A philosophy of teaching is easier for in...See MoreOn 3/28/10, The $-Man wrote: > Should I have a written up philosophy of TEACHING ready for > a teaching interview, or is a philosophy of EDUCATION good > enough? > > Or would a philosophy of TEACHING be better than a > philosophy of EDUCATION to present or discuss at an interview?
A philosophy of teaching is easier for interviewers to understand - it's largely classroom based and makes a nice story.
A philsophy of education requires much more sweeping statements - what do you believe should be the role of school in a modern society? And answers to that question can make interviewers nervous - what if their school doesn't sound like your philosophy of education? What if your philosophy of education sounds too visionary or too avant-garde? Or too preachy?
Stick to a philsophy of teaching and a philosophy of classroom teaching is even better.
On 3/29/10, ELW wrote: > I’m a future Social Studies teacher that is trying to > get a feel for what learning processes work for high school > students. I know that when I was in high school I never > really liked the lectures and the note taking and I’m > trying to urge myself to move away from that. I always > thought that a more active learning environment would > motivate the students to learn more. For example, re- > enacting the revolutionary war in my classroom, obviously > on a smaller scale, than just reading about it, listening > about it or taking notes on it. Therefore, my question > would have to be which works better, an active environment > or a passive environment? Any suggestions or advice that > you can give me would be greatly appreciated in the utmost > way.
Thank...See MoreWhen working in a classroom, what are some teaching techniques that can be student directed and allow the students to still learn and grow? I am observing in a 5th grade classroom and think that students would enjoy coming to school if they had some control of the classroom. Does anyone have any good ideas on how this could be done?
Thank you for any support that can be handed down..
* email ...See MoreI'm a 5th year teacher and was on my district team for a job fair. I talked to many candidates. I was surprised to see what some people wore or did. I'm sharing what I witnessed at the job fair.
* resumes and cover letters full of errors in spelling and grammar even from candidates applying for English teacher positions.
* email names like [email removed].
* candidates speaking VERY FAST. Slow down and speak in the pace and tone of a normal conversation. This could be part of nervousness but be mindful of that. Some candidates spoke too fast that I could not understand or follow their words.
* swearing - believe it or not, I had one young man drop the f-bomb when speaking to me. I directly told him "to please not use this language with me." His answer, "But I wasn't cussing at you."
* watch out for filler words like um and don't say "like"
* educationese and buzz words - don't overuse or just throw out the education buzz words. It does not impress us. By all means discuss any strategies and training like SIOP or any methods that are applicable. But avoid sounding as though you memorized a college textbook and spitting the words out.
* Classroom management - this is very important. It helps to provide specific examples from your teaching experience.
Now this is the fun part, critiquing the attire of candidates. You to remember you are here to get a job, not a date! Dress to portray professionalism and maturity.
* Jeans - don't wear jeans to an interview! Khakis are also too casual.
* visible tatoos, strong perfumes, body piercings
* a girl wearing a skirt with leggings with visible tatoo and fuschia blouse that was too low-cut and bright pink lipstick.
* Don't go overboard on makeup, hair and nails - keep it neutral, nudes or natural looking.
* juvenile-looking clothes - don't dress like a teenager or wear clothes a student would wear. I saw a girl wear black pants with a short-sleeved peasant top that ties back with sequins on the front. At least it was modest but looked not only juvenile but something you'd wear when "going out."
Dress like you are thirty or forty years old. For any job interviews you should think conservative, classic and not trendy unless of course you're interviewing for Vogue magazine. But you're not!
To the ladies, modesty is important. Absolutely no low necklines or short skirts. Also watch out for slits that are too high, tight or sheer clothes. There was a girl I spoke to and her skirt was very short and so tight that she couldn't sit down comfortably. Another thing I saw was a sheer white blouse with a lace cami underneath but a bright pink bra peeking. Then there was another girl with low rise pants with her underwear peeking. Be tasteful and aware of these things.
* as a guideline skirts should be about knee length
Shoes - at job fairs you'll be on your feet so please wear comfortable shoes. I saw some girls in spiky stilettos and they looked very uncomfortable when walking.
For the men, you're not going clubbing. Wear something conservative and professional. And that is not a bright gold shirt with a big flashy necklace. Have clean nails, shaved or neatly trimmed facial hair. And iron your clothes.
You don't want the interviewer to remember you for the wrong reasons. Whether you like it or not, people do notice what you wear and make judgments on how you present yourself.
Uhhhh... not so much. While many teachers wear them in the classroom, they are a bit casual for job fair/interview. You want to dress up just a tad more than what you would regularly wear. A nice comfortable, but fairly dressy flat shoe is better. Also remember, a jacket or blazer will add panache to anything and look really professional.
I meant danskos while teaching. I switched subjects.
Good advice. Another brand is Beautifeel, that is usually sold in the same stores that sell danskos. These are dress shoes that are very comfortable and have good support. I have knee problems so I cannot wear stillettos or high heels
Therefore, I wanted to get some teachers opinion's on whether situated learning is effective in the classroom. Also, if it is effective, what types of activities work better than others?
I thank you for any information you can share, because this could be helpful in my future practice as a speech language pathologist, whenever I may be collaborating with a teacher, etc.
I am in need of some help on how to do a Dear Reader letter. I have never writen one so I am at a road block. If any one can give some pointers that would be great.
I am set to student teach next semester. I am currently observing in a 6th grade social studies/science classroom. I have been asked by the professor who handles placement at my university if I would like to stay with this teacher next semester. The teacher has also indicated that she would like me in her classroom.
However, I have a few concerns. While this teacher is extremely laid-back and has strong classroom management skills she appears to have weak instructional skills. I have never seen her do anything other than textbook/worksheet work for both subjects. She has the kids read the text out loud and then directs them where to find answers in the textbook.
On the one hand, I feel that b/c of her personality I would have the freedom to do what I please (i.e get creative) as long as I adhere to the curriculum and standards. On the other hand, I don't feel like I would learn much in the way of instruction from this teacher. Isn't that supposed to be a major part of student teaching? I should mention that I love this school and think that I would be happy to work there. Should I stick with her or take my chances on being assigned to a different teacher (and likely a different school)?
One word of caution though. Remember that essentially you're a gues...See MoreI saw you posted that you already accepted this position. I believe that was the best choice. While it's great to be able to observe how other teachers teach things, you won't get far in doing that without the "strong classroom management skills" she has to share with you.
One word of caution though. Remember that essentially you're a guest in her classroom. I don't know how long she's been teaching, but she probably has reasons for how she instructs the class. And while you said she's extemely laid back, she might have qualms about a new teacher coming into the classroom trying fun and upbeat things (that get the kids excited and questioning her teaching methods) as it essentially says to her, you don't know how to get your class engaged and motivated, but I do. I know you are not meaning to come off like this, but it can definitely be an affront to this teacher's teaching. This master teacher will evaluate you and you need to make sure you stay on her good side.
I have heard about too many master teachers who had the power to severely disrupt a student teacher's progress towards a teaching credential. I had a horrible experience and I don't wish that on anyone.
Despite a multitude of other issues with my master teacher, I too, tried to plan fun and engaging lessons (they all met the state standards). After my MT witnessed the positive response of the students, she told me to stop trying to reinvent the wheel.
When you have your own classroom you will be able to put these creative ideas into motion. Though more often than not, you will find that your pacing guide will not allow for fun explorations of topics as you will need to constantly prepare for the state tests with less than exciting activities...though active participation will still play a strong role.
My advice would be to soak up any classroom management strategies she has to offer and relay all lesson plans (including activities) by her beforehand.
Also remember, you may not agree with various teaching ideas or methods presented by her, but she has been teaching for longer than you have and she just may know what she's talking about.
> However, I have a few concerns. While this teacher is > extremely laid-back and has strong classroom management > skills she appears to have weak instructional skills. I > have never seen her do anything other than > textbook/worksheet work for both subjects. She has the kids > read the text out loud and then directs them where to find > answers in the textbook. > > On the one hand, I feel that b/c of her personality I would > have the freedom to do what I please (i.e get creative) as > long as I adhere to the curriculum and standards. On the > other hand, I don't feel like I would learn much in the way > of instruction from this teacher. Isn't that supposed to be > a major part of student teaching? I should mention that I > love this school and think that I would be happy to work > there. Should I stick with her or take my chances on being > assigned to a different teacher (and likely a different > school)? > > Hope this makes sense. Thanks for your input.
Thanks for your advice. I have worried about the same issue and realize that I should proceed with caution. This is a second career for me and I know that it is never a good idea to try and show up your boss. :-) It is also possible that I haven't seen her at her best. I know that she has a very busy personal life and sometimes something has to give. As for classroom mgmt. I tend to be too nice and then, when I've had my fill, I become extremely angry. This teacher is very matter-of-fact and hands out discipline when it is due. She is consistent and there is no yelling involved. I am a yeller but I know that I can't survive in a job if I am going to yell everyday. That just sounds miserable.
I really appreciate all of the advice. I am much less of a know-it-all this time around (maturity certainly helps) and am always looking for advice from veteran teachers.
On 4/15/10, Lynn wrote: > I saw you posted that you already accepted this position. I > believe that was the best choice. While it's great to be > able to observe how other teachers teach things, you won't > get far in doing that without the "strong classroom > management skills" she has to share with you. > > One word of caution though. Remember that essentially you're > a guest in her classroom. I don't know how long she's been > teaching, but she probably has reasons for how she instructs > the class. And while you said she's extemely laid back, she > might have qualms about a new teacher coming into the > classroom trying fun and upbeat things (that get the kids > excited and questioning her teaching methods) as it > essentially says to her, you don't know how to get your class > engaged and motivated, but I do. I know you are not meaning > to come off like this, but it can definitely be an affront to > this teacher's teaching. This master teacher will evaluate > you and you need to make sure you stay on her good side. > > I have heard about too many master teachers who had the power > to severely disrupt a student teacher's progress towards a > teaching credential. I had a horrible experience and I don't > wish that on anyone. > > Despite a multitude of other issues with my master teacher, I > too, tried to plan fun and engaging lessons (they all met the > state standards). After my MT witnessed the positive > response of the students, she told me to stop trying to > reinvent the wheel. > > When you have your own classroom you will be able to put > these creative ideas into motion. Though more often than > not, you will find that your pacing guide will not allow for > fun explorations of topics as you will need to constantly > prepare for the state tests with less than exciting > activities...though active participation will still play a > strong role. > > My advice would be to soak up any classroom management > strategies she has to offer and relay all lesson plans > (including activities) by her beforehand. > > Also remember, you may not agree with various teaching ideas > or methods presented by her, but she has been teaching for > longer than you have and she just may know what she's talking > about. > > >> However, I have a few concerns. While this teacher is >> extremely laid-back and has strong classroom management >> skills she appears to have weak instructional skills. I >> have never seen her do anything other than >> textbook/worksheet work for both subjects. She has the kids >> read the text out loud and then directs them where to find >> answers in the textbook. >> >> On the one hand, I feel that b/c of her personality I would >> have the freedom to do what I please (i.e get creative) as >> long as I adhere to the curriculum and standards. On the >> other hand, I don't feel like I would learn much in the way >> of instruction from this teacher. Isn't that supposed to be >> a major part of student teaching? I should mention that I >> love this school and think that I would be happy to work >> there. Should I stick with her or take my chances on being >> assigned to a different teacher (and likely a different >> school)? >> >> Hope this makes sense. Thanks for your input.
When you student teach, you will probably be following your cooperating teachers' behavior plan(s) for the most part. The important thing for you to do will be to keep to it consistently and fairly.
(I don't know what "presentation punishment" and "extinction punishment" and all of those big fancy college words mean, but I do know how to keep an elementary classroom full of kids well-behaved.)
When you have your own classroom - You can't have too many management plans in place. Keep it simple and consistent. I use a color chart with blue, yellow, orange, and red.
Blue - Behavior is great.
Yellow - Warning zone. 5 minutes off of recess.
Orange - Out for full recess period and/or call to parents.
Red - Call to parents and stay after school (almost never happens...I haven't had a kid on red all year.)
Also - I use a positive/group system. I have a star chart. When kids are caught doing the right thing, or when I think they deserve it, I give a star to the table of kids that are cooperating. The table with the most stars gets to pick something out of the treasure box on Friday.
Homewor Stars chart - Each kid has their name on the "Homework Stars" board. If they fail to complete a homework, their name is removed. At the end of the month, I offer a small snack (popcorn or cookie or something) to the kids' whose name is still on the chart. Then the names go back up we start all over for the next month.
Line Rules - Line in the hall must be silent. If you're chaught talking, you simply tell the child to go to the end. If the child is at the end talking, then you move his color card on the behavior chart when you get back.
I have other behavior plans too, but what I'm trying to say is - come up with some simple, easy-to-enforce behavior systems that you can follow throughout the year. Kids need some rules and boundaries, but at the elementary level they cannot be ambiguous. They need to see that when they behave - good things happen. When they don't behave - there are appropriate consequences.
All college professors seem to do is judge the ones they are training. I didnt go into education but my sister is having a difficult time trying to make it through her program under the watchful eyes of her professors who have nothing better to do than judge or criticize. So teacher candidates who have kids or are facing certain illnesses, hats off to you.
DeniseI think there is a jump to conclusions in many areas of our society today. I am certain that teachers and professors hear off of the wall excuses frequently. I do, however, stand by my comment that student teaching seems to be a "weeding out" of sorts. First of all, the chaperoning thing on a Saturday night was something my coop CHOSE to do, she wa...See MoreI think there is a jump to conclusions in many areas of our society today. I am certain that teachers and professors hear off of the wall excuses frequently. I do, however, stand by my comment that student teaching seems to be a "weeding out" of sorts. First of all, the chaperoning thing on a Saturday night was something my coop CHOSE to do, she was not assigned that as any particular duty. Her friend was sponsoring the event and she thought it would be fun to go to with her husband. As I lived 40 miles from the site where the dance was to take place, was taking 3 classes at the same time I was student teaching, and had three preps, I did not feel comfortable chaperoning. I had two children that I hardly saw during my experience, I refuse to believe that teaching and parenting are mutually exclusive. I was a dedicated student teacher, and I am now a dedicated teacher. I make time for my students, that said, my children will ALWAYS come first. I shudder to think of a parent that would not say the same. My coop did not have children and had not experienced that aspect of life. She was extremely career oriented (which is fine) but also would occasionally disparage my choice to stay home with my children. I think that many coops feel they have carte blanche to say whatever they think and that student teachers better agree with it or else. I am in my late 30's, worked in human resources in the private sector, HIRED people, and have never seen another profession in which the entire future of a student is tied so much in the opinion of another. Teachers are human, they have likes and dislikes, and they are capable of holding a grudge. It does not seem like a fair system that the sum of one's educational endeavors comes down to the personal feelings of a single individual. I'm sure that you are a wonderful person and that you were fair with those in your charge, but please don't assume that everyone who had a less than stellar experience was at fault. I was to receive a written evaluation for each of the 16 weeks I was in her classroom. I received two. Complaining to the university did little, and they reminded me of the importance of her recommendation. As a consumer, I would not pay an electrician or plumber that did 1/8 of the work, but in this case I had no other stead. She was paid a stipend from my tuition, spent the bulk of my experience preparing an application for an overseas summer teaching seminar scholarship (which she won) and going on a week long field trip with students. I never missed a day in my four months, she missed 12. I would dream of saying that I was perfect and flawless in my time at the site, but I absolutely was professional in every case.
On 4/16/10, Oldteach wrote: > I would be interested in whether these two incidents were the > only two times your sister missed or was late for class. If > so, then I agree the prof was being hard-nosed and > unreasonable. If not, well.... > > > I have been both a coop teacher and taught at the college > level. The fact is, student teaching is very, very demanding > and needs to be your top priority. I realize this is hard > when you have kids, but there it is. It won't change when you > become a teacher. I have had student teachers request time off > or leave early to get their wedding gown fitted, cheer at a > basketball game, take their child to soccer practice... I > could go on and on. Once you have your own classroom, this > will not be possible. I do know that a sick child is a real > problem, because small children get sick a lot, but, in most > school systems, you are only allowed 10-15 sick days a year. > That's a little more than 1 a month. After that, you are > docked a full days' salary, which a BIG. (Divide your gross > salary ( before deductions) by 180, or however days you are > contracted for. It's a lot!- usually hundreds of dollars per > day) Also, making plans for a sub is a pain in the a**, and > getting one is a pain for the principal. It will not earn you > his or her good graces, that's for sure. That's why so many > teachers go to school sick so much. > > As a college instructor, I had students miss, or be late for, > many classes.( One was incensed when I said I could not give > her a passing grade if she missed any more classes, after she > had missed close to half of them.) I could not believe the > excuses I heard for not turning assignments in on time. In > professional level courses, one of the things you are being > graded on is professionalism, and one measure of that is your > commitment to professional obligations.( And yes, sometimes > those obligations include chaperoning dances on week-ends.) If > its part of your coop teacher's assignment, it is also yours. > No school system is going to allow you to consistently miss > school, come in late, leave early or come without plans > ready. > > I don't mean to sound "judgmental" or uncaring. I am truly > very sorry for your sister's health issues. However, when > there are 15-20 applicants for every teaching job, you can't > afford to be seen as not being committed to your job, esp. > before you even have one. > > > > > On 4/13/10, IworkatMickyDs wrote: >> Why are so many older teachers and college education >> professors so incredibly judgemental of their students? My >> sister was told this semester that she should consider a >> career change after she was late to her reading methods >> class twice. The first time she was late, she had to get a >> biopsy to check for lymphoma, to which she mentioned >> earlier that week to her professor. The second time, her >> daughter woke up sick and she had to drop her off at moms. >> Both times she was told, "YOU CANT DO THAT ONCE YOU'RE A >> TEACHER. YOU ARE BEING VERY UNPROFESSIONAL AND SHOULD >> RECONSIDER YOUR CAREER" What the heck? Once you have kids, >> you shouldn't be a teacher? If you do become a teacher, >> God forbid you possibly have cancer or you're screwed? >> >> All college professors seem to do is judge the ones they >> are training. I didnt go into education but my sister is >> having a difficult time trying to make it through her >> program under the watchful eyes of her professors who have >> nothing better to do than judge or criticize. So teacher >> candidates who have kids or are facing certain illnesses, >> hats off to you.
@ OldTeach, perhaps...See More@ Denise, I think you are an excellent mom. It is nice to hear from a former student teacher, now teacher, who had to juggle children and requirements of the college of education. I'm sorry you were browbeaten by your fellow coop who did not have children and was not understanding of the demands placed on her from them.
@ OldTeach, perhaps you have had your lazy students who gave crap excuses for missing student teaching or beng late to class. If you had read my posts properly, you'd know I'm not referring to those situations...which don't only happen in education but in ALL college majors. Already you are questioning my sister's motivation to be a teacher with your snide comments about her ever being late on other ocasions. I don't think its fair for college professors and coop teachers to be so hard on mothers. And single mothers especially!!! My sisters husband died a couple years ago, she has no support system except for me and my mom, who is getting older. Couple that with nasty, bitter old bags like you who seem to want to make achieving a college education twice as hard. You seem to love to heap criticism and judgement on thse who didnt have as easy a time getting through college and student teaching, maybe like YOU did. Maybe YOU didnt have kids to worry about or your health to worry about, or a mortgage or car payment or daycare. Whatever. Maybe you'll climb down from your Ivory Tower someday.....
On 4/17/10, Denise wrote: > > I think there is a jump to conclusions in many areas of our > society today. I am certain that teachers and professors hear off > of the wall excuses frequently. I do, however, stand by my > comment that student teaching seems to be a "weeding out" of > sorts. First of all, the chaperoning thing on a Saturday night > was something my coop CHOSE to do, she was not assigned that as > any particular duty. Her friend was sponsoring the event and she > thought it would be fun to go to with her husband. As I lived 40 > miles from the site where the dance was to take place, was taking > 3 classes at the same time I was student teaching, and had three > preps, I did not feel comfortable chaperoning. I had two children > that I hardly saw during my experience, I refuse to believe that > teaching and parenting are mutually exclusive. I was a dedicated > student teacher, and I am now a dedicated teacher. I make time > for my students, that said, my children will ALWAYS come first. I > shudder to think of a parent that would not say the same. My coop > did not have children and had not experienced that aspect of life. > She was extremely career oriented (which is fine) but also would > occasionally disparage my choice to stay home with my children. I > think that many coops feel they have carte blanche to say whatever > they think and that student teachers better agree with it or else. > I am in my late 30's, worked in human resources in the private > sector, HIRED people, and have never seen another profession in > which the entire future of a student is tied so much in the > opinion of another. Teachers are human, they have likes and > dislikes, and they are capable of holding a grudge. It does not > seem like a fair system that the sum of one's educational > endeavors comes down to the personal feelings of a single > individual. I'm sure that you are a wonderful person and that you > were fair with those in your charge, but please don't assume that > everyone who had a less than stellar experience was at fault. I > was to receive a written evaluation for each of the 16 weeks I was > in her classroom. I received two. Complaining to the university > did little, and they reminded me of the importance of her > recommendation. As a consumer, I would not pay an electrician or > plumber that did 1/8 of the work, but in this case I had no other > stead. She was paid a stipend from my tuition, spent the bulk of > my experience preparing an application for an overseas summer > teaching seminar scholarship (which she won) and going on a week > long field trip with students. I never missed a day in my four > months, she missed 12. I would dream of saying that I was > perfect and flawless in my time at the site, but I absolutely was > professional in every case. > > >
On 3/28/10, $-Man wrote: > Where is your link to this? Tell me!