that teaching has become rewarding in many ways. I know I have made a difference in most of my student’s lives. I have discovered that students respond to you according to the way you treat them. I treat the students with respect and they treat me the same way. I may be the teacher but I have learned much from my students as well. The majority of the time, my students and I find class time pleasant and enjoyable. Therefore, I’m truly thankful that my transition from law enforcement and becoming a teacher has gone so well.

Open Mic

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my school, as well as my NTI instructors for being so helpful and considerate during this time. My life has been extremely crazy for the last three months or so. I am currently right at four months pregnant and have been extremely sick. I have to leave my classroom several times throughout the day to go throw up. I have had to depend on neighboring teachers to step out of their rooms and watch my class and they have willingly done so. I have even had to leave work a couple of times because I felt so bad and other teachers covered my classroom. I can not thank them enough. Not only have my coworkers been extremely helpful, but the administration has been wonderful as well. One morning, I had to call in after seven o'clock because I could not quit throwing up. The principal was very understanding (and luckily I had wonderful emergency lesson plans due to NTI) and has continued to be during this entire process. On top of this, I am the assistant varsity girls basketball coach, so the head coach has had to be very flexible with me...and he has managed to do so with a smile! Next, I would like to thank Dr. Burns and Mrs. Hayden for being so caring and willing to work with me throughout these months. I have felt so bad for being such a slacker and feel like I have had to apologize to more people within the past few months than I have had to apologize to in years. The good news is, I have feel pretty good this morning and think all of the rest I got this weekend was something that my body really needed to hopefully recover from all of this sickness. I miss my old self!

EDBT 4570

Overall, I have really enjoyed the mixture of online/classroom sessions. It really helps with trying to juggle school, work, family, and anything else that life throws your way. I have found that the downfall can be having the self-discipline to stay on task with the work load. Typically, I feel that I am a person who does not slack on responsibilities, but because of personal issues, I have fallen behind on the online workload, which makes me feel horrible. Yet, it makes me truly see the downfall of completing online assignments. On the other hand, I ask myself, would I have done better if I had actually driven to class more? Truthfully, I don't think I would have. It has simply been a tough semester for me and having instructors who try to make this as convenient for the learner as possible truly helps. With all things considered, I think the combination works best for most learners and is a way to tailor to adult learners with busy lifestyles.