Teachers Corner

This is a section that I added for sharing our thoughts as teachers which may include various comments or useful advice, as we learn how to be more effective teachers (in general). As teachers, sharing our daily thoughts and experiences can give us more insight and support regarding the art of teaching. As we get more response and words of wisdom here, I plan to copy your comments and add these to our main wiki page so that this section may be referred to in years to come. Thank you for your positive comments regarding this new section. J.J. Judy Hutton

Last week I was teaching genetics in my science class. We reached a discussion time (this past Monday) when the students were sharing about heredity and real world connections. Pictures of their families were shared. One of my "shy" students shared that he was adopted and talked about his biological parents and adopted parents. He was describing the physical traits he had received from his natural parents and the "learned" traits from his adopted parents. He said he realized that his adopted parents loved him very much and that they picked him to be their son. Other students shared and we had a very interesting discussion about parents and grandparents regarding heredity and what traits had been passed down to them. The students commented that this was one of their favorite class meetings; some students that previously did not participate often in discussions are now sharing more, after this class. This is further proof that real world connections need to be a big part of each lesson we teach and how important each class truly is. Judy (J.J.) Hutton

This week I had tutored two students that were having problems with getting their homework. Both of them had gotten so far behind that they were overwhelmed and frustrated with the make-up work. I asked them to prioritize their make-up work according to their interest. They both did so and we sat down and devised a plan with their input. Also, there was a project in which they could go outside and collect samples; this allowed them to have a break from the pencil and paper homework assignments. One of them had to write definitions-one of the words was emotional; instead of just writing the words to define it, I suggested drawing faces showing emotions. The student gave me a big smile and said she liked that idea. This shows how simple suggestions and variety can give our students the novelty or lift they need to regain interest and motivation. (J.J.) Judy Hutton

J.J.- I agree totally. Academia by itself never did a darn good to anyone. It is integration into one's life which makes learning come alive! We should not simply make a career out of schooling (we all have heard of the college student in school for twenty years), but instead make our schooling pertinent to our interests.

In my teaching experience this week, I ran into the same old bulwark while teaching Weather and Climate to a group of college students. They are always so scared of making a mistake, that they will not attempt a problem without first trying to get me to tell them whether they are on the right track. Well, this week I did not bow to the whims of the crowd. I instead informed them that, " They should take a chance now and then. Show me somebody who won't take a chance, and I'll show you someone who never did a darn thing." I suppose these are words to live by, but mostly I am glad to have them thinking on their own now.--Brenton Reese

Great new section J.J.!!

I think this a wonderful idea for a section. It's always good to know how and what is happening with fellow teachers. I had an experience last week where a fellow teacher, who happened to be new, was threatened three out of the five days that he had been there and by the same student. Upon investigation we learned that the student and his parents were homeless and this was causing his hostility.

Gregory

Last Friday I had my first experience as a "teacher" on a field trip! I went to the zoo with the 1st graders from Campus Elementary school where I am a graduate assistant. It was a lot of fun but at the same time really hectic. The kids were so excited to get to run around and see the animals. They had a scavenger hunt they had to do which was a lot of fun and also kept them occupied. One little boy got lost; that was the scariest part of the whole day. We found him; he just wanted to play on the play ground! It was a great first experience.

-Haley

Last week, my teacher was out for two days. I am the assistant in the classroom. While out I had an interesting experience in the classroom. I was the teacher. I had a substitute teacher but she didn't know anything and I felt that ALL RESPONSIBILITIES were on me. I didn't panic, I just stuck with the routine and things went smoothly. This was a learning experience and reminder that I can definitely have my own classroom and I need to study and pass my tests. My principal offered me a teaching position when I complete my tests and I was impressed she came to me about the topic. Tonya

Hello fellow teachers. Is it just me or does anyone else, most times, feel ovrwhelmed with MCS paperwork? On top of lesson plans, 20 day attendance forms, Chancery SMS, test, new textbooks with no teachers manual, new classes added to the cluster two days before school starts with a brand new curriculum guide to learn (as wel as what the dang class is about) special schoolwide projects given two weeks before they're due and I could go on and on. I'm still a relatively new teacher (who has had no mentor) for my entire three years. I find no time for myself.

Gregory [10-5-08]

Gregory,

While I know not what MCS paperwork entails, exactly, I know the feeling you are describing. Remember, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Plus, when the workload is extreme, something eventually has gotta give. In my past, I talked with people whom I trusted and got their opinions on certain matters. They could tell me rational ways of approaching problems that I, in my hectic frenzy, had not considered. The main thing is to not let the problem eat away at you! -Brent

Clay,

Pursuing teaching degree or occupation in the field.