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LACK OF TRAINING??

by JILLIAN JAVIER

Feb 19, 2010

I just want to know how do you define a certain teacher which lacks of training to become a better teacher. And what is the importance of having a training first before becoming a teacher... Your answers will be use for some research. Thank you very much

Need help with college project, please!

by Amy Christensen

Feb 19, 2010

Hi,

I am a college student, and I am currently in Foundations of Education class. I need to interview 5 veteran teachers ranging from 15 to 30 years of experience. I live in a very rural area which has made it quite difficult to find teachers to interview. I would be so grateful if anyone would answer my 8 questions. The 8 questions are be...See More

Sara On 2/19/10, Amy Christensen wrote: > Hi, > > I am a college student, and I am currently in Foundations > of Education class. I need to interview 5 veteran teachers > ranging from 15 to 30 years of experience. I live in a very > rural area which has made it quite difficult to find > teachers to interview. I would be so grateful ...See MoreOn 2/19/10, Amy Christensen wrote: > Hi, > > I am a college student, and I am currently in Foundations > of Education class. I need to interview 5 veteran teachers > ranging from 15 to 30 years of experience. I live in a very > rural area which has made it quite difficult to find > teachers to interview. I would be so grateful if anyone > would answer my 8 questions. The 8 questions are below. > Thank you so much for all your help! > > Sincerely, > > Amy > > 1. How do you facilitate active learning and knowledge > construction in the classroom through making choices > available that acknowledge the personal needs and interests > of all children in the environment?

The answer to this question would be Very Long. I plan lessons carefully to do just that. > > 2. Throughout your years of teaching, how have you > adapted to the appropriate use of technology, including > assistive technologies for children with disabilities?

Computers and the Internet infuse my teaching now - in more ways than I could describe. I need a computer for every student all the time but don't yet have one. Laptops are very helpful for children with disabilities. > > 3. Because of the big issues of separation of church > and state, what ways have you experienced disapproval > because of your philosophies and theories? How difficult is > to stand firm in your beliefs within a public school > setting?

I've never experienced any disapproval of my philosophies and theories - this question is very unclear. I don't violate separation of church and state - your question seems to assume that I would do such a thing. > > 4. Because you have to teach to state standards, how > do you justify everything you teach? This question makes no sense. If we have to teach state standards, then that's how we can justify what we teach. Curriculum decisions are made at a level above teachers. But in reality teachers still have tremendous leeway in what they teach and I justify what I teach on the basis of 'it works'. I teach what works to keep students interested and learning. > > 5. How has the role of a teacher changed over the > course of your career? Students are each year almost less and less focused - being a taskmaster, being a counselor - those are two roles that teachers must increasingly take on. It's not possible to just teach anymore - students have increasingly challenged and even shattered lives and they need patient counseling to contend with the reality of their lives. > > 6. If you could build the perfect school, what would > it contain?

Many things but chief among them would be computers in every room and a gym that had many different activities designed to encourage students in physical fitness. No class size would be over 18 students. > > 7. When considering the No Child Left behind Act, how > does it influence your curriculum and yourself? There's no short answer to this question. NCLB has had a remarkable impact on schools and not for the better. > > 8. Do you believe that political views can get in the > way of deciding what is best for the students? If so, why?

Not get in the way but they certainly shape teachers' decisions. Political views are partly philosophical views - all teachers have a philosophy of teaching whether they know it or not. It's impossible to teach and not have your teaching be impacted by your political/philosophical viewpoints. What do you believe about school? What a teacher believes about school and its role in society affects how they teach.

Feb 22, 2010

Amy Christensen Thank you, Sara! I'm truly grateful for your help!!

On 2/22/10, Sara wrote: > On 2/19/10, Amy Christensen wrote: >> Hi, >> >> I am a college student, and I am currently in Foundations >> of Education class. I need to interview 5 veteran teachers >> ranging from 15 to 30 years of experience. I live in a very...See MoreThank you, Sara! I'm truly grateful for your help!!

On 2/22/10, Sara wrote: > On 2/19/10, Amy Christensen wrote: >> Hi, >> >> I am a college student, and I am currently in Foundations >> of Education class. I need to interview 5 veteran teachers >> ranging from 15 to 30 years of experience. I live in a very >> rural area which has made it quite difficult to find >> teachers to interview. I would be so grateful if anyone >> would answer my 8 questions. The 8 questions are below. >> Thank you so much for all your help! >> >> Sincerely, >> >> Amy >> >> 1. How do you facilitate active learning and knowledge >> construction in the classroom through making choices >> available that acknowledge the personal needs and interests >> of all children in the environment? > > The answer to this question would be Very Long. I plan > lessons carefully to do just that. >> >> 2. Throughout your years of teaching, how have you >> adapted to the appropriate use of technology, including >> assistive technologies for children with disabilities? > > Computers and the Internet infuse my teaching now - in more > ways than I could describe. I need a computer for every > student all the time but don't yet have one. Laptops are very > helpful for children with disabilities. >> >> 3. Because of the big issues of separation of church >> and state, what ways have you experienced disapproval >> because of your philosophies and theories? How difficult is >> to stand firm in your beliefs within a public school >> setting? > > I've never experienced any disapproval of my philosophies and > theories - this question is very unclear. I don't violate > separation of church and state - your question seems to > assume that I would do such a thing. >> >> 4. Because you have to teach to state standards, how >> do you justify everything you teach? > This question makes no sense. If we have to teach state > standards, then that's how we can justify what we teach. > Curriculum decisions are made at a level above teachers. But > in reality teachers still have tremendous leeway in what they > teach and I justify what I teach on the basis of 'it works'. > I teach what works to keep students interested and learning. >> >> 5. How has the role of a teacher changed over the >> course of your career? > Students are each year almost less and less focused - being a > taskmaster, being a counselor - those are two roles that > teachers must increasingly take on. It's not possible to just > teach anymore - students have increasingly challenged and > even shattered lives and they need patient counseling to > contend with the reality of their lives. >> >> 6. If you could build the perfect school, what would >> it contain? > > Many things but chief among them would be computers in every > room and a gym that had many different activities designed to > encourage students in physical fitness. No class size would > be over 18 students. >> >> 7. When considering the No Child Left behind Act, how >> does it influence your curriculum and yourself? > There's no short answer to this question. NCLB has had a > remarkable impact on schools and not for the better. >> >> 8. Do you believe that political views can get in the >> way of deciding what is best for the students? If so, why? > > Not get in the way but they certainly shape teachers' > decisions. Political views are partly philosophical views - > all teachers have a philosophy of teaching whether they know > it or not. It's impossible to teach and not have your > teaching be impacted by your political/philosophical > viewpoints. What do you believe about school? What a teacher > believes about school and its role in society affects how > they teach.

Feb 22, 2010

Pregnant - Need advice on how not to lose my mind

by BethAnn

Feb 19, 2010

Hi All,

I am beginning my 6th month of pregnancy, and I teach 6th grade. This is my third year of teaching and my first year teaching these subjects.

My subject line sums up a lot. I am beginning to feel crappy, which, from what I understand, will only get worse. Middle school kids seem to get crazier after Christmas break, and th...See More

view previous comments

BethAnn to Certifiedteach Thank you so much for your words of advice - I really appreciate your time. It helps SO much hearing someone else's experience and that you lived to tell about it! :)

Thanks again,

BethAnn

Feb 20, 2010

certifiedteach BethAnn, I was also thinking that if you don't already have at least 10 mins a day set aside as a quiet reading time, this is the perfect point in the school year to institute the practice. I teach 6th grade too, and although they HATE to get quiet and settle down, it benefits those who really require the added quiet period, and those who are natur...See More

Feb 20, 2010

interim position

by looking for work

Feb 19, 2010

I have been hired into an interim position, however, I was told that there will be definite openings in the upcoming school. How can I market myself from the inside within the next few months to get hired for any of the opening slots?

view previous comments

looking for work On 2/19/10, certifiedteach wrote: > It's not hard to figure out: go above and beyond in the interim > position. Be a great co-worker, interested, not too vocal, be > positive, show that you would be a great colleague to have in > the building next year. Demonstrate your knowledge in > collaborative ways when it seems needed. Be helpf...See More

Feb 19, 2010

be smart Keep looking for another job as a back-up. Even "definite" positions can disappear suddenly when budgets are rearranged, someone with more seniority decides they want the job, etc.

It's difficult to be in an interim position, I know because I've done it several times, and each time the possible perm jobs did not come through for reasons th...See MoreKeep looking for another job as a back-up. Even "definite" positions can disappear suddenly when budgets are rearranged, someone with more seniority decides they want the job, etc.

It's difficult to be in an interim position, I know because I've done it several times, and each time the possible perm jobs did not come through for reasons that had nothing to do with my performance. Don't make yourself crazy trying to be the perfect employee/colleague/teacher/etc. - the stress will hurt your performance if you let it get to you.

Definitely do NOT get into the gossip and griping that can sometimes go on in the lunchroom. I usually eat in my room - while it might be seen as standoffish to some, I still think it's better than getting dragged into the petty b**** sessions that go on at my current site.

It's not hard to figure out, but it's very hard to live it!

On 2/19/10, certifiedteach wrote: > It's not hard to figure out: go above and beyond in the interim > position. Be a great co-worker, interested, not too vocal, be > positive, show that you would be a great colleague to have in > the building next year. Demonstrate your knowledge in > collaborative ways when it seems needed. Be helpful to anyone > who asks, after you have attended a couple faculty meeting, > start contributing in helpful ways instead of being a too quiet > observer who may come across as disinterested or lacking > knowledge. Ask questions when unsure about something; > intelligent questions show that you know you don't know > everything and want to do your best. Work on your portfolio, so > that it will have some current things in it from the interim > position. You will also be able to kind of interview the school > during this time to see if it really is a place you would want > to be longer-term. Take advantage of getting to know as many of > the teachers, etc, as you can. While this interim position > could be a great thing, you have to show that you are on top of > things, very hardworking, etc. Never, ever, whine, even when > the rest of the teachers are doing so at lunch, etc! Be > positive! Good luck! > > > On 2/19/10, looking for work wrote: >> I have been hired into an interim position, however, I was >> told that there will be definite openings in the upcoming >> school. How can I market myself from the inside within the >> next few months to get hired for any of the opening slots? >> >> >>

Feb 19, 2010

to certified teach

by looking for work

Feb 19, 2010

its a assistant position, does your advice still apply?

certifiedteach Absolutely. You want them to see you not just as an assistant, but as a knowledgeable, trained, professional they enjoy working with. I subbed in the school I teach in now, and as just a sub, I presented myself as exactly what I was, a certified teacher with experience, looking to go back into the classroom; not just a "sub" who could be a stay at ...See More

Feb 20, 2010

by Thanks a bunch

Feb 19, 2010

Thank you so much for your advice. It was the best i've heard all day. i will definitely listen to it.

what should I focus on?

by how can I prepare for 2010

Feb 19, 2010

I have recently been licensed for k-6. I am still axctively searching for my first full-time position. As I go on endless job interviews I wanted to know what as a newly-licensed,teacher such as myself have to know on a job interview to get through the interview itself? I am aware of classroom management and being prepared. Other than the basics re...See More

Leah You may get an idea from the following list. You may also want to click on the links.

Best wishes

Feb 25, 2010

What is more fulfilling?

by 4th-year teacher

Feb 23, 2010

Is it more fulfilling to teach in a low-performing school, where the children truly need you? Or is it more fulfilling to teach in a high-performing school, where students are more inherently motivated?

I've only done the former, and while I'm relatively happy, I can't help but imagine what it's like in a school where kids don't have to w...See More

KK This is an interesting question. I've been in both environments. My current school has a free/reduced lunch rate above 70%. I'm very happy working there.

When you imagine teaching in Suburbia, it's true that you have no shortage of parent volunteers, kids who get cultural references familiar to you, and generous class donations. Some of th...See More

Feb 23, 2010

Sara I've found both equally fulfilling. The high performing students shower you with praise and leave class having loved it and looking forward to coming back to it. It's an ego trip and they let you know you're good at your job.

But could anybody teach them? Pretty much even if they wouldn't like the class as much if someone else was teaching...See More

Feb 23, 2010

English teacher and Special ed teacher survey

by Michelle C.

Feb 23, 2010

Hi, everyone. I am a graduate student in a master of arts in teaching program at the University of Maryland University College. The program is accredited by MSDE. I have 10 questions for an English teacher, and 6 questions for a special education teacher that I also am required to ask for my class in Adolescent Development and Learning Needs. Could...See MoreHi, everyone. I am a graduate student in a master of arts in teaching program at the University of Maryland University College. The program is accredited by MSDE. I have 10 questions for an English teacher, and 6 questions for a special education teacher that I also am required to ask for my class in Adolescent Development and Learning Needs. Could anyone help me, please? I would very much appreciate it. Thank you so much.

Here are the questions. The ones for Special education follow the ones for the english teacher.

Questions for the English teacher: 1. What is the grade level and age range of students in the class we are discussing? 2. What strategies do you use to meet the particular needs of adolescents? 3. What types of diversity are represented by the students in your class? (Demographics? Number of males versus females? Cultural/religious affiliations? Languages spoken? Socioeconomic levels? Special Needs?) 4. What is the range of ability in the class? 5. How are identified special needs students served? What types of accommodations/modifications are made? Who creates the differentiated materials? 6. How do you and the special educator work together to plan instruction? 7. How do you and the special educator work together to deliver instruction? 8. Do you use any particular grouping plans? How were these developed? 9. Are there teaching strategies that you use that reflect the students' cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds? 10. Are there materials that you use that reflect a multicultural perspective? 11. What other strategies do you use to respond to the wide variability that students bring to the class?

Questions for the special educator: 1. How are identified special needs students served in the class we are discussing? 2. What types of accommodations/modifications are made? Who creates the differentiated materials? 3. Do any students who are not identified with special needs ever need modifications? Are they provided? 4. How do you and the classroom teacher work together to plan instruction? 5. How do you and the classroom teacher work together to deliver instruction? 6. As a future regular ed teacher, what do I need to know about co-teaching?

Michelle C. On 2/23/10, Michelle C. wrote: > Hi, everyone. I am a graduate student in a master of arts > in teaching program at the University of Maryland > University College. The program is accredited by MSDE. I > have 10 questions for an English teacher, and 6 questions > for a special education teacher that I also am required to > ask for...See MoreOn 2/23/10, Michelle C. wrote: > Hi, everyone. I am a graduate student in a master of arts > in teaching program at the University of Maryland > University College. The program is accredited by MSDE. I > have 10 questions for an English teacher, and 6 questions > for a special education teacher that I also am required to > ask for my class in Adolescent Development and Learning > Needs. Could anyone help me, please? I would very much > appreciate it. Thank you so much. > > Here are the questions. The ones for Special education > follow the ones for the english teacher. > > Questions for the English teacher: > 1. What is the grade level and age range of students > in the class we are discussing? > 2. What strategies do you use to meet the particular > needs of adolescents? > 3. What types of diversity are represented by the > students in your class? (Demographics? Number of males > versus females? Cultural/religious affiliations? Languages > spoken? Socioeconomic levels? Special Needs?) > 4. What is the range of ability in the class? > 5. How are identified special needs students served? > What types of accommodations/modifications are made? Who > creates the differentiated materials? > 6. How do you and the special educator work together > to plan instruction? > 7. How do you and the special educator work together > to deliver instruction? > 8. Do you use any particular grouping plans? How were > these developed? > 9. Are there teaching strategies that you use that > reflect the students' cultural and socioeconomic > backgrounds? > 10. Are there materials that you use that reflect a > multicultural perspective? > 11. What other strategies do you use to respond to the > wide variability that students bring to the class? > > Questions for the special educator: > 1. How are identified special needs students served in > the class we are discussing? > 2. What types of accommodations/modifications are > made? Who creates the differentiated materials? > 3. Do any students who are not identified with > special needs ever need modifications? Are they provided? > 4. How do you and the classroom teacher work together > to plan instruction? > 5. How do you and the classroom teacher work together > to deliver instruction? > 6. As a future regular ed teacher, what do I need to > know about co-teaching?

Feb 24, 2010

Violin and Voice Lessons in DC

by Tona Brown

Feb 27, 2010

Hello My name is Tona Brown I am a professional violinist and vocalist from Washington, DC... Im looking for students of all ages that are interested in improving their technique, performing, and working with a caring and nurturing professional. For more information contact Tona at [email removed]

[link removed]

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