Here's what happened...The teacher I am subbing for is on sabbatical. She already has her Master's but is taking some courses "for fun". She came into the classroom after school hours and is livid that I moved things around. (Yes, she's a control freak). I tried to be conscientious of her things, but frankly I have to be able to teach. Sooooooooooo, I got reprimanded by my principal saying that I am only a "guest" in her school. My thoughts are,"It isn't HER room, it's the taxpayers and school district's!!"
There were other incidents mentioned by the principal and they were comments that a third party said about me. I got the information through an email! I sent an email back stating that the facts were incorrect and that she received misinformation. That I would gladly sit down with her and discuss any of it.
My question for you seasoned teachers is, "How do you defend yourself when you are falsely accused?" I was definitely insulted that my principal would take a stand and not even hear my side of the story before weighing the situation. I got an email for Pete's sake!
Overall, how do you deal with the backstabbing? Thanks!
On 10/27/10, Leah wrote: > Wow. Usually you just close your door and make sure the > students are learning, but when you have a temporary > position, it's more difficult. > > Just a thought: Could you make an appointment with the > principal? At the meeting, be pleasant and enthusiastic. > State how much you are enjoying teaching at the school and > then a few of your concerns in a factual manner. Thank > him/her for their time. Do not become defensive. >
I do like the idea of encouraging the kids to relate what is being taught back to the real world. I feel that it may help them answer the common question, "why we are doing this."
I really appreciate the words of wisdom, and I am sure I will get some great ideas!
For those many students who aren't naturally good at math - the only reason they might enjoy math class is because of the teacher. If you want your math class to be a class that students look forward to coming to, you need to foster a classroom environment that's welcoming. Some teachers are quite cold in their manner - why would anyone look forward to going to a class taught by a teacher who is cold in their manner to students?
Also true is that many math teachers are themselves naturally good at math and have little to no sympathy for those students who don't 'get' math. Math is very hard some students - it's like a foreign language they don't speak and yes, such students get discouraged and withdraw from active participation in the class. That angers the teacher.
I'd recommend saying outloud and on the first day that you understand that not everyone enjoys math and also that not everyone easily understands math. Tell them - "that doesn't mean you're stupid. Lots of very bright people don't understand math and I'm here to help you understand it."
Tell them too you want your class to be one they look forward to - you want to teach in a way that makes math understandable.
That will set a good tone. Another approach is to never give homework on weekends or holidays - students and their families alike appreciate that and it can give the ones who are behind a chance to catch up. Bend over backwards to be fair in your practices and policies if you want kids to be motivated. > > I do like the idea of encouraging the kids to relate what > is being taught back to the real world. I feel that it may > help them answer the common question, "why we are doing > this." > > I really appreciate the words of wisdom, and I am sure I > will get some great ideas!
On the 'why are we doing this?' - it's required. Don't get into debates as to the value of math in real life. I've Never used the algebra I learned except to teach more of it. Commiserate with their frustration at having to do it but don't debate the value of it - it is required and if they want to graduate they have to do it. I tell them - one day when you're in charge of the world, you'll change the curriculum and math won't be required and I'll be out of a job."
That makes them laugh and then they get back to work. > > Thanks in advance! AP
My best principal told me 'you have to find what works for you' and 'you will find what works for you'. If you are flexible and willing to work some by trial and error in the beginning, you will let yourself find what works for you. The teachers on this site who advocate a single approach to classroom management and a single approach to teaching are wrong in my opinion. What works for them might not work for you.
Anger is just one example - when I get angry, my students look at me like I'm crazy - they're not scared, they're put off by my anger. I can't use anger even when I'm angry - it just doesn't work for me. I can use humor and very effectively yet I've seen other teachers try to use humor and they fall flat with it. To use humor, you have to be able to be comfortable joking around and not everybody is.
Anyway, I agree with this teacher who essentially said - find what works for you. I advise young teachers to take an acting class - and I'm not kidding. I play the 'absent-minded professor' role in my classes and it works for me. It allows me to ignore the minor disruptions "I'm too busy for that" and allows me to be a bit disorganized (I am) but that role won't work for everybody.
Which is not to say there isn't some truth in our roles - which is likely why we can play one better than the others.
does he throw at home when he has something in his hand? That's my first question. What if he's carrying his lunch box? Does he throw that? What if you give him a cupcake at the Halloween party? Does he throw that?
I am currently studying to be a high school Spanish teacher, but I am also taking a class that will hopefully get me certified to teach Spanish at the elementary level in a FLES program. I have to design a unit plan for kindergarten students and I have decided to do animals and their habitats. I plan on teaching five or six animals and then four or five different habitats. I have come up with some activities, but I feel like I cannot do much with kindergartners because they do not know how to read yet or are just learning. So, in order to teach the vocabulary and review it, I am just showing them a picture and having them repeat the word, then pick out which picture I am talking about as a review.
Does any one have any suggestions on how I can teach and review vocabulary with kindergarten students? Thank you for your responses.
I am a junior at the College of Saint Rose. I am studying to become a Elementary Education teacher, hopefully teaching second or third grade, the little ones are my favorite. I really enjoy children and I love being able to go out into the real world, and teach them. Knowing that I am going to teach children really motivates me to finish school and...See MoreI am a junior at the College of Saint Rose. I am studying to become a Elementary Education teacher, hopefully teaching second or third grade, the little ones are my favorite. I really enjoy children and I love being able to go out into the real world, and teach them. Knowing that I am going to teach children really motivates me to finish school and to become the best teacher I can be. Children these days really need teachers that are motivated and want their students to become the best learners. I am wondering if you have any suggestions on keeping my future classroom organized and not chaotic. I don't want my students to get out of hand, but I do want them to enjoy being in my classroom. I want my classroom to be fun and engaging, so how do I do this and still teach them everything they need to know? How do you keep the students engaged and focused, and yet still have fun? Do you use some sort of token economy with your students? This way they're learning, and motivated to do well in the classroom? I really believe using this type of rewards system in the primary grades is a great idea. I want my future students to have as much fun in school as they can, but still get a great education. Please let me know if your suggestions.
Thank you so much for your time, I look forward to hearing your suggestions.
Keeping classes in good order has a lot to do with the number of students you have in your classroom and with how you plan your lessons and how you present yourself to students. In my opinion, token economies don't work and why would we want them to? Wouldn't you prefer to have your students do the right things for the right reasons rather than because you bribe them to behave?
No one can be bribed forever. My further advice is - see your class a real community and tell students that. Tell them you want them to be able to look forward to coming to school each day and that you will do your part toward making their school day a good one. But you need their help. With their help and with your guidance, each day at school can be a great one for them and for you - we are a community and your parents send you here each day to have a good day.
A no-yelling day. Please treat each other as I treat you. We speak respectfully, waiting our turn to speak. etc. etc. etc.
Model the behavior towards them that you expect from them. Emphasize that they are empowered to make their day a good one and a happy one.
And then - plan good lessons. Interesting, intruiging lessons go a long way toward keeping kids in good order. Move smoothly from activity to activity - some of this you need to learn on the job but student teaching can help.
Good luck.
> I am a junior at the College of Saint Rose. I am studying > to become a Elementary Education teacher, hopefully teaching > second or third grade, the little ones are my favorite. I > really enjoy children and I love being able to go out into > the real world, and teach them. Knowing that I am going to > teach children really motivates me to finish school and to > become the best teacher I can be. Children these days > really need teachers that are motivated and want their > students to become the best learners. > I am wondering if you have any suggestions on keeping my > future classroom organized and not chaotic. I don't want my > students to get out of hand, but I do want them to enjoy > being in my classroom. I want my classroom to be fun and > engaging, so how do I do this and still teach them > everything they need to know? How do you keep the students > engaged and focused, and yet still have fun? > Do you use some sort of token economy with your students? > This way they're learning, and motivated to do well in the > classroom? I really believe using this type of rewards > system in the primary grades is a great idea. > I want my future students to have as much fun in school as > they can, but still get a great education. Please let me > know if your suggestions. > > Thank you so much for your time, > I look forward to hearing your suggestions. > > Thanks again, > KK
I am a college student studying to be a Spanish high school teacher. I have been learning about formal and informal assessments and about the national and state standards for foreign language. In New York, the students have to take a Regents exam in a foreign language at the end of their third year. I had learned in one class that you are supposed to teach the material the way that you are going to present it on an exam. For example, if you are going to be teaching the students using a communicative method, you should test them in a communicative manner. I was wondering how others test their students, if they use the Regents exams (or state tests from other states) as models to create assessments or if they use other forms of assessment that do not mimic the state exams whatsoever.
On 12/06/10, teacher wrote: > I would NEVER give a s...See MoreThe only instance in which it would be appropriate to give the cell phone number is if the school provided a cell phone for the teacher. I know of a couple of schools (actually charter schools) that provide cell phones and teachers are required to answer them on weekends and evenings.
On 12/06/10, teacher wrote: > I would NEVER give a student my cell phone number. Very bad > idea. > > On 12/03/10, Elizabeth wrote: >> Hello, I am a student studying to be an elementary school >> teacher possibly the 6th or 7th grade. Currently I am >> learning about the Humanistic approach to learning. This >> approach encourages teachers to create a classroom >> atmosphere that promotes the natural desire to learn and to >> achieve ones highest potential.I was wondering if it would >> be a good idea to provide my students with my cellphone >> number. This would be done in order to answer any >> questions, and to discuss any conflicts or issues that are >> happening in class. Would this be considered appropriate? >> If so, should I require certain times that I could be >> reached? Thank you in advance for your time and responses.
If you can work out some sort of web setup, for students to post questions, then at least you can monitor it at your discretion. Otherwise, just make yourself available during standard work hours, and if you want, a period of time before or after school for additional help -- depending on your principal, chairman, coworker and union limitations. Teach your students how to find information in libraries and in legitimate resource sources on the net...and of course, that you are there for them for important personal issues...but don't let yourself get taken over 24/7. Dedication is a must for a successful teacher, but as a human being, you will need privacy and a life as well!