I would like to grow and improve on differentiated learning. I know that this is an area that everyone struggles with, but I have found I am a great problem solver. So once I have mastered the idea and all the areas of differentiated learning, I can reach exemplary level on this with the new TKES observations that we have implemented this year.

 

I am sorry for the other post I did. I just realized the interface of this blog and I now understand how it is set up. I am very excited about this school year and I hope to implement strategies that are outside the box, engaging, and revolutionize the classroom.

I have a blog I created in the fall, long before I ever thought I would become a teacher myself. I invite anyone who has time and maybe wants to learn some new things about web 2.0 sites, learning focused strategies using such websites, and also Learning Management Systems like Edmodo. I have begun using all of these in my classroom and am trying to implement a flipped classroom environment to help enhance my students learning outside the brick and mortar of my classroom.

With that being said, I am always looking for new and engaging ways to get my students involved in class. Check out my blog and see what you think…

http://aaronthetech.blogspot.com/

 Mr. H

One thing that surprised me this week at school...

One thing that surprised me this week at school was how involved the parents are in my students’ education. I had a discipline issue with a particular student in one of my classes that has a special accommodation. I had been documenting every issue I had with him and finally I reached out to the parent in an email. Response was rapid and on target. I still have issues with this student but he has a much more conscious approach before he misbehaves.

 

I know this is one example of a good parent and I am sure in my career ahead of me I will face parents that will not support the educational structure of the classroom, but this one act, gave me a positive outlook at the very start of my career.


Mr. H

Planning

As an instructor, I would really like to know more spur of the moment activities to add to my lesson plans. I would really like to add more fun activities to my lesson plans so my students are able to learn and recall the course information. I don't consider myself to be a creative person, but I do know that students want to make everything fun. I want to make my course fun. I teach a class called physical medicine and it involves EVERYTHING about the human body. The human body such as anatomy, injuries, prevention of injuries, basically anything about the physical anatomy and especially related to sports. My subject matter involves a great deal Latin because it involves the human body, therefore, it can be challenging for younger students, especially those who haven't had any type of anatomy to grasp the information. I have been learning a lot from other teachers and I've gained a great deal of knowledge from NTI. I would really like to have a huge resource under my belt. Are there any suggestions from the class? Class Resource https://www.georgiastandards.org/standards/Georgia%20Performance%20Standards%20CTAE/Concepts_of_Physical_Medicine_Course.pdf

One thing I would definitely like to improve on as a teacher is to be more organized and to get my thoughts across to my students more clearly. I have all of these ideas and I have my students complete work, but sometimes I can't organize my ideas clearly for them. Grading papers is a big problem for me because I get behind on time and I can't get papers back to my students effeciently. One thing I'm trying to develop is system where I can grade my papers everyday, but as a teacher it's sometimes hard to be disciplined to keep your system which you developed because there are a lot of things which come up in the day which you don't plan on. Another thing I would like to improve on as a teacher is to develop more thorough lesson plans. I'm the type of person that likes to be organized but not to organized to the point where I don't have room to change anything on my lesson plans. I tend to develop my best lesson plans a day before because I can think about the specific students in my classes and I can really think about the different classes and say, "This can work well with this student, or it won't work well for this class." I am definitely a work in progress as a teacher and I'm learning about myself everyday. However, I know I will continue to learn about teaching everyday and continue to develop my skills!

Question

Laboratory management is something I will like to work on.

Focus on "Me Time"

Going into my second year of teaching, I have noticed that I have left out room for "me time" on a professional level. My first year I was so focused on getting everything right, meeting deadlines, forming relationships with my students, and getting involved with extra-curricular activities. Now I feel that all of that is catching up with me. I am really pleased with the progress I have made to find my place in the school, but it seems that I have failed to pencil in time to focus on myself as a teacher. This year my main goal is to not only balance all of the tasks I have taken on, but also to make sure and give myself some “catch up” time.

Response to Question 1: What I'll be improving on this semester

There are two things that I would like to focus my attension towards improving this semester. The first is, I would like to improve on the overall structure of my instruction. My plan of implementation is to keep the structures that I learned from Dr. J this summer. Using the lesson plan format for opening and closing class, using the short lecture method, as well as the objective, demonstration, check list style for teaching the students a new task. There are several other items I have learned that I will be using to improve my methods of instruction, but I can only focus on what I can accomplish without getting bogged down. This brings me to the other item of attension, and improvement, which would be my need to better prioritize. The hundreds of items on my to do list can easily cause long days and restless nights when not done in a proper order. The items in need of emediate completion (lesson plans, grades, administrative requests, CTSO deadlines, GSU work, etc.) need to be taken care of first and if there is time left in the day I can work on other items(learning new techniques for labs, learning new software, organizing the shop and office, supporting students at ball games, etc.).

Improvement this semester

I must improve time management this semester to help balance out: GSU Fall classes Teaching Coaching Mentoring a new club Being a great dad Being a great husband Feel free to post any time management tricks that have worked for you.

I would like to get better at lab management.

Time- I need more time.

I would like to improve on my time management this year. I find myself getting busier each day. Teaching and coaching fill my plate. Additionally, as a career tech teacher there is the additional pressure of keeping your own program in tune, which I discovered after my first year is like running a business. Now, I have three jobs for the price of one. My time management is, right now, the most self-critical aspect in my second year. Shockingly, I thought behavior management would have been the battle at this point. However, the battle is with my schedule and the many expectations therein. Everyone wants something from the "video guy." Unfortunately, there are no pause buttons in our lives.

Testing

Testing 123

Area of Growth

One thing that I want to work on this semester is keeping my students engaged. They are all at such different levels, that I have to address many differently to make sure I meet them where they are.

Excellent first question

Well, I think this is an excellent question and look forward to reading the posts

Being Prepared

One area in which I would like to improve is having all my supplies ready before EVERY class. I always wind up digging through my cabinet or storeroom, wasting class time.

Teacher Blog

I am posting in the teacher blog

One piece of advice….

Should it ever happen that I did indeed win the lottery and then plan on a world cruise, I would tell my replacement to simply “Stay calm!”  With calmness comes clarity. Just as I teach my students the first day of CPR and First Aid – your first job is to stay calm.  They always try and convince me that they could not handle an emergency and remember all the things they are taught in this class but I assure them that they will. This holds true for teachers.  I have learned this from my own experience as a replacement teacher. Coming into a situation where certain rules (not necessarily your own) are in place and having to maintain them in your newly acquired class can be a challenge. Again, I say, by keeping calm your students feel that you are in charge or dare I say “control”! That is the hardest part of the setting the stage for your own class management skills. If a class is managed, then the learning proceeds.  So, to my replacement I say “Stay calm and pray my cruise waters do too!”

Maintain Structure

One piece of advice I would provide to the replacement teacher would be to always always try to maintain the structure of the class. To do this is to keep them occupied with a class activity or some type of written exercise. Structure your lesson plan down to the minute. When keeping the students engaged, it cuts down on discipline problems. It also helps to gain respect of the students. Maintaining structure helps to keep the students on task with little to no disruption. Things don't always go according to plan, but if you always have a plan b or maybe even c, it will keep the students' attention and help you maintain control.

Never smile before Christmas.....

A teacher and fellow high school friend of mine told me on my first day as a teacher......."Never smile at the students before Christmas!"  I asked him why and he said that it showed weakness and they would devour me by the weeks end.  He also told me that it would take me three years to stop looking for a new job and a doctor to prescribe a nerve pill.  This has been my third year and I haven't resorted to any of his advice.  I found a better way to deal with the little darlings when things get to me, I sing you are my sunshine.  If that doesn't help, singing Amazing Grace always works for me.  My advice to my replacement would be to remember that they are just kids......older kids.  Show them kindness and speak to them the way that you would want to be spoken to and they will listen, learn and respect you for it.  Remember, don't show favorites, don't give in to their big puppy eyes and never trust them to..."be right back with a hall pass!"

Just ONE piece of advice...

If I won the lottery, I would go on my trips during the summer!

Of course it is hard to pick advice with a limited amount of time. If I gave my replacement just one piece of advice it would be to "cover yourself". Although this advice is best for a permanent replacement, it doesn't hurt a temporary replacement to practice the same. When I had my first industry job, I was given this advice. At the time, I did not know how valuable it was. At any given moment, you may be called upon to prove anything. Having documentation can save you (or your student), your reputation and your job. I am a firm believer in keeping good records. On a softer note, it proves helpful with things such as homework status reports when a student refuses to do an assignment. Having their signature justifies any 0 you may have to give, thus, providing a record to the student, parents and your administrator. Besides, with all we have to do, having these 'reminders' helps.

Open Mic

The semester has flown by very quickly. As I reflect on how the Spring semester started, it reminded me of being on a ride at an amusement park. At first you are sitting still and then once you are strapped in, you are whisked away. The Career Tech Department at South Cobb is a true reflection of phrase, "hit the ground running". Not only were guest speakers and hands on activities infused into lesson plans the first few weeks, but there were various CTSO field trips and activities that allowed students to begin their foray into the Career Tech world. I am very appreciative of the fact that I have taken my NTI course at GSU. This course shouldbe a model acroos the state for other courses. It not anly gives new teachers confidence when the semesters begin quickly, but it also speaks to the need and marriage of public school teaching and vocational training. I could have easily felt that taking this course was just another hurdle to jump through, but I do rely on what I have learned to help me begin a quiclkly moving semester.

Magic Rock

You have just won the lottery and have decided to take a world cruise. You will have very little time to spend with your replacement. If you could give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice what would it be, and why?

I would give my replacement their very own magic rock and advise them to expect greatness from the students.

Why?

A couple years ago I was having a rough time, I was not sure teaching was where I was supposed to be. During summer vacation I took a trip and while returning I encountered one of my former students who was also on vacation, he gave me a rock and told me how much I meant to him as a teacher.This rock is not pretty, not gem quality or unique . Matter of fact it is a common piece of gravel, just like we run over everyday and think nothing of.

So how is this rock magic? It is a constant reminder of that ONE student and all the other students that blend in to our daily life. It is a conversation starter, I have simply placed it in my hand during classroom instruction and all eyes center on it. Immediately hands go up. Why do you carry a rock? Sometimes I explain how many rocks we run over on our way to our destinations and how our movements shape the rock.I explain that we have the same impact on others around us. I also ask why did you notice that rock? What made it special? Amazing what the answers are.

Besides the magic ability to start conversation my rock has many other magic abilities. It has stopped children from crying and put an end to arguments. Now I know it sounds strange, and maybe even corny but this common piece of gravel has achieved greatness in that it was a gift, has a message written on it, travels with me daily and is a symbol of what happens when you expect greatness.

So my final message would be to always expect greatness from your students and keep the rock to help remind you that someone really cares.

Take the world by storm

If I won the lottery  the 1st thing I would do would be to tell the administration that they have forgotten how it fell to be in a classroom with all the the hats we wear as teachers. The 2nd thing I would do would be quit  and be on the 1st flight to a exotic island so I can be pampered like a king that I am. If I had to give some advice to my replacement it would be to tell them do not recreate the wheel follow the plans that are here but put your twist to it. I would also tell them to do not smile until after Christmas break and stay firm but fair  on all rules.

Warning, warning....

If I won the lottery and scheduled a trip around the world I would be gitty all the way to Hartsfield-Jackson in my stretch limo.  If I had to meet with my replacement and give him/her one piece if advise it would be to maintain my management plan. Keeping a "tight" management style works well for a few reasons. First, it takes the onus off the students.  The rules are always the same for everyone everyday. They don't have to decide how I will react to something today vs tomorrow. It's always the same. Refer to the classroom rules as often as necessary. Being consistent also cuts down on discipline issues.  But I would issue this WARNING.... Be very careful because you may really love being their teacher!

" Delta or Airtran"

If I won the lottery it will be a true blessing. I would definetly prepare myself and family for this wonderful journey that we are about to experience together. It will probably seem like a dream in the beginning, but I am positive that I will awake from it when the check hit Wells Fargo.

But wait, what about my Towers students and the replacement teacher? My advice to my replacement teacher is to establish an environment in the very beginning that is conducive for learning. Also make sure you cover the rules and procedures as often as it warrants. Additionally, my advice to the replacement teacher is to make the learning environment fun and a place where students loves to come.

Finally, my advice to my replacement teacher is to continue to encourage students to do their personal best. When a teacher can relate well with  student's the entire atmosphere changes and learning becomes engaging. Most importantly, I would tell my replacement teacher to tell all of my students that Mr. Atchison love all of them and continue to strive for excellence in all you do and I will see you soon!

Hawaii Here I Come!!!!

Who doesn't dream about winning the lottery and taking a cruise, a long cruise! Well, I'm one of those dreamers and have the lottery ticket receipts to prove it! Well, after realizing that I'm now a multi-millionaire, and consulting with my command staff ie: CPA, Attorney, Financial Consultant and Security Team, I would then make plans to talk to my replacement. The advice that I would give to my replacement teacher is to set the ground rules and stick to them! In other words, when addressing the students, "Say what you mean and mean what you say". This in and of itself, goes a long way. I would ensure that all lesson plans were in order and go over each of them with my new replacement. I would also ensure that my replacement has everything he/she needs to include the assistance of my class leaders and other designated, responsible student helpers, to help make his/her job easier!

I'm going to travel!!

Winning the lottery would be a life changing event for most anyone and I am not an exception.  Taking this cruise around the world possibly would mean being away from the classroom four weeks.  I would request the school to contact a person with whom I have worked with.  I would cover lesson plans and attendance records with the replacement. Suggest as a reward for good class behavior students may participate in Service Day Fridays. This allows current studied activities to be performed on the shop floor. My advice to the replacement would be stay alert, firm and yet, be approachable.  The warning I would share with her; schedule self a replacement for days one current period comes to Salon Services J

Help!

My one piece of advice would be to ask for help - from anybody and for anything. At first, I was so overwhelmed that I didn't know what to ask. Then, I felt like I was burdening someone if I asked them to help me in some way. Get over it! Ask, ask, ask.  My faculty mentor thought she was doing me a favor by not taking the process seriously and that I could handle it on my own. I NEEDED the mentoring. It was not inconvenient or unwanted, and I had to learn to ask for everything I got. The worst that could happen is that your call for help goes unanswered, and then you are no worse off than if you never asked. I think most people don't know what you need and so they wait on you to make your needs known.  Figuring it all out on your own is the worst kind of martyrdom and will burn you out before you know it.

One Piece of Advice.....

If I could give my replacement one peice of advice it would be to set expectations and follow through! As with most humans, children/students operate more successfully if there is a plan in place. Students, especially teenagers are like "sharks" so they can smell new bait a mile away. If they see someone new and they feel that they can take control, they undoubtedly will take control of your class and you will never be able to get it back.  Speaking from personal experience I know what its like to feel helpless in a room full of loud, rambunctious teenagers, and it is not a comfortable place to be in.  I would urge him/her to remain calm, but set rules/expectations on the very first day and enforce them on a consistent basis.  Reach out to your administrators, because they are the disciplinarians in the building and they are there to support you.  Enjoy the experience as much as can, as I will be enjoying my long overdue vacation.

"Smiling Faces" Open Mic

Teaching is a great career choice for me. Teaching is more than just providing instruction to students, but it should also be an environment where students feel safe to share experiences, to ask questions, and feel respected by their teacher(s). It is my job as an educatior to serve as a positive role model, facilitator, and listener to ensure success in their learning environment and to see the smiling faces when they achieve their goals.

Several of my students competed in State competition in Athens, Georgia on March 14-16th in various projects. They were a little nervous at first, but they remembered the various strategies and skills used in the classroom to minimize some of their fears. It is my job to build a positive learning community where everyone tries their best, encourages others, and responsible for their actions as well as attituides.

If any of these components is missing, the dynamics of the classroom environment are tarnished and the self-esteem could be crushed.Additionally, the support of other professionals and parents are necessary for students to achieve their goals. Once all of these items are in place greatness in the learning environment increases and the smiles on students faces are embraced.

Best job ever........

I think I have the best job ever, being a high school teacher.  I remember back when I was in ninth grade in high school and I got to take Cosmetology.  Mrs. Bishop was my teacher and I loved the class.  She was my inspiration to become a teacher.  I love being able to teach my students everything that I love about the Cosmetology field.  Students really pick up on your enthusiasm and want to learn.  Students have told me that my class is the reason they have stayed in school, that makes my day.

Open Mic

In my 2nd year of teaching It has been hard to teach 3 different classes and keep up with NTI. I have learned to become more organized,muilt-task, and Work smart not hard. I have found that my student has become my motivation to push through and keep going. I am so happy that the end of the year is almost here and NTI is almost over as well. It was great meeting all of my NTI classmates and we have created a life long relationship with each other thanks to you all.

Open Mic

Someone recently asked me whether I liked teaching or nursing better. To be honest, I can't say that I have taken much time to compare the two in regards to which I prefer since I have started teaching, so it took me a few seconds to give her a thoughtful answer. I love nursing, and after being a nurse for over 10 years now, it has become a part of who I am. By the same token, as I become more comfortable with my new role as a teacher, it has also become a part of me. I feel like being an HSE teacher has given me the best of both worlds. I will always love nursing and healthcare, and I can honestly say that I love teaching. Right now, teaching is my passion, and I have been blessed to have the opportunity to pursue my passion. I love the fact that I get to help young men and women develop into responsible young adults, and more specifically, young healthcare professionals.

Open Mic...The Mic Sounds Nice!

As the end of my first full year approaches, I have a mixed set of emotions.  I feel as if I have accomplished some things, but not nearly as much as I wanted to.  I believe that I am too hard on myself, because I look at other teachers and they are happy to get by with just a fourth of what I do. The fact is, I probably want more for my students then they want for themselves, and I feel a bit defeated.  I am glad however that I am close to finishing one full year, as well as nearing the end of the NTI program.  I owe the students for my experience at NTI, because had it not been for them, I would not have a clue as to what a "set induction" is.  I am not sure at this point that I will teach another full year, as my career takes me to the next phase, but I am very grateful for the experience as well as my new NTI family.

OPEN MIC - I SURVIVED!

Next Friday March 22, 2013, will bring to a close my "Teacher Practicum" at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, GA. It has been a great and challenging experience to say the least. It has been many, many years since I myself have been in a high school class environment, and I can only say that teachers today are dealing with a new breed of student. Yes, students of today play the same games and try the same tricks that we did back in the day, however, with the addition of multimedia, style trends in clothes (sagging pants, etc), teachers of today face new challenges. Before taking the NTI program, I had been teaching adult students for over 25 years, so coming into today's high school environment was somewhat of a shock to me. But I survived! Part of my survival has been due to my past teaching experience, strong sense of discipline, leadership and military background; but the most beneficial survival techniques that has helped me over the last two months at McEachern High school has been what I have learned through Dr. B. and Dr. M. in the NTI program! Everything that has been covered in the NTI course came to pass during my teaching experience at McEachern. I must say that this program is a MUST for anyone going into the career tech field. The observations by the instructors is the "icing on the cake"! Their critiques are extremely helpful in fine tuning the "student teacher" until the rough edges are smooth. Thank you for smoothing out my rough edges and helping me to be a better teacher in the Career Tech class environment!

Open Mic: My greatest fear to date...

Who knew I would end up teaching and it be the greatest way I could have decided to spend my time with food? There is not much that can be understood when entering this position (CTE) to really make an informed decision. I went on love of food, desire to transfer knowledge and the fact that so much is at stake with the age group we teach, specifically in regard to career choices that I could help influence (either away or towards the food service industry). I still say, this is the life!

However, when I was told I would have to take them on field trips! Oh my goodness, I thought that maybe I had chosen the wrong thing. Am I going to have to give this up because of field trip requirements. Being responsible for students during the school day in a confined space...that I can do. I almost could not bare the thought of being responsible for children that I am not the parent or guardian of - overnight. Despite having raised 6 children of others and my 3, I'd like to think those 9 have prepared me. No, I don't think so.

Here we are, days away from Skills USA State Competition. 3 days, 2 nights and 10 kids, not to mention they will be going in so many different directions in the midst of hundreds of students. I can't help but think...how did my band director do it? 6 bus loads of us he and 2 other instructors plus chaperones. There are so many things to be concerned over. Their overall well being and safety of course...their virginity (if they still have it). Surely all will go well.

Now I understand why the masking tape was so important to our band director. He placed it on all the hotel doors at night to ensure all of us were in all night. Under no circumstance was the door to be opened unless they were knocking to check on us. So much can happen during the night...I'm still not sure I will sleep well, but surely I will get used to it. Besides, we've chosen the best kids...right? Maybe my Mother Hen instincts are a bit too heavy.

I welcome any and all suggestions!

Falbe: Open Mic

This week I took my students on a field trip. This is my second year taking my engineering classes on a field trip to Standridge Color Corp. to show the students the true potential of the equipment in our lab. The students work with the equipment that fits on a tabletop and cut plastic and steel but when they go on the trip the equipment is ten to twenty times bigger and is cutting stainless steel and aluminum.  Standridge is a company that produces plastic color pelts, sleeves, and silk. They produce material for diapers, Mountain Dew bottles, the soles of Nike shoes, nurse gowns, and many other things that contain plastic. The companies ask for specific types of plastic, then Standridge produces it in pelts, and the company melts it down to the product.

The most impressive thing about the company is that they build and maintain all their equipment on site so they don’t have to rely on outside factories to build parts. Standridge buys the materials and uses the same machines that we have in the classroom to replace broken parts. The students are always surprised at the size of the equipment and its what it can do. The company also has water jets that have the capability to cut through 6 inches of stainless steel.

Overall the field trip helps give the student an idea on what the equipment in our classroom can do. Last year we went on the trip and one of my students brought his resume and got a job at Standridge and is working there his senior year as a senior. They started him off at $15.00 an hour and he has been promoted since he started. I also had another senior start in January at the same rate. The company believes in hiring high school level employees because it allows them to be modeled easier than college level.   Overall this was a great experience for my students. I think in CTAE it is so important to expose the students to the applications of the classroom lessons, and field trips seem to be a great way to do this.

Work smarter not harder.....

I know you have heard that before. "Work smarter not harder".  I sit here looking at a laundry basket full of index cards each student has done as an assignment and think why do I do this to my self?    I have some great meaning full projects but grading them takes way too much time.  I do understand why so many teachers " covet" the scantron machine.   It's takes no time to grade and record tests that way.  However it's pretty hard to mix it up and assess different levels of blooms taxonomy if you only do scranton type assessments.  Time management is still such a challenge for me.

Thank you NTI!

I take this opportunity to say thank you to the NTI program and my fellow classmates for making me a better teacher.  I had some teaching experience prior to entering the world of high school and CTE however it was always with adults.  I have taught at the technical school level and also in hospital systems, but not high school other than an occasional time or two as a guest. Teaching the younger student is definitely in my opinion harder to do. The high school student sometimes comes in with the attitude that “I have to be here and don’t want to be.” or “The counselor put me here.” or that “My parents said I had to take this class.” The difference with technical level teaching is that the student has invested money into their education therefore has a more vested interest in learning. I find that in teaching high school students there is not “currency” to motivate them other than those few students that do care about their GPA. This presented a challenge for me that almost made me give up last year. I came into the system just before the holidays in 2011, and by the time the school year ended in May of last year, I had decided I would not come back.  The subject of taking teaching courses through NTI came up and I thought why not give it one more try.  I am glad I did! I have learned how to deal with the high school learner by not trying to change their attitudes and beliefs but by changing my own.  I had to take an inventory of what was working and not working for me and integrate what I have been taught by NTI over the past year. What I have learned in my opinion is invaluable and will guide me to being more successful this year and every year I stay with teaching. So, having said this,  thank you Dr. Burns, Dr. Montrois and Ms. Chillis for sharing your expertise and advice. Thank you to each of my fellow NTI classmates as well. I have learned so much from your shared experiences and shared learning!  I think that the NTI has given me a gift –

Never Teach Insecurely (again).

Living the DREAM

When I was a teenager I often wondered why ANYONE would want to be a teacher. During many events in my post high school career I reflected on who had the most impact on my life outside of my family. It always turned to a group of people and included in this group was my teachers who made me feel special.

My last duty station/ assignment in the NAVY was as a instructor at NATTC Pensacola Florida, I realized then how much responsibility a teacher/ instructor holds daily. My legacy was to mold the future military members and to influence the future.That was the moment I fell in love with teaching.

On Friday my first grade teacher was visiting the high school, she is now retired from teaching but still stays involved with students. I stopped and talked to her for a minute, it didn't take long for us to be surrounded by her former students. As I listened to the stories and people sharing memories I realized that individually I was not special to her, but that I joined a group that was very special to her, her students. When I retired from the NAVY she saw me in town and told me I needed to become a teacher, I told her my dream was to teach CTAE and specifically Transportation (automotive) I did not want to let her down but I knew I would be retired again before the automotive teacher left. Within two years the automotive teacher became very ill and retired.The rest is history.

Tonight when I went to Ingle's I was stopped by several former students and a former student's Mom, each one wanted to share with me what was going on in their life. Somehow they felt accountable to me, I don't really understand that,but it is very humbling.

I am still amazed at how much impact that my teachers had on me and will never forget how we mold the future daily.

Nashville Bound

I got back this past Saturday from Athens, after having spent three days with my HOSA students at the State Leadership Conference. This is one of the things that I have really enjoyed doing with my students. It has been overwhelming at times and I wish I were more organized with the logistics of all of the activities, but inspite of my shortcomings, the students have excelled. It was really nice being outside of the classroom environment and instead of the role of teacher, I felt like more of a mentor or even a cheerleader. All the students who went had some kind of role to play and they were so serious about doing their job or competition well.  It really made me proud of them and for them. One of my teams placed third in state in the CPR/First Aid competition. This means that they get to compete at national HOSA. That trip is in Nashville this summer, and I get to go with them. Opryland here I come!

Experiencing NTI Program first

I always like it when we have open mic. I can discuss any topic that I think is relevant to the program. I had a class last week and was giving instructions to the students. I found myself doing reflective responses once the directions were given out. After I was done explaining to the students what they will be doing, I'm asking for a volunteer to repeat what I have just said. It's surprising who listens and pays attention and who doesn't. I think this process is a useful tool to reinforce what's being conveyed and that the students understand simple instructions.

Blessed

Wow!! Ever since I started teaching at Douglas County, I have been told “give it three years, it will get better”. Yes, I still have students that have the need to move on. They just do not understand that the program has changed.  I only have two and one-half months and this group will be Pathway Completers.  I really believe I have done everything needed to help them, and yes, I have seen changes in five of these students.  Of course, I ask, why could I not make a change in all of them? It makes me sad that I could not reach all of them.  But, I am happy to say that, I do not think it will take three years to get the program to meet my expectations and have in place the appropriate needs in order for my students to achieve success. I do understand that there will always be needs for changes.  There are going to, at various times, be needs to do some things different. I realize, at this time, there are changes that are necessary to improve this program for the coming year.  My plans are to make the required changes in order to improve our program.  I have truly been blessed!

A Better Quote May Be.....

When I have students do poorly on a test I always contemplate the "why."  The thoughts that go through my head include both the student and myself: did they study, did they take notes, did I teach effectively, were my test questions clear. I have felt as responsible and sometimes more so when a student has bombed a test.  With a little more experience under my belt I have become more confident in myself and realize that if a student bombs a single test, I need to evaluate my assessment. If a student fails my class, then they have failed themselves, usually as a result of poor work ethic. While not all assessments are perfect, I think that most teachers, even with little training, do a fair job of assessing their students knowledge and that the greater challenge is not asking the wrong question but of asking a questions that is too simple to answer and involves little to no critical thinking. I'm not sure in what context Drucker offered his opinion, but in relation to student assessment, I think the better quote may be, "The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking questions that take no more than regurgitation to answer."

Knowing what to ask...

In reading this quote, I thought about teachers and students. It can go both ways, although it is much more aggravating when dealing with adults (who are teachers - especially in meetings). I thought about questions that are asked before the information is given or questions that are asked when the information has been clearly given. I guess this would relate more to engagement and management. You have to engage the students and keep a well managed classroom. Ensure the faculty or students are given the information. Ensure the information is reviewed. Ensure time is allowed for any clarification. Then, one has enough information to know which questions to ask for a greater depth of knowledge. How do you know what type of questions to ask without some basic knowledge on a subject? If you are not attentive and obtain the basic knowledge, you (teacher or student) put yourself in a position where you have no idea what to ask.

 “The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question.” (by Peter Drucker)

I had one interpretation of this in mind when I first read the phrase and then had a more in-depth interpretation of this when I took another moment to reflect on this in regards to the Health Care Science pathway I am responsible to teach. As a new high school teacher I spend a lot of time developing lesson plans, tests, labs and more. Without prior knowledge that there was an actual model of evaluation, I feel that I did a pretty good job of teaching and then evaluating at all the levels but I have learned through trial and error of content test development that I have not always hit the target. I am now guided by knowing that if I pay attention to the information (purpose), judgment (important outcome) and decision (ultimate goal) levels of evaluation that I will be able to develop better testing tools for my students.  I realized “the error of my ways” at times when upon grading a test I had produced that I periodically had questions that almost all the students failed. This made me realize one of two things. Either I had not taught the material well enough or had asked a wrong question. When reviewing with the students the test itself after grading, I have found more times than naught that I had asked a wrong question. The result then was a wrong answer. Drucker’s quote has pointed out to me that an important key to evaluation is to make sure that I am evaluating what I am teaching and asking it at the student's level of interpretation and understanding - not mine.

Fried Chicken (post for March 3 2013)

As I read the question for the blog this week I thought about teaching high school. In the classroom a slip of the tongue is very hard to recover from. You always have at least one class jester that is ready to make something innocent into the funniest thing they have ever heard. Even when you thought no one was paying attention suddenly the rooms fills with laughter. It can be especially difficult when you have a diverse demographic and words have different meaning in another culture.

We use questions to check for understanding, provoke thought and maintain interest in the subject. We have to know what answer we are looking for and the potential answers too. A friend sent me a joke that explains it well. I will share it with you below.

A Little Boy Fried Chicken And His Teacher

Our teacher asked us what our favorite animal was, and I said, “Fried chicken.”
She said I wasn’t funny, but she couldn’t have been right, because everyone
else in the class laughed.
My parents told me to always be truthful and honest, and I am. Fried chicken
is my favorite animal. I told my dad what happened, and he said my teacher probably loved animals very much. I do, too. Especially chicken, pork and beef.
Anyway, my teacher sent me to the principal’s office. I told him what
happened, and he laughed, too. Then he told me not to do it again.
The next day in class my teacher asked me what my favorite live animal was.
I told her it was chicken. She asked me why, just like she’d asked the other
children. So I told her it was because you could make them into fried
chicken.
She sent me back to the principal’s office again. He laughed, and told me
not to do it again. I don’t understand. My parents taught me to be honest,
but my teacher doesn’t like it when I am.
Today, my teacher asked us to tell her what famous person we admire most.
I told her, “Colonel Sanders.”
Guess where I am now..

Never ask a question that you do not want answered. Who said teaching is easy? Gotta love it.

"Respect and Connectedness"

“The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question.”

As I read this qoute, I thought about how my students in the area of Culinary Arts develop creativity, intellectual skills, communication and critical thinking. Truly, cultural and technology influences those questions students have when it relates to their chosen pathway. I always tell my students there are no wrong questions when you do not know something. The truly dangerous mistake is not asking the question, in my opinion.

In my class, I provide all students to actively engage in discussion and maintain an environment conducive for learning, engage students with instructional materials that are meaningful and relevant. Therefore, know questions are incorrect and their are know wrong answers. This creates a deeper learning strategy and encourages students to learn from different points of view and real life experiences.

Serious Mistakes

What the quote implies made me think about the idea that in order to avoid a hazardous situation, one should enlist some deep thinking. From an educational perspective, this can be a two-way street. In order to understand what a student needs to improve on are different from the things that we reinforce. How do we know what to remediate if we don't ask the right questions from our analysis? If we miss the opportunity to target the material that students struggle with and not the things they already know, then we don't address the shortcomings that they will encounter as they progress through their academic and occupational careers. This is why we can't rely on our students to ask all the quesitons. We also can't rely on outside sources to complete the picture. We may have to combine our questioning with some further examination and assessment. I agree with the quote as being a key component to the educational well-being of a student. I do also fee that this is just a component and not a whole.

Serious Mistakes vs. Wrong Questions

“The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question.” After thinking on this for a while, I  believe that what he meant here is that the answers that students give, are often based on the information received from the teacher. If the teacher is putting out inaccurate information followed by asking students the wrong questions, how can anyone expect the student(s) to give a correct and accurate answer. It simply can't be done. This can be related to the ole saying: "Practice Doesn't Make Perfect - Perfect Practice Makes Perfect"! If you practice something the wrong way, the end result will be wrong! You may be able to do the task "Perfectly" but Perfectly Wrong! However, if you practice the task perfectly, the end result will be a perfect task. In short, the teacher controls the learning environment and what students ultimately learn whether right or wrong.

Wrong Questions

Uncertainty is everywhere and can lead us into a future that is undefined.   In order, for our students, to make tactical decisions with great confidence and success, we must make sure that they have the understanding and knowledge regarding the subject we teach them daily. When asking a question and it is not clear, how can we expect students to understand and learn what has been taught? As teachers we must be sure that our students are clear as about the expectations being asked of them. In this case, we must make sure that our questions are clear and understandable. I realize everyone at one time or another does not present understandable questions. The only way to correct our wrong questions is to mend the manner in which we ask our wrong questions.

FalbeMarch3rdBlog

Peter Drucker stated “The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question".  When I think about this quote in the context of the Engineering curriculum and Engineering department I wonder what wrong questions we are asking. One thing that I think is important in CTAE is that we ask ourselves what do the students truly need to know to really make this a career. I have found that in CTAE there is a fine balance between teaching enough content, and providing enough real world experience. If we don't teach enough content they will not be able to pass the industry test, but if they don't have enough experiences they will not be able to function efficiently in the work force.  I think that sometimes when we are making lessons plans we are only asking what does my curriculum map say I need to teach, or what do I really like teaching? I think better questions would revolve around what do students need to learn? Why? How can I teach it to them?

Mistakes

I believe that it is talking about making sure that your questioning fits the answers or outcomes that you are looking for.  You may lead someone in the wrong direction when teaching if your questioning doesn't fit how you taught the subject.  There can be several different ways of doing or viewing something, but if you're going to test or question then the question must go along with the majority of the answers given.  I think this goes with what we are learning about how to set up tests for how we taught the subject matter.  Basically, how we teach a subject and then evaluate it.  They should be the same.  I hope this makes since.


The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question.”

“The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question.” As I thought about this quote i think he is saying that we ask the wrong question for the anawer that we would like to recive. The result of the wrong question would be get a uneducated answer or no answer at all. When this happen you have to say to yourself did i ask a question above there level of thinking? or Was that just a bad question? You have to take in consideration whats the age group of these kids (9th,10th,11th,12th). When you do not take in consideration the group that you are teaching you may over teach and lose students.

Asking the wrong question

I can totally relate to this posting. Recently I had a client that was alergic to a certain type of color. She was getting a relaxer and a demi-permanent color all within the same service, which is perfectly normal. Before performing the service, I asked her if she was allergic to color, she stated that she wasn't. So, we conducted a patch test, which involves mixing a small quantity of tint preparation and applying it directly to the skin for a period of 48 hours. According to her, there were no problems with the patch test. There were no signs or irriation on her skin. It was't until she recieved the full service that she started to experience massive itching. She went to her doctor to get her scalp evaluated, and we found out that she was allergic to demi-permanent colors. She could get semi because it contains no or very low peroxide or ammonia. I only asked her about color and I should have broken down the different types of color and what's in them so that she could have given me a more thorough answer.

"....asking the wrong question.”

"...... asking the wrong question.” After pondering the quote a bit I think my understanding is that if ask a poor question you can't be surprised by a poor answer.  However the worst is ...." crickets".  When you ask what you think is pretty simple question and you hear nothing at all. Did I phrase that wrong, did we not go over this,  are they sleepy.....  Where did I go wrong?  It's helpful, however,

.....Asking the Wrong Question

I had to read this quote several times to understand what the author was trying to say.  When I think of my students, I recall asking them time after time, "are there any questions before I move on?"  I wait patiently, scan the room, and then move forward. The questions do not begin to roll until I assign a task, something as simple as writing three sentences based upon their understanding of the lesson that was covered for that day. I decided to try a different approach, and I began offering small rewards for asking questions.  Not only do I reward students for asking questions, I offer a reward to another student for giving the correct answer.  "Rewards" can be something simple such a bag of fruit snacks, or 5 points added to a homework assignment.  I have always been told that there is no such thing as a "dumb" question, but I digress to say that not asking questions, for lack of a better term is a little "dumb".  As a learner, it takes me a while to understand concepts, and I may have to ask a question to get clarity. I realize that my students are often teased or ridiculed when they ask questions out loud, so I placed a little box on my desk that they can drop questions in and I respond to them independently which I have found helps as well.  My belief is the more questions you ask, the more answers you receive, which adds up to the "more you know".

Perceived Roles

       In my time as a high school student, I perceived guidance counselors to be school staff members that gave advise to students regarding personal or discipline issues. Therefore, I felt I never had a need to apporach a counselor, as I had no discipline issues and when I wanted personal advise I would speak to my friends of adults I felt I could trust. Seeking "professional" help provided by the school would more than likely made me feel officially troubled. Later I found that guidance counselors were primarily gave academic advise, such as establishing student schedules, and shaping their academic careers based of the student's personal interests and class availability. I have also experienced a bit of frustration with our school's counseling office, as I felt like a dumping ground for students who simply needed a class to report to and others who just trandfered from another school. I hold my rpogram in the high esteem it has maintianed over the years, and I fully intentd on promoting and even furthering that status. I felt as though for someone to place a student haphazardly into the program was doing me and the student a diservice. I know they are doing their job as someone who has to fit them in where they can get in, but the frustration was still there. In conclusion, I guess my perception of guidance counselors has been cast in a nonfavorable light. I am hoping that after completing this module and interview, that my perception and understanding of the roles of guidance counsleors will be enlighted.

Rewards and Challenges

The numerous and extensive roles of guidance counselors allow them to see many different types of rewards. In general, I think that the reward comes from the success of the students. These successes may range from seeing a student with emotional and social issues attend classes consistently for one full week to seeing a former student graduate from college, or achieve success in his or her career. In addition, I believe that the size of the reward would be further defined by the size of the obstacle that they had to overcome and the bond with the student, staff, or faculty members that they helped. A greater obstacle will yield greater reward. By the same token, a stronger bond will yield a greater reward. I believe that the most challenging aspect of guidance counselor's career is how to successfully juggle all of their day to day responsibilities with students constantly coming to them needing assistance with their issues. I honestly don't see how they do it.

Changed Impressions

I think that my initial impression of the role and responsibilities of guidance counselors was accurate. I realize that they work hard and have many roles. I will say that I have learned of one additional role. I was not aware that they can also serve to assist students who are in financial need by connecting them with resources to meet those needs. With this being said, my impression of their role and responsibilities has not changed, however, I will say that I was not aware of how GA CTAE provided training for counselors. I think that this is great, and it provides counselors with even more tools to help guidance counselors guide students in the right direction.

Perceived Roles

Based on what I have seen during my 1 1/2 years of teaching in combination with personal experience from high school, I have concluded that guidance counselors wear many hats. They are responsible for counseling, as their titles suggest. Guidance counselors counsel students on personal as well as academic matters. During times of crisis, guidance counselors may also provide counseling to faculty and staff as well. Guidance counselors are responsible for creating schedules for students, and adjusting the schedules as necessary. Another role of the guidance counselor is that of a facilitator. They facilitate parent and teacher conferences and also facilitate the students' transition into college in numerous ways. Some of these ways include assisting students with career planning and completion of college applications. They even help provide scholarship opportunities to eligible students. Although I have already mentioned many roles, I feel like this is just the tip of the iceberg, and there are also many other responsibilities placed upon guidance counselors.

"Rewards and Challenges"

Guidance Counselors are faced with many rewards and challenges in their professions.  I think through all of the ups and downs, the most rewarding thing for a guidance counselor is to  see the child that who had all of the odds stacked against him or her to graduate from high school,  go to college, graduate and have a successful career despite all of the challenges that they had to overcome. For a guidance counselor to see a student not use their situation as a hindrance but as a motivator to help push them to the next level and continue climbing without looking back.  That in itself has to be rewarding. 
 On the other hand, the most challenging thing for a guidance counselor is to see a child that has so much potential become a victim of his surroundings.  To see this student not believing in himself, and just give up because no one in his/her family has ever achieved anything so why should they be the first.  This defeatist attitude would be the most challenging thing for the counselor to overcome, because this would be seen as a handout and the child would not be willing to accept this act of kindness, especially since no one has ever cared for them without wanting anything in return.
The career of a guidance counselor is filled with many rewards and challenges, but in the end I am sure the Rewards definitely out way the Challenges.

"Changed Impressions"

Guidance Counselors wear many hats. From the beginning of their profession, a guidance counselor's focus has always been in the best interest of the child.  Through the progression of time, their responsibilities and focus grew from making sure work environments were safe for children to making sure all aspects of the child developmental process from home life through peer social interactions and college and career preparations are in order.  The guidance counselor has to make sure that they are aware of the latest trends that can affect a child's growth in the class room as well as any changes that may occur in that child's home environment that may keep the child from excelling.  The guidance counselor in most cases may be the first line of defense or offense for some students.  Therefore, the educational requirements for the counselor has psychology courses that help them recognize things/characteristic changes that may come when a child is faced with challenging circumstances in their lives.

Rewards and Challenges

Guidance Counselors have a major responsibility to the student body that can be challenging at times. They are helping the students to recognize their self identity. Between the years of middle school to high school, kids are trying to find out who they are and how they belong. As the students get older, they take on more of family issues which in return can be brought to school. The counselors are faced with tryin to get them to cope with life decisions, but seperating it from their acadmics. Sometimes it hard to focus as adults, and how today's society is, children are faced with more responsiblity than ever before. Another challenge is peer pressure and trying to belong to the "in crowd". This situation can make or break a person of any magnitude. It seems to come as a challenge for the counselors because they have to create various counseling strategies that are designed to help the young people deal with all of the pressure that their adolescent years comes with. Although there are challenges, counselors also seek rewards in dealing with the students on a day to day basis. Watching a student grow and excel academically can touch anyone's heart. Because guidance counselors aren't teachers nor administrators, they serve as a buffer before receiving discplinary action resulting in suspension or getting expelled from school. Helping a student that has/had a discipline problem so that it doesn't reach that plateau is also a great feeling. Sometimes having the right thing to say can change that student's decision making process within a second. I didn't realize that guidance counselors were faced with so much adversity. They are an intricate part to the student body and without them, I think the schools would be lost. They are just as vital as teachers and administrators are to education.

Rewards and Challenges

I think the most rewarding thing for guidance counselors would be to see a well adjusted graduate that is the product of the institution they serve. Whether an individual, is an honors student, college bound or has entered the workforce out of high school is not as important as knowing that graduate can sustain, in spite of any pitfalls that life may provide. Knowing that you have given a student your best and that student then graduates and can manage his/her adult life independently, seems to be a high point for a guidance counselor. In contrast I think that the challenges come with not being able to address or fully understand some negative stimuli that is impacting a students learning experience. I can see this challenge becoming an even larger obstacle, when a counsleor spends countless hours days and many times years with some of the same students, with no positive outcomes. Sometimes in the world of education, with societal changes and the demands of the immmediate community a counselor may have his/her work cut out for them. Some challenges may even come from the understanding or lack thereof, of a students home environment and how it can quickly change. Lastly, I see one of the larger challenges as having the ability to reconcile what is best for the student and not what our own morals and values will say about that student's background, race, socio-econmic status, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

Changed Impressions

After reading the article about the History of Guidance and Counseling, I have gained an understanding of the approach to holistically address the issues that could potentially be negative for learning, mental growth and career performance. It makes sense to understand the human mind in order to help a person become well and productive. Unlike physical medicine, I learned that from reading this article, there seemed to be a push for the understanding of a person's mental well being. Looking at the advancements and modifications through time, there has been more weight given to studies that focus around this very thing. As a teacher, or even as an individual that gets up and goes to work everyday, I take for granted my mental well being. How can I be an imapactful teacher, if I am not working at 100%? Reading this article made me realize that capacity has nothing to do with knowledge, credentials or certifications, but how you function and what types of stimuli in your environment affect those functions. In regard to guidance counselors and their roles, I see the role being a permanent, but changing one. It will be necessary because human growth is an on-going thing, but the role will change due to the nature and demands of society.

Rewards and Challenges

I think the most rewarding for guidance counselor would be to working with students, teachers, parents, community members, local business leaders, and administrators. It would also be rewarding to see young teens transform into young productive adult in the community. On the path to success there are challening issues that arise from time to time. Some issues I think counselor would have are dealing with teachers relationship toward counselling and students being open to be counseled. They would have to deal with thw new trend of globlization of families and student moving across borders. It would be challenging to deal with system changes and guidelines of the school system.

Changed Impressions

My views of a school counseling did not change, but i did get a better understanding of what counselors job. My views of school counseling were best matched to the secondary school counselor. The secondary school of counselor helps student make that transition from middle school to high school and from high school to becoming a productive adult in the real world. On this journey counselor are helping student find who they are, what they do well, and the path to graduation. Counselor's also deal with students experimental behaviors with sex, alcohol and drugs. They are to provide guidance in making concrete and compound descisions. Counselor's also deals with testing(SAT or ACT), college admission, earning college scholarship, and financial aid application.

Changed Impressions

My view of what a guidance counselor is didn't necessarily changed. I just didn't realize there was more to one side to it. It's ironic that what I thought a guidance counselor was, actually matched up with what a secondary counselor was. I wasn't aware that the primary counselor went about counseling the students in a different way. In elementary schools, counselors spend their time with children individually, in small groups, or in classrooms. According to stateuniversity.com, additional duties might include developing classroom management plans or behavior plans for individual students, such as conducting Student Study Teams(SST)and Individual Education Plans(IEPs). It's interesting to know how guidance counseling are preceived in other countries. In Thailand, school counseling is advice given by teachers. In Israel, guidance counselors split up how they devote their time. Part of it is to school counseling and the other half is to teaching. I find that to be an intersting concept on how they have to play several roles. I wonder if they are compensated in the same manner or even at all as the US.

Falbe Rewards and Challenges

Guidance counselors are likely to face many rewards and challenges in the scope of their daily work.  Among the rewards would be the personal satisfaction of helping a student through a tough time, and seeing them make different choices the next time. There would also be satisfaction in seeing a student (particularly one who was in danger of failing) walk down the aisle and receive a diploma. Hearing from a student who got their first job,  or one who aced their first semester in a college that you helped them get a scholarship to, etc. would all be gratifying and reasons to stay in the profession.  In the vein of CTAE, helping a student identify a life long career that they had not considered before would be a great reward. 

With all of these rewards though come many challenges.  Among these of course is having to deal with so many problems.  I can imagine that some of the things that counselors deal with (for example abuse) are hard to deal with.  Counselors are also pulled in so many directions and have to deal with SO MANY students. It would be very challenging to offer your best (with career guidance, personal guidance, school guidance etc.) to every student.  It would also be challenging to keep up with the constant change of guidelines. Having to be sure that each and every child is on track to graduate despite changes in legislation and guidelines seems like a huge task. 

Falbe Changed Impressions

  Overall I do not think my understanding of what guidance counselors do has been widely changed after this research, I do however think after reading I have a great understanding of the depth of their job.  When I pulled up the state website I was reminded how much graduation requirements have changed over the past few years, and how much information there is to know.  On top of graduation requirements there were a myriad of social and personal topics mentioned across the websites, that guidance counselors also have to contend with daily. Things like gangs, abuse, bullying, dropouts, pregnancy, and the list continues. I would not say that I was not aware prior to reading this that counselors dealt with these issues, but looking at it all at one time in a list form caused me to really appreciate the depth of their knowledge and commitment to education. 

In my original post I also commented only on high school counselors as this is what I am familiar with.  Reading through the sites I realized what an important role guidance counselors play on career choice even as early as elementary school. I was really surprised to read the counseling standards for each elementary grade at http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/CTAE/Pages/Elementary-Cluster-Activities.aspx.  While each cluster seems tied to classroom standards, they also each have a counseling standard which to me showcases the important role that CTAE education is playing, and will continue to play in the education in Georgia.  

Falbe Perceived Roles

   It is my current impression that the role of a guidance counselor is to help students chose the classes that will not only put them on the right path for graduation, but also help them to explore post high school options.  It seems to me from my experience as both a students and a teacher guidance counselors play a pivotal role in making sure that graduation requirements are fulfilled by making sure that the proper classes are taken as well as proper exams.  As a teacher I have a better understanding that counselors also take an interest in helping students pursue post secondary options. Whether it is helping them to identify a career path, a college, or secure funding for further education guidance counselors play a key role in a high school students academic journey.  While all of this is key to their job, some how they also counsel students through personal issues, making sure that they deal with their problems appropriately and area able to concentrate on getting through high school. 

Rewards & Challenges

There are definitely rewards and challenges for guidance counselors! The challenges are easy to address. I think that the biggest challenge is for the guidance counselor having the time to do all the things that are expected of her/him.  I feel that with the large number of students in a school that there definitely needs to be more than one per facility in order to do what they do and be totally successful. I hear from our guidance counselor that she often wishes she had “more time” to do what she needs to do. I am sure that they would love to have more help and more time to really give each student 100%+ attention.  The rewards for the guidance counselors are often the same as those for the teacher.  They are rewarded when they see a student that they have counseled graduate and go on to either a job or postsecondary education. They are rewarded when the student that has emotional issues or behavioral issues changes for the better because of the counselor’s intervention. They feel rewarded knowing that they did their best for a student no matter what the outcome. They feel rewarded when a parent calls and thanks them.  There are many more little rewards that occur that keeps them coming back to work; just like teachers! Hopefully the rewards outnumber the challenges!

Changed Impressions

After reading the history and current requirements to be a school counselor I have formed a new appreciation for them! My impression has changed in several ways as I was not aware of the level of education required or of all the duties required of them.  I was a school nurse for quite some time and any issues I had with students outside of physical needs, I went to our in-school social worker. Between her and I, we handled the emotional needs like contemplation of suicide, abuse from the home and emotional issues to name only a few. My history with guidance counselors was that they handled mainly truancy problems, guided class registration and “other things” of which I had no clue. 

Now as a teacher in a different school district, I do not have an in-school social worker but we do have a school counselor. I have worked closely with her with several issues like truancy, suicide threats, behavior issues and of course class registration needs.  Having studied the readings given us in the module, I now know that there is much more to a school counselor than meets the eye!  I was astonished to learn how old the profession is; the current educational requirements; the credential requirements; and all the “hats” they wear! Not only do they take care of students, but they are attending to parents, teachers and even administration needs. I learned firsthand just recently after a meeting that included the counselor, that they are also knowledgeable in areas like postsecondary choices and their requirements, community resources and job outlooks regionally.  The counselor reminds me of that childhood story where the man wears many, many hats at one time on his head.  (Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina)  A school guidance counselor’s job is a constant juggling act and I have a new respect for them all!

"Rewards and Challenges"

School counselors careers can be rewarding. Guidance counselors can have a powerful impact that lasts a lifetime. They help student's with learning issues, truancy, various illnesses and very low self- esteem. For many students counselors are advocates for their rights and understand how systems work and how to cultivate friends at outside community agencies that can really help students and families. I can personally recall my school counselor, who I must admit my biology teacher served in all of those capacities at Fulton High School. She was one person that I could share anything with and not worry how I would be judge. Twenty- three years later who would have known she would still be a counselor to me. So you see, guidance counselors have a major role that can maximize a new sense of possibilities that can last forever.

However, school counselors have their challenges as well. Many challenges a school counselor may encounter is lack of parental involvement, overload of students they are servicing and lack of administration support. When parents are not involved with their child's educational career other problems may arise that a counselor will need to be aware of such as, academic failure, attendance problems and behavioral issues. Some of these problems are because the overload of students a counselor might have. At my school, we are fortunate enough to have three counselors, whereas, some schools only have one. This is when students fall off the train, headed for disaster. Administration can support counselors more by attending various meetings to address areas of concerns, as well as highlights of the positives that are occurring in the school building. These are some challenges a counselor may experience.

" Changed Impressions"

Counselors are great assets to the educational system! After reading the required websites, I examined that the role and responsibilities of the school counselor has not changed drastically over the years. Guidance counselors today however, assume many different responsibilities and tasks based on the needs of students and school district. Many counselors have backgrounds in teaching which allows them to effectively improve student achievement.

Today, school counselors still help students make responsible decisions, mediate problems, deal with traumatic losses, develop a sense of respect for themselves and others, and assist students to plan for college, work, post- secondary training, and lifelong learning. Students at my school seek advice from our counselors in all of these areas. I strongly believe school counselors plays and integral part of the school staff and my impressions of their profession is highly respected.

Rewards and Challenges

One of the most challenging requirements for counselors would probably be how to make students and parents happy.  I know that as a teacher I have students complain all the time that they didn't get in the class or classes they wanted.  With most schools having so many students, I think it would be hard to schedule classes that would meet the students needs and parents requests.

I believe that for a counselor to know that they helped a student achieve academic success and be able to see them graduate would be a very rewarding experience.  We know that if most students had their way they would probably take all gym classes.  Counselors work with the students, parents and teachers to provide the best course selection for students on an individual basis. That's why I think seeing them graduate and knowing that through their counseling they helped the student achieve academic success the counselor would feel rewarded.

Changed Impressions

I never realized how much a counselor had on their shoulders nor the multitude of responsibilities some counselors have in their role.  It was very interesting to read how far back in history counseling began.  Counseling is definitely a needful service for our students, parents and teachers.  The education requirements were also very interesting to learn.  Could you imagine how different our schools would be if someone had not seen the need?  I knew that your counselors at school stayed very busy but didn't really comprehend until this assignment.

Perceived Roles

I think the roles and responsibilities of a guidance counselor is to make sure the student is on the correct academic path that they have chosen for that student. They informed the students and/or parents of scholarship opportunties that's available. Guidance counselors help the students with schedule changes in case they're in the incorrect classroom. Another important role that they play is to help the students socially in case of the death of a someone within the student body. They are another source to help the student cope with what has just happened and to determine if it is something that is going to interfere with their school work. The counselors also test their assigned students to see where they are as far as student's course selections.

Rewards and Challenges

I would think that the most challenging aspect of being a counselor would be to balance such a variety of issues as well as your own life once you leave work. When you care about people, you can't always leave your work at work. Also, the work load can be a challenge. Depending on how many counselors are in the same school, what your areas of expertise are and the work ethics and values of each individual, it could be a challenge to address every need. Although, there is training in student diversity, I would imagine that understanding the different cultures within the school would be difficult when it comes to personal or social issues.

It is always rewarding to help someone. To help someone find their way though is extra special. For a student to have a change of heart about the path they are taking or are now considering their future when they never have before, is rewarding. I would think the ultimate reward would be to see a struggling student years after graduation and see that they are now doing well based on the decisions you assisted them in making.

Changed Impressions

What has changed in my impression of a counselor is the depth of knowledge and range of job descriptions they must be adept in. Looking at the history, it has gone from one thing to another but looking at what a counselor is expected to be responsible for today seems to be a culmination of all of it through the ages: guidance, vocational interests, including assisting students with the social, personal and educational aspects of their lives, being non-directive yet spending more time in guiding special needs students. To have to be the liason between community and school, assisting everyone from teachers, parents and students is more to me than one person can do well.  On top of it all, it is preferred they have a teaching background? I would agree that the best counselor is one who once taught the students they will guide.

In some countries, I saw that the counselor is required to teach in addition to their counseling duties. One description in the reading described the 'counselor' at our school. In an IEP meeting last week the question of her title came up. The parent asked, "...who is the counselor", she said, "I am". They asked, "Well who is the assistant principle then?". She said, "that's me too, along with several other things". It is awful that our jobs (especially counselors) must be so multi-faceted. I don't think their time should have to be split between paperwork or administrative duties versus assisting the needs of students.

Learning about all of this makes me understand why there has always been multiple counselors. It baffles me that this sector would be downsized so heavily because of the value of what they do.

"Perceived Roles"

Guidance Counselors are the individuals that point our young adults into the right directions with their futures.  Teachers help them to map educational requirements that lead to great career choices and the Guidance counselors make sure students stay on track with their high school requirements to push them towards graduation in order to reach those career goals.  The counselor's roles aren't limited to just the confines of the school. Some counselors go above and beyond to make sure that the students receive the necessities needed to continue through high school.  Counselors, make sure that things are going well at home to ensure that the child has  a stable roof over their head.  Counselors, if  they receive a tip from teachers stating that the student's grades are declining due to excessive tardies and or sleeping in class, the counselor will investigate to see what has changed in the students personal life and make sure the necessary authorities are contacted on behalf of the well being of this minor.  Counselor's also mediate between adolescent disagreement allowing a safe haven for students to talk out their disagreements in a neutral environment.

So, all in all I perceive the counselor's role to be a very important role that begins to shape our young adults future.  This responsibility doesn't just stop with making sure they have all of their graduation requirements, but making sure that things are going well at home and with their social lives.

Perceived Roles

I believe guidance counselors have one of the toughest jobs in schools.  Not only do they have to assign students to required classes but also speak with parents and develop relationships with colleges.  Our counselors work to provide college information and help students plan for college by introducing them to College411.  They also work with CTAE teachers and students to ensure students are taking part in classes that will be beneficial to their future.  It is expected that CTAE teachers at our school work with their students to understand what their choices are and how they can benefit from them.  We try to recognize early in their semester if a student is not interested in our class so that we can refer them to their counselor.  The counselors will then arrange the students schedule with a CTAE class that is better suited for them.  Our counselors also develop Advisement Lessons that we implement each Thursday.  The lessons vary from how to identify abuse to bullying. 

Perceived Roles

My personal impressions of what the roles and responsibilities of guidance counselors were that they handle personal students in need of academic, social and emotional assistance. Counselors are there to work for the students aka "The advocate". Counselors are not there to be a disciplinarian. Counselors are involved in activities and services that will enhance students school experience. These are some of the things I thought that counselors did to make students school learning enviornment better. Meeting with classroom teacher to discuss difficulty of students. Reviewing current and past report card as well as graduation and end of course test scores of student in question. Set up meeting with parents and other committee members. Actively involve parents or legal guardian in the development and implementation of further interventions.

Perceived Roles

Until I reached 11th grade, my perception of guidance counselors were related to social/personal issues. Something like a psychologist is what I viewed them as. In my mind, I had no need for them because I thought if you were having problems at home, they would be the ones to see. Toward the end of my 11th grade year, I began associating counselors with college. I noticed that every announcement involving juniors and seniors with regard to college, was associated with the counselor. So, at this point, my understanding was they were a resource and the go to person for questions about college. Now, being on the teaching side of things, I view counselors as a multitude of things but mainly a bridge. They are in fact the people to go to if you are having personal/social issues because they are a neutral (non-threatening) 3rd party. They are also a great wealth of information. (From a parent perspective, the key is being able to catch one available to actually answer your questions.) But mainly, they can be the bridge to the future for students. With their knowledge and resources, they assist students through their current and into their next stage in life. Because my grandparents had no idea about or interest in college, for me, a counselor ended up walking me through the steps for college providing me with my transcripts etc. that I needed.

REWARDS and CHALLENGES

I believe that the "Ultimate" reward for any guidance counselor would be to see a student succeed in life after having "counseled" and worked with that student to help guide him/her on a better path. Helping to guide students on the right track can also be a challenge. I think the most challenging aspects that counselors face are "jealous and insecure parents" that may feel that the counselor is trying to take their place, and their child away from them. Counselors also have to deal with parents who have unrealistic expectations of them to fix a problem that "the Parent" should have fixed years ago. Counselors also have to relate to and connect on a certain level with students who are several years younger, have different values and different interest than their own. The counselor also has rules to abide by to ensure they do their jobs in a professional manner. If there are ethical concerns, they have to be very careful not to cross the line and making themselves vulnerable. Human nature and the need to want to help someone can cause the counselor to become too emotionally involved with the student and that can lead to trouble. In short, the counselor has a multitude of challenges that he/she may face, how he/she handles these challenges is whats important.

CHANGED IMPRESSIONS

What I found interesting as I read and  researched this assignment was that the primary role of the Guidance Counselor has not "drastically" changed through the years in terms of offering students professional guidance in the areas of academic, social and career issues. As a matter of fact, even-though the history of counseling and guidance principles can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome with philosophical teachings of Plato and Aristotle, the techniques and skills of modern-day guidance counselors of today, were practiced by Catholic priests in the Middle Ages. Of course, guidance counselors and the programs they use today have evolved into a much more effective overall experience for students today.

Teacher Retention- " Perkins Funding and Legislation"

 
Last evening's class focused on Perkins Legislation. Many of you shared thoughts of how teacher recruitment and teacher retention could use improvement in the CTE area. Please be creative and think and write about what you think would be a good process to improve teacher retention in CTE. If you had the Perkins money to spend in this area, what would you do?





Career and technical education teachers help student's in middle and high school develop career related and technical skills. CTE teachers also assist students explore or prepare students to enter a particular occupation such as culinary arts, healthcare, auto mechanics, business and cosmetology.

In retaining good skilled CTE teachers, administrators should dig deeper and become supportive of the various programs offered in their building. Many CTE teachers resign after one year of teaching because they are simply overwhelmed with the paperwork, meetings, and behavior of the students. They lack support from administrators with resolving some of these issues. Also many new CTE teachers have never been in a classroom setting and needs more pedagogy in order for them to be successful.

If I had money from Perkins, I would use it for better kitchen equipment, field trips that would provide my culinary art students with hands on activities and professional lab jackets for all students in the area of culinary arts. This will allow students  to feel better about themselves in their chosen career pathway.