Re: My stomach is going crazy
Posted by OldTeach on 5/02/08

I hate to kick someone when they are down, but.... Did your CT ever criticize you about
your spelling and grammar, (both of which leave a great deal to be desired, I'm afraid) ? I
know a lot of younger people don't think it matters, but it really does. Besides, you
mentioned this was your second career, so I am assuming you are older. I take it this did
not matter in your previous job, but it certainly does in education. Poor spelling and
grammar create a very bad impression, but many CTs hesitate to mention it for fear of
embarrassing the ST.

To be honest, when I read your original post, I thought you might be a TT (teenage troll),
due to the poor way you write. If that is not true, I would suggest buying a basic English
grammar book and boning up this summer. Even if you get through student teaching, you
will never pass the Praxis, writing as you do. (And I assume you speak the same way). You
will also never get hired. Just last week, I sat on a screening team, picking out applicants
to be called for interview. We "tossed" at least two because of grammar and spelling errors
in their application.

I'm sorry if I have offended you, but you do need to be aware of this.

On 5/02/08, things are getting better.... slowly wrote:
> Well-
>
> I was sure to give her at least one compliment about her room or
> teaching style every day. I asked questions about her classroom,
> where she gets stuff, how she does stuff, everything, all the
> time. I always tried to pose things to flatter her, and honestly -
> until Tuesday - I thought her and I were good.
>
> Her and I are the same age. I am a career change, and also her
> first ST that she had ever had. She acutally said to me two weeks
> ago that she wishes she had never taken in a ST becuase she is not
> the "mentor" type, and she misses teaching - and would do anything
> that she could to get back into teaching her kids for the rest of
> the year - especially since in the fall she would not be able to
> teach them since she will be on maternity leave.
>
> I even went back and re-read two of my student teaching books from
> the college hoping that something would help - but she was not
> telling me when things would bug her. At the meeting with the
> principal and my school she said that she didnt like me asking
> questions so much becuase she felt it challenged her authority! I
> had no idea she felt this way - and I was only asking questions
> like, "have you seen situations like this?" or "do you think I am
> understanding this law right?" How should I know if no one ever
> tells me to change!
>
> She had mentioned to me that she felt I was being defensive when I
> was recieving feedback from her - and she gave me advice on how to
> change that (It is very different from corporate america
> apparently - and I was never explained this in college - and
> everyone that I went to school with are career changers.... so
> they all would NEED this information). But I worked my hardest to
> do better. She had only mentioned to me once after that, that she
> felt that I was still being defensive. And when she pointed it
> out I immediately apologized and reflected back...
>
> Now - I completely understand why the school let me go... After I
> had talked to a teacher that I trusted about what happened - and
> that never should have transpired. It is triangulation, and very
> unprofessional... but I almost feel like I was ambushed or set
> up. Why was she standing out there waiting for me? Why was she
> pushing for me for an answer?
>
> I am glad that we have this chat board because I needed to vent
> this in some forum. And I know I did something that was very
> wrong - but for those of you that are going to be a CT - PLEASE
> PLEASE PLEASE - let your student know when they are doing
> something wrong. Help them change and give them a chance. Tell
> them like it is - becuase mine didn't feel comfortable giving
> feedback - in the beginning or now - I appreciate that she was
> nice, but it wasn't what I needed.
>
> I am looking forward to my next student teaching experience - I am
> hoping that I am set up with a teacher that will give me straight
> forward feedback - and call me out when something isn't right.
> And I know that this isnt exactly the most realistic thing in
> education - you dont get to pick your principals and how they
> react to things... But still, don't make me think things are all
> lollypops and gumdrops, when in reality, I am about to be dumped
> from school.

Posts on this thread, including this one

• Not recommended for credential, 4/29/08, by Seven.
• Re: Not recommended for credential, 5/01/08, by Rodeo.
• Re: Not recommended for credential - by which college?, 5/01/08, by Let us know so that others can avoid the place!!! nfm.
• Re: My stomach is going crazy, 5/01/08, by life now on hold....
• Re: My stomach is going crazy, 5/02/08, by Rodeo.
• Re: My stomach is going crazy, 5/02/08, by things are getting better.... slowly.
• Re: To Rodeo, 5/02/08, by stomach lady.
• Re: My stomach is going crazy, 5/02/08, by I Hear Ya.
• Re: My stomach is going crazy, 5/02/08, by OldTeach.
• Re: Not recommended for credential, 5/02/08, by Seven.
• Re: Not recommended for credential, 5/02/08, by Rodeo to Seven and Stomach lady.
• Re: Thanks Rodeo!, 5/02/08, by Stomach Lady.
• Re: to stomack lady, 5/05/08, by been there.
• Re: Been There, 5/05/08, by Movin On... (previously stomach lady).
• Re: Not recommended for credential, 5/05/08, by Get some help!.
• Re: My stomach is going crazy, 5/05/08, by BC.
• Re: Not recommended for credential, 5/08/08, by not legal in any state...
• Re: My stomach is going crazy, 5/08/08, by still hate my CT.
• Re: Not recommended for credential, 5/08/08, by Seven.
• Re: My stomach is going crazy, 5/09/08, by Rodeo to Seven.