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Emma - Hello everyone. This is the student/beginning teacher monthly chat meeting.
Emma - My teaching partner, Dyan and I are hosting this evening's chat.
Emma - The meeting will begin in a few minutes, but I'd like to take a few minutes to introduce myself and Dyan. We are veteran teachers who have written a book entitled, Survival Kit for New Teachers. We spend most of our time mentoring new teachers in any way we can. We do this in schools and through our web site, Beginning Teacher's Tool Box at http://www.inspiringteachers.com
Emma - Tonight's meeting is all about what we can do during the summer to prepare for the classroom.
jack - I am a new vocational teacher looking for information on a curriculum design class
Emma - Do you have to design the curriculum for your class as a new teacher?
jack - yes
Emma - Well, this isn't a class, but we'd be more than happy to help you with curriculum design. There may be some online classes that you can take that will help you. Did your university offer any curriculum design classes?
smile - Emma-where are you all located? Do you still teach in the classroom?
Emma - We are located in the Dallas area. Right now we are taking some time off from teaching in the classroom to help mentor new teachers. However, we do teach a couple of students privately.
smile - Are you talking about tutoring year-round? That's great.
Emma - Thanks. Yes, we really enjoy being able to work one on one with students. In the classroom it is almost impossible to be able to do that, so we are really enjoying this chance!
Dyan - hello! I am Emma's teaching partner! I am glad to be here to help answer questions!
Emma - So, does anyone have any questions about what you need to do to get ready for the new school year or for student teaching in the fall?
Miki - How do I access students. I will be teaching English middle school. This is my first f/t job.
Dyan - It is a great idea to use your vacation time to begin planning for next smester. There are soooo many things that need done before school starts! Start planning now!
Emma - What do you mean, access? Do you mean, how can you contact them?
Eb - I am a new teacher LD grades K-6, my resource class room is the size of a bedroom!! What can I do to best utilize this space
Vanessa - Hi!! I'm a recent graduate from Oklahoma State University. I don't have a teaching job yet but I anticipate that I will!! Anyway what is your best piece of advice for a beginning teacher in preparing a classroom?
Miki - No. How do I know where to begin with the curriculum
smile - Has anyone heard of Pat Cunningham's 4 blocks? I am being trained now and it's looks like a great idea! It would be neat to know where we all are coming from regarding students or first-year, just to clarify things. I just completed my first year and learned a lot. I know I need to prepare more, but what?
Dyan - We always recommend that teachers send welcome postcards to thier students, just to let them know who you are, what room you will be in and that you are looking forward to meeting them!
Emma - Wow! This is a barrage of questions. Okay, we'll try to work on them one at a time.
Emma - Eb - Brainstorm what you'd like to see in your room. Next, sketch out a plan. The best thing to do is to use your corners as much as possible.
Eb - And what do I do the first day, get my students, read IEP's, test?/
Vanessa - What are some things that I can do now even though I don't know for sure what grade I will be teaching?
Emma - I aways put a reading corner in one corner, a learning center in another, and a time out space in another.
Emma - smile - I love Pat Cunningham! Dyan and I have both read and implemented many of the ideas from her book into our classroom.
Dyan - There are lots of things that Emma and I suggest that teachers do during the summer! One of them is to start planning by Outlining the overall topics/themes you want/need to cover during the first semester. It is a good idea to contact your grade level team members, textbooks, and your district's essential elements now!
Kristie - Anyone feeling as if they aren't going to find a job???
smile - Trisha - hello, this is only my second time. Get a feel of how it works. It may or maynot be beneficial for you. It's good and safe and practical. I think you may enjoy it.
Eb - Thanks Emma :), I did that last night, but should I use desks or one long table, and there are four really old computers that I want to get rid of so that it can be a space for book shelves.
smile - If you all want some good resources for working with words (phonics) within whole language (real world), try these: Month-by-Month Phonics for Upper grades, Teacher's Guidebook of Four Blocks, Classrooms That Work, Phonics They Use. These are essential resources for beginning teachers. I'm sure it will be worth your money.
Vanessa - Kristie, don't get discouraged yet! It is only June!!
Trisha - I will be student teaching in the fall in a multi-age 2/3 classroom.
Dyan - Another idea for planning to to start gathering resources and ideas to go along with themes that you want to teach! Hit the library, go to museums, surf the net - this can be fun!!
Emma - I put shelves, beanbags & pillows in my reading corner. If you have a lot of space, a nice overstuffed chair or couch would be nice as well. You can get most of this stuff at Salvation Army or Goodwill stores for pillows, couches,chairs, beanbags, etc. at LOW prices!!! You can always cover them up with sheets, pillow cases, etc.
Miki - I am in New York and there is a lot of pressure to meet the new state standards. I am confused as to how creative I can be without compromising skill development.
Kristie - Dyan, but I don't even have any interviews yet, but I'd love to start getting somthing together---but its hard not knowing k-6
Trisha - I have never been in a multi-age classroom, but I think I will enjoy myself. My mentor teacher has a great spirit!
steffie - Miki I am also in NY I am also concerned about the standards
Emma - Kristie - Don't worry! Many principals will not be in a position to hire anyone until near the end of July. Unfortunately some veteran teachers do not give a lot of notice when they leave.
Eb - Kristie, browse your teacher supply store for books that cover grades K-6,
Eb - Kristie, what state
Kristie - emma, I think the hardest thing for me is that I want to move to VA from PA
LR - Check out Pat Cunningham's Books! I teach Kindergarten with Dr. Dorothy Hall who worked with Pat. They have great ideas and they really work!
Emma - STanley - 5th, 6th, and this next year I'll be teaching a 7th grader.
Dyan - One way that Emma and I suggest planning in our book SURVIVAL KIT FOR NEW TEACHERS, is to use a blank calander. You can outline themes by week on a blank calander. First, find out what days will be holidays during the first semester and mark them out - YOu won't have to teach those days! Then start to fill in the blanks!
Emma - Yes, I agree! Pat Cunningham's books are awesome. They really give teachers a great way to integrate reading into the entire day! Every child needs a well rounded reading program!
Coolhand Luke/VA - My principal has suggested that I transfer to another school for reasons that are not my fault. He claims that parents have not given me a fiar shake and that this has more to do with their racism. In this case it would be reverse racism. He seems to feel that this attitude would only persist making my life here difficult. I don't like this at all. My evaluation was positive. He hasn't put anything in writing. What should I tell other principals that I interivew with as a transfer canidate. Keeping in mind that I just completed my first year of teaching.
Coolhand Luke/VA - I have been teaching upper elementary.
sun_goddess^ - I will be student teaching in the fall. My first placement is in 1st grade, can you give me some ideas of what to do the first few days?
Kristie - Luke, does that mean that you have to start a job search again?
Dyan - Things you can do to get yourselves organized for the first day of teaching in your own classroom include, making up a substitute folder! Include journal topics, activities,etc...that you can work on during the summer! This saves you time, cause you'll be really busy before school starts! When you get into your classroom, you can include the other essentials, like a detailed daily schedule, classroom procedures, etc..
Marnie - Great! Have any ideas on how to motivate budding teenagers to read?
Coolhand Luke/VA - not quite Kristie but it still isn't a comfortable feeling to find a new home. I still have a job in the system
Emma - Coolhand - Find out what kind of reference your principal will be giving you. This is important. Next, are you moving to another area? This would help give you a fresh start. If you are transfering within the district, most likely the principals will call your former principal and get the scoop. The best thing for you to do is to be honest & up front about it. Also, bring a copy of your evaluation so that they can see that you do a good job!
Kristie - Is anyone out there just applying for jobs like me?
Dyan - Marnie - Give them choices on books! Start reading some good books aloud to show them that reading can be funny, etc..
Marcia/California - I am hoping to get some interviews this summer. Many schools are hiring.
Vanessa - Yes Kristie I am!! It's fun, isn't it?
CG - I am but I think I found one
Kristie - They used to use a reward system when I was is school---such a s a Pizza hut Book It program Marnie
stanley - I've until 7/21 as a long term sub in a G-5. Might anyone know of a URL with some DOLs I could download??
drea - any canadians in here?
Emma - There is a great book out there for teachers wanting to do DOL - It is called Daily Bites and it has all of the daily practices on transparencies.
Dyan - Another great thing you all can work on over the summer is gathering resources!
stanley - Kristie, yes that's what I'm doing, though not very aggressively.
Kristie - Emma that sounds very interesting---being a beginning teacher is a tough position to be in
Emma - Kristie - Have you checked out the Virginia Department of Education web site?
Eb - Kristie, did you check out VA dept. of insturction website, or contact them to see about any openings
Marnie - Dyan - That works for most of them, but I still have the couple of students who just do not enjoy it. They always choose the least challenging book on the shelf.
Emma - Also, have you taken the NTE? I believe that Virginia requires it.
Kristie - How many applications have you filled out?
Kristie - Yes emma, but with the area I want to move to, there are no jobs posted---I've done a lot of research
Dyan - Emma taught in middle school language Arts Classrooms for years - Emma, help this poor girl out with motivating readers!
Emma - Marnie, I have had that problem too. I often have to pick out a few books and then let them choose among the ones I picked out.
Vanessa - I have filled out at least 7 and have been to 30-50 schools handing our resumes!!
Emma - Kristie, What are?
Eb - As the Ld resource teacher, what will I be doing, or should be doing the first day, week??
Kristie - Emma, I'm certified in PA and I believe that Va will give me a year to meet their requirements
smile - This is such a great discussion and I hate to leave, but like I said I'm taking a Pat Cunningham class this week and my exam is due tomorrow. Good luck you guys next year! It will be an experience you'll never forget and never be able to replace. Going into my second year, I have learned more than the four years of studying at Winthrop Univ. My little tid-bit---pray for yourself and your kids, it makes a difference! Have a great one. Enjoy your summer!
CG - We just finished an excellent book that deals a lot with teenage issues
Emma - Anyone want to move to Texas? I know of several principals who are looking for good teachers in grades 4-6 and in Special Education
Coolhand Luke/VA - Emma he says that he will support me. my VP is in my court on this issue. She feels that he did an end around on her. She evaluated me and though I was doing an excellent job. She is not happy with how he is treating me. She acknowledged that he was not following normal procedures. She stated that she would give me an excellent reference.
CG - The book is The Pigman, Paul Zindel
stanley - Emma, uh, I was hoping to try to economize a bit since I'm not sure what I'll need next year.
Kristie - so your principal is not on your side luke?
wendy - CG- are you student teaching or looking for a job?
Emma - Eb- You will more than likely spend the first several weeks without seeing any students. You will read their IEP's, maybe do some testing, will probably meet with the teachers who have your students, and will work to organize your files.
Coolhand Luke/VA - Emma that would be an ideal situation. I had none of that to help me get started.
Kristie - Emma and Dyan, now that I have applications in, what more can I do to get a job?
Eb - Whew, that sounds like a plan. So you don't think I should plan any lessons now for the first day??
CG - I am a long term substitutefrom Jan-June so yes I am a teacher minus the contract which is coming soon, and yourself Wendy??
Emma - WEll, you'll need to check with your principal, but I seriously doubt it.
Kristie - Eb, I would just plan get to know you games etc.
Coolhand Luke/VA - To compund matter I was matched up with another first year teacher. We were situated farfrom the other teachers on our grade levels
Kristie - CG, where are you subbing?
Marnie - drea - Edmonton. You?
stanley - Emma, it was a, hopefully, free downloadable source of DOLs
Jayne - student/Beginning
Vanessa - What do you mean by get to know you games??
Emma - Luke - That is hard. I think that you may be better off with another school. It sounds like the principal is not helping you.
Coolhand Luke/VA - Emma can you see how I was practicly set up for failure
Dyan - It is a gret idea to alternate a fun activity (get to know eachother) whith a rules/consequenses activity for the first day! You don't want kids to get the impression that you are all about fun and games!
Emma - No, Stanley, sorry. The books are pretty expensive, BUT you may be able to get your school to invest in something like that.
wendy - I am in graduate school now and working as a special education aide. I will be vounteering in the fall in the 2nd grade and then doing my student teaching in the spring in the same classroom. I am also doing my 2 field exp's in the fall.
Kristie - Vanessa, for ex. You may have the students pass a ball, and they have to tell something neat about themself when they have it
Emma - Dyan and I always made up our own Daily practices. We used the science or social studies reading for the day to do DOL and then tried to integrated our Daily Geography. Then, our daily math was all review.
Jayne - I will be student teaching in the fall and I was wondering if any one had any resources
Kristie - Right, Dyan, you should set the classroom rules from day one
dawn - Hi everybody, I need an idea for a bulletin board on summertime for pre-schoolers, any ideas?
wendy - CG- what grade are you subbing for?
CG - 8th grade English. I finished my student teaching in Dec.
Dyan - Guys our book has an entire chapter on the first day of school lesson plans! You'd be wise to check it out! Sorry - shameless plug! Get to know you games are team activitites and things like a people scavenger hunt!Vanessa - What are some good bulletin boards for the beginning of the school year??
stanley - What is the general opinion here of Harry Wong's The First Days of School : How to Be an Effective Teacher
Dyan - Yes! Set classroom rules on the first day and expect them to be followed! Do lots of activities with the rules - games, skits, etc... Let there be no misunderstandings!
Kristie - Dawn, maybe something like "ways we can spead sunshine during the summer" and have the kids come up with things
Emma - The best thing everyone can do to get ready for the next year is to organize the materials you already have. When you get a job, get the teacher manuals ASAP!
Tulip - I love Harry Wong - that book is great
Eb - check out my web site, it's especially for ST, but I did it two years ago, so it dosn't have cool graphics, or anything, but some great links http://www.uwm.edu/~ebbie/
Marnie - My students know each other so well that getting to know you games didn't really interest them this year.
Dyan - Wong's book is great! We love it too, but our book is step-by-step and very specific! New teachers love it!
Emma - Dont' buy supplies now. You will do that when it gets closer to the start of school. Trust me, several veteran teachers will be making trips to the teacher stores & will drag you along!
Kristie - I guess that wouldn't work in a private school marnie. Perhaps it could be for your benefit
Kristie - Emma, what do you suggest that I should do to find a job aside from putting in applications?
Marnie - I agree with Kristie. The students should know what your guidelines are right away.
dawn - A good bulletin board for the beginning of the school year is "everyone's birthdays" "persoanl info & pictures on each student", and "this years's goals".
Dyan - We liked to set up some permanent bulletin boards before school starts to set the tone for the whole year, like - "It's News to Me!" And post current events each week to discuss!
Emma - Kristie -Call the districts and see if you can come in for a district interview. Find a day when you can get to VA for a couple of days. Then, call and explain that you will be in town just for a couple of days and would like to meet with someone in the district if that is possible.
Kristie - Marnie, are you in your first year yet?
Heidi - What are some of your classroom rules. I will be a new teacher and am trying to establish them.
Emma - J3-Our book is Survival Kit for New Teachers. It is a practical guide with step-by-step information explain "how" to everything required by teachers. It covers all aspects of classroom teaching.
Dyan - We also liked to start the year with a theme! Our theme last year was 5TH GRADE EXPLORERS! So, we had a bulletin board all about exploring the globe, is that helping, Vanessa?
Eb - will your book help me as a first year LD teacher?
Coolhand Luke/VA - Lead your students in a discussion. Let them have lots of input they'll come up with rules that you expect anyway.
Emma - Some good classroom rules are: Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself. Show respect for ALL people in the building, Be prepared with all supplies, homework, etc.
Kristie - sounds kind of scary emma, I'm very interested in Fairfax, and may send my resume to all 132 elementary schools because i alaready had a preliminary interview with the county at the Penn State job fair
Eb - and how much should you tell you students about yourself, like do they need to know if you are marrried with kids
CG - rules are one thing I have a hard time with how to punish them for breaking them
Dyan - Heidi - Follow directions given by any adult, Be in your assigned seat ready to learn, Have all need supplies and assignments ready before class starts, show a respectful attitude to everyone, take care of school property and the property of others - we elaborate under each rule to clarify!
Emma - It is important that if you choose to give your students voice about the rules that you actively guide them. This is especially true with middle school students.
Tulip - I agree with Luke you can guide the students to help you make the rules - they will follow rules better if they help make them
Tulip - Day 1 - Rule 1 - Be firm
Coolhand Luke/VA - For me letting them know that I was married and had kids wasn't a problem. If anything it helped them relate to me even better beacuse I had kids there age
Kristie - I like the idea of having a "contract" for the lower grades and have all the kids sign it so they know the rules they have established
rdf - Hi all - got my ms ed in Dec. and have been in a long term leave replacement since. my resumes are mailed every two months plus responding to ads. have had interview buts nothing has materialized. any advice
Emma - Kristie, One thing you need to remember is that Fairfax County isn't out of school yet, or are just now getting out. These principals have to place all of their in-district transfers BEFORE they can hire new teachers.
Emma - Kristie - A contract is a great idea! I like to have a contract for parents to sign as well.
Eb - CG, you have to be consistent with everything, including and especially punishment. if such and such behavior earns a time out for so and so, then it will earn a time out for everyong.
Dyan - How much you reveal to your students is personal, Eb, but I loved sharing stories with my kids and they loved it too! It really opened up the kids to me when I could tell a funny tale about my hubby or my gorgeous puppydog! They love it! But, I NEVER told them I was a brand new teacher ! That is like turning them into a pack of wolves!
Kristie - How did you know that emma, I know they had to have their transfers submitted two weeks ago
Coolhand Luke/VA - Thats correst Emma and its the smae with all the other districts in this area I live around fairfax
CG - EB time out for 8th graders???
Eb - Dyan, thanks, cause I was planning to tell them upfont i was a new teache
Kristie - I'd send that all home on the first day of school!
Emma - I know because I have been involved with districts for a long time now and also because my parents live in Alexandria, VA, so I know that the kids are still in school.
Coolhand Luke/VA - Kristie they will be busy reworking destaffs and people that want to transfer until mid july after that its a numbers game
Eb - CG, what ever the punishment, be consistent!!! And probably, NO, no time out for 8th graders
Dyan - Eb, Count your student teaching experience as teaching - so you are not telling a fib, you DO have teaching experience!
Kristie - Dyan, in a small town like mine, if i get a job here, they kids will know I'm a new teacher---How should i handle that?
Coolhand Luke/VA - Emma I work in the city of Alexandria!
Emma - All districts pretty much operate in the same way. Once you know the system you can guage just about any district.
steffie - it is ok to be a new teacher
CG - What type of punishments then without punishing myself, ex. lunch detention, stay afterschool
Emma - CG- I used time out with 8th graders, but they were held accountable for a product of some sort.
Eb - especially considering I did three semesters of student teaching, your'e right.
Tulip - Dylan I didn't tell my students that it was my first year either - they constantly asked about my age - I promised to tell them on my b-day (March) close enough to the end of the year - we made a day out of it they estimated we found the range mode median and mean - it was a lot of fun - after they found out I sat down with them and share all about college and student teaching they loved it
Dyan - Guys, time out works for all ages! Send that 8th grader down to a little 6th grade classroom and see how they react! That teacher won't be happy to have them there, and so they will be treated quite unfriendly, they won't want to go back!
Dyan - Tulip - that is soooo cool! What a great way to relate math to REAL LIFE!
Eb - CG, that a good question. What would be affective with 8th grades, calling their parents?/ No matter how old one gets, one never wants their parents called
Emma - Before you send any student to another teacher's class, make sure to work out an arrangement ahead of time!
CG - I have done that, yes it is affective
CG - I would never send them to another teacher's classroom, they have their own problems as well
Kristie - Tulip, during my student teaching I told my 4th graders how old i was and all about Penn State---they loved it!
Kristie - How long have you been teaching dyan and emma?
Vanessa - Kristie what is your degree in?
Kristie - Elementary Education Vanessa, a tough job market--and you?
Eb - yeah, is anyone a Special Ed. teacher, besides me
stanley - Is there anyone here using a "money" system? I've always thought that's what I'd do for G-3 up. I recently purchased a book called "Big Bucks" which looks promising.
Emma - I found that the younger students love to know all about you and don't hold anything against you. HOwever, older students (middle school especially) will often take advantage of the fact that you are younger than some of their other teachers. Just be sure to give the impression that you know EXACTLY what you are doing and what is going on! You'll be fine!
Vanessa - The same but I have endorsements in Spanish, Science and Math
Kristie - Eb, if you don't have a job yet you'll have one
steffie - you can send them to anothers room for time out but share that so you also get kids sent to you
Emma - Kristie - I have been teaching now for 7 years. I have taught 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th grades.
Emma - Eb- Special Education teachers are in high demand.
Dyan - Kristie - I have taught for 3 years, plus a year long internship. Now I am taking some time off, as I am expecting TRIPLETS!
Eb - I was hired by my cities district 2 months before I graduated! and hired by my #1 school choice last month, yes i am blessed
Vanessa - Wow EB I envy you!!
Tulip - Last year was my first year - I teach 5th - I need a better policy for not turning in homework - suggestions??!!
Dyan - Not turning in homework is a tough one! I had my kids do homework during recess time, and they still only got half credit! I also offered a lot of positive incentives for several days in a row of turning in homework on time!
Coolhand Luke/VA - Put'em to work with the building engineer like hauling mulch removing trash makem work that will get them do their work. Hehe
Emma - Tulip - What was your policy?
Eb - I would develop a system that is easy for you and your students to remember for turning in homework
stanley - Tulip, I'm currently using a ticket system with raffle in my long term. Kids can earn tickets for answering homework questions when we check. That works for some. Also, no homework no recess!
Tulip - I took away outside time - it made their grades lower - sent notes in progress reports - I wasn't sure - need help here
steffie - but what do you do with them when you pull them out of recess
Emma - Those of you who are still waiting on a job, don't panic! Some districts hire quickly and others wait until the very end. It also depends on what is available. Trust me though, there are always last minute positions that come available just before school starts. It's not easy waiting, but keep the faith!
Eb - Plus, I learned duing my first out of three student teaching experinces to never give up my lunch so students could stay in, I call parents, not only with bad new, good new tool
steffie - the only thing that i got to work to some degree was having them make it up during a time that they enjoyed
Dyan - Stanley - I also used a ticket system! I drew on Fridays for lots of fun stuff! The odds are - the more red tickets they get, the better their chances are of being picked! They loved getting red tickets. I taught fifth grade.
stanley - In my long term I'm having kids check to see that classmates turned in homework. How about the rest of you?
Eb - Kristie, Milwaukee is totally hiring, want to move here, it is a great city
Coolhand Luke/VA - Mine had to have a sit outside while everyone else played. That way you got them outside for fresh air, and you haven't inconvienced any teacher.
Kristie - Eb, I want to stay on the east coast---close to my family
Emma - My homework policy was as follows: Students who did not turn in their homework were keep out of recess. They stayed on the playground, next to me, and did the assignment. When they turned it in, the highest possible grade was a 70. However, I tried to use positive reinforcement and handed out coupons, tickets, etc. for students who consistently turned in their homework.
Tulip - I did that too Luke - would be nice if they could stay in though
steffie - in our school system aides take care of them during recess they dont need my headaches
Dyan - Exactly - I NEVER gave up my lunch - the kids brought their homework to the playground! The only time I gave up lunch was for a special occasion when I ate lunch with the kids as a reward! They loved eating with me!
Kristie - Student teaching was one of the most rewarding experience i have had and want to continue
Coolhand Luke/VA - I have used your system with a twist emma. The children save their coupons and use them during a monthly auction.
Kristie - I did that during student teaching dyan---the kids and I had a blast
Emma - Stanley, Dyan and I had "checkers". The students turned in their work into bins. Then my "checkers" gathered the work and marked checks in my grade book (in pencil) for everyone who turned in the work. Then they made a list of people who did not turn in the work.
Dyan - I loved having the checkers, as they were meticulous about their jobs, and I was too busy in the morning to check for homework!
stanley - Emma, That's close to mine, though I can see that I'll save myself some grief by having my checkers give me a list!
Emma - Middle school teachers don't have recess to take away, so rewards for homework done is often a better tool. Generally I left it up to them. The first offence I conferenced with the student & explained the consequences of not turning in homework. Then if it continued, then I called in parents & explained the failing grades.
Dyan - Guys the best advice I can give to you before you start your new year is GET ORGANIZED! YOu won't have time once school starts!
CG - I giving my students who are graduating the eighth grade my e-mail address to k,i,t. do you think this is o.k.
Kristie - I guess i will go thru my stuff from student teaching starting tomorrow Dyan!
Tulip - Super advice Dyan - I started off last year very organized - but as the year went on who had time for all that --I've brought all my files home to organize over the summer
Emma - CG - I would get another e-mail address through yahoo or hotmail and give your students that address. That way you'll have one personal e-mail and one for your students. It will help in case you have a student who may want to harass you.
Kristie - I don't have that much, but its a mess right now
Tulip - CG -I gave my 5th graders who are graduating my e-mail address too
Dyan - Kristie - Yes! Organize all of that stuff so it is easy to find those great ideas you learned and tried out in student teaching!
Vanessa - I have begun organizing my things. What advice could you give regarding taking a job offer but later being offered a job you would feel more comfortable with?
Kristie - Student teaching is a lot of work--but VERY REWARDING!
Emma - That's tough Vanessa.
Jayne - Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should be preparing for student teaching
Dyan - Vanessa - you want to be happy! If you haven't already gone to staff development for the first school, and there is still time left in the summer, you can take a new job! Teaching is hard enough, you want to be where you are comfortable!
Tulip - Good ? - Vanessa the same thing happened to me last year I stuck with the one I took first even though I wanted the other - turns out I love it - staying this coming year
Vanessa - It hasn't happened but I'll find out next week about a 7,8,9 Spanish position but I'd much rather be in upper elementary!!
heather/DE - what grade jayne?
Emma - Vanessa - You've got to be careful not to burn any bridges.
Kristie - Vanessa, I'm in the same boat. i want to teach in a pulbic school, but i have relatives in my hometown that help to operate our local catholic grade school. They want me to apply for the postion, and I'm almost assured it, but don't know what to do about the public school postion.
Jayne - Third grade
Emma - Jayne, One good thing to do for preparation is to begin thinking through how you'd like to handle various situations. Doing some role play in your head or "daydreaming" will give you some ideas to do during student teaching.
Kristie - Jayne, prepare yourself for geting no more than 5-6 hours of sleep a night!!!
heather/DE - Jayne, have you found out what units , or content areas the teacher usually works on in the fall?
Emma - Becca - 7th grade is a hard one anyway! I'm sure you'll love 3rd grade! I went from 7th/8th down to 5th and thought I was in heaven!
stanley - Jayne, Have you done any subbing? I really wish I HAD prior to student teaching! Also, don't hesitate to ask for a different Master T if there are significant communication problems between you & your Master T.
Jayne - No she wants me to call her in August
Tulip - Has anyone else found it really hard to balance your time between family and work -- does it get easier?!
Kristie - I had to design a unit jayne---if you can talk to your coop ahead of time and find out a topic, i'd start assemlbling now. I put in 15 hour days working on my unit during student teaching
Dyan - One way to get yourself organized before school starts is to make "DAY OF THE WEEK FOLDERS" This is a great tool! You have a folder labeled with every day of the week, and laminate them so they last all year! Then you stick lessons and materials in them so you or your sub are all ready to go each day!
heather/DE - stanley, i agree, we had a problem between a master T and the student teacher in ou r school this past year
Vanessa - What advice would you give for teaching 8th graders??
Melody^ - what can you guys tell me about the ExCet Exam
Jayne - the teacher has told me that she will need help with Science units
Emma - Jayne, one thing that would help you would be to take all of the ideas you've gotten in your courses and begin pulling out the ones that you like the best or think you definitely want to do. Next, organize these ideas in 3 ring binders and tab various sections so that you are very organized. This way you can find your notes,etc. easily.
stanley - The nice thing about subbing is that you're on your own, and, you have a chance to retool your mistakes in a different setting the next day.
SPED - I JUST GOT A JOB TODAY AND I DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO START? CAN ANYONE OFFER SUGGESTIONS.
K - I have "verbally" accepted a 5th grade teaching position at a school 3 minutes away. I have been offered a 1st or 2nd grade position at a school 2 minutes down the road. I feel bad because I have told them I would come. I even have my own classroom. I am a first year teacher, 21! What do I do??
Emma - Jayne, one thing that would help you would be to take all of the ideas you've gotten in your courses and begin pulling out the ones that you like the best or think you definitely want to do. Next, organize these ideas in 3 ring binders and tab various sections so that you are very organized. This way you can find your notes,etc. easily.
heather/DE - Jayne, I would get a jump on those units now, that way you don't have to spend so much time on them in the fall. ALso, find out what kind of discipline system the teacher uses, or if you have to design your own.
SPED - SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE ROOM
Dyan - Well guys - I am a big hockey fan, so I must go and watch the Dallas Starts skate thier way to victory in the Stanley Cup Finals! Everyone visit us on our web site www.inspiringteachers.com and buy our book SURVIVAL KIT FOR NEW TEACHERS! Our mission is to help new teaches! Every teacher who has bought our book has sung our praises, so you can't go wrong, SPED! GOOD NIGHT!
Emma - Melody - the ExCet is very practical. It is mostly situations and asks you how you would handle various situations. That is the elementary test. The subject area tests require in-depth knowledge of your subject area. Texas is very big on application of knowledge.
Melody^ - do u know about the new rule in Texas? Teachers that graduate after September will need to need to get certified every five years...
Emma - No, Melody, I had not seen that rule. I'll have to log on to TEA and get the information. Thank you!
Emma - I think that getting recertified every so often is a good idea. Many veteran teachers get stuck in a rut and need to be updated on their strategies.
Melody^ - I understand that you need to have a specific amount of hours in "training" to get the certification
Emma - Gosh SPED - I sincerely hope that we included everything you'll need in that book! However, if you have any specific questions, I am always available to answer them! Use our web site (the Mentor) or e-mail me at emma@tenet.edu
K - Ok I hav verbally accepted a job, but got a better offer. What do I do? I feel bad, but the hool I want to be at is 5 min away, the other is 30 minutes! I already hae my classroom, but I don't want the job! It is 5th grade! I am a irst year teacher, 21
Emma - Melody, Don't panic or be upset. If you are good at what you do and stay on top of your classroom, the re-certification will merely be a nuisance. I took the elementary ExCet after teaching for 2 years and made a 99 on it!
Karen - take the job that is closer and tell them you need to be closer to home so you'll feel more connected to the children
Emma - K - The principal may understand that you need to be closer to where you live, especially since you have not signed a contract. What is the other job offer? Just be careful not to burn any bridges.
Melody^ - What do u recommend to study for the ExCet, is there a book I can read??
Emma - Melody - I'd just use the ExCet preparation book. Which tests will you be taking?
Sandy - K---You should take the job you want. It is closer, and you'll be with first graders. Are you sure you can get this job?
Karen - If you really have both jobs and you aren't legally bound by a contract and $ is same, take the closer job and be happy :)
Emma - We are here to help new teachers. You could say that is our mission. IN fact, we offer resources on our web site, we have a book just for new teachers, and we are trying to come out with a couple of other books for new teachers in the Fall & Spring.
Dee - My understanding of the recertification process is not that you will be tested at each renewal, but rather you will be expected to show that you have kept up your professional develoopment and of course you have to pay again. PDAS requirements will keep you in line for recertifications. Hey Jan5TX, Emma and all others. How do you read and type at the same time? This thing is moving too fast. Poor Sandy, just learning a computer too?
Emma - DEE - what good news about the recertification. I do know that we are all now required to do additional staff development hours that were not required when I first began teaching.
Karen - Is there a site to give us a good idea of what curriculum is covered at each grade level?
Emma - Karen - Yes. The TEKS are posted on the TEA page. YOu can download the chapters for each grade level under their curriculum page. I believe the address is http://www.tea.org I am on my dad's computer, so I don't have my list of addresses.
Emma - Karen, most universities are not that specific.
Jan/5/TX - Karen, It depends upon what state you are and what you teach. the best thing to do is to get w/ my lead teacher and get the curriculum guides to deal w/ what you will be teaching.
Emma - It will just be hard for you, most likely, to break the news. Just be upfront and explain your reasons. The principal will be disappointed, but probably won't black ball you or anything. They are people too and understand those sorts of things.
Dee - Melody, I took the special ed, esl, english, elementary comp, professional develpment and passed all five the first time out. Don't worry too much. It is mostly application. Get a copy of the study guide that they give you when you sign up---that's all you really need. You don't have to recall facts, just uh...use the logic of what you would do in the situation as it is presented. The best advice I can give in answering the questions is...pretend it is a perfect world, don't worry about how much money it would take to complete the task---but think in terms of what would be in the best interest of your students---not uh well the principal will never go for this because it will cost too much or require an aide---even though you know in the real world that the chances of you getting an aide are zip.
Emma - Exactly Dee! Excellent answer! I took the elementary, english, reading, professional development, and secondary social studies. It was a similar experience!
Emma - Well, everyone. This has been a wonderful chat and I have enjoyed talking to all of you! I'm so glad that you stopped by and hope that you will come back for next month's chat!
stanley - Emma, Thanks for the cogent comments. I WILL check out your site!
Tina - There is one quesion that keeps popping up that I wonder what the "answer" is...."what do you see yourself doing in five years?" I just wonder what are they looking for?
Emma - Tina - I believe they are looking for an answer like this: "I'd like to be in a school where I can help my students become life-long learners. I'd like to be established as a teacher and working to become an even better teacher" etc. Basically principals want to see if teaching is a "temp" job on your way to a better paying career or if you truly want to be a teacher long term or in education long term.
Emma - Also, please stop by our web site (Beginning TEacher's Tool Box) at http://www.inspiringteachers.com for resources, help & answers to your questions. We are here to help you! Please feel free to e-mail us with any questions you have at any time!
Emma - Lastly, anyone who has any ideas for topics that you'd like to see covered in this chat each month, please e-mail me at emma@tenet.edu or at info@inspiringteachers.com Thanks!!!!
Dee - Other questions that they asked me questions like ---would you be willing to work summer school? after school tutoring? I told them that as a new teacher I felt that I should limit my afterschool tutoring to my own students, and that I would not be able to work summers because I plan on using my summers for staff development---working towards my Masters.
Emma - Well, sorry everybody, but I've got to go. I'm actually on vacation and we are taking my toddler to the zoo for the first time tomorrow. I have to get up early!!! Good luck and I hope to talk to you soon!
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