Chapter 15 Reflection

Chapter 15 discusses what exactly it means to be a professional. Different criteria a profession has are: long period of specialized training, self- governing, and offers a unique service to society. There are three different levels of teaching profession. The levels are: Imitative- Maintenance: going through the motions, Meditative: reflects, but within a limited range, Generative- Creative: takes a wide view of knowledge, creates desire to learn. The NBPTS has several propositions for teachers which include that they are committed to their students and their learning, are members of a learning community, and know the subjects they teach and know how to teach them to their students.

AAE, NEA and AFT are three different teacher associations the chapter talks about. It gives details as to what they require and what they are about. Several types of professional development opportunities such as mentoring, graduate study, and systematic reflection on practice, and how tobe effective are also discussed in the chapter.

Chapter 14 Reflection

      Chapter 14 is all about what to expect when you are a teacher; from peers, to instruction, to students, and the parents. It talks about the kinds of advice you can expect to receive from the administration, for example they may be able to give you advice that deal with specialized problems. They may also help you arrange contact with specialists. Another “what to expect” aspect the chapter covers is the type of response you may receive from your peers; it may be positive and they will welcome you to the new school, or it can be as negative as to where you may get no attention at all.

      As far as instruction, as a new teacher there is a lot to learn and the book shows how the link between a teacher’s instruction and a students learning is very crucial. Classroom management problems are also discussed in the chapter and problems such as teachers not being used to give orders, being too nice, and if teaching at a high school level, if a teacher is young they may come across as attractive and can create problems that have many different ways in which they can be avoided.

      “The first day” is very important to new teachers and these are a few tips given in order to be successful: establish classroom procedures, talk about your vision for the year, and make sure to begin using student’s names so that you can develop a proper relationship with them. These are a few tips for a new teacher and success in the first year: Commit for two years, commit, find a mentor, and make students parents your allies and take care of yourself.

Chapter 13 Reflection

Chapter 13 discusses different opportunities one can find in the education field, what steps are needed to take for the process so that it can be a smooth one, what you can do if you are having difficulties getting a response back, different types of institutions you can apply to, and a few other alternative jobs you can get with having a degree in the field of education.

If you would like to get into the “classroom”, you have the choice between getting into a public or private school. Private school teachers tend to be paid less than those who teach at a public school but it also has its advantages compared to a public school, for example: smaller classrooms, better discipline, and parents that are more supportive than the average parent. A teacher in a public school gets paid more, but they must know how to deal with handling a larger classroom (varies with school district size), students with different disciplinary issues, and a wider variety of parent support.

Once you have decided what path in the education field you would like to take, you must now focus on getting the correct paper work ready and at hand. Resumes, teaching portfolio, applications, and credentials are all essential materials needed in order to “land the job”.

Other options are also presented in the chapter for those who prefer not to be in the classroom. Some of these options were: other school occupations such as a counselor, early childhood education (day care) publishing and other professional organization; just to mention a few. No matter what type of position you wish to acquire or where, it is important to know the facts and details for every position you apply to.

Chapter 12 Reflection

     Chapter 12 is about hoe education should be reformed. Maby different takes on the issue have been given ranging from schools needing reform to some saying that schools are the best they have ver been and there is no need for change. Different elements of reform that some believe ought to be are: excellence, high standards, accountability, high steaks standarized testing, active learning, a sene of community, life long learning and character education. The chapter goes on talking more in depth about each one of these elements.      These were the few that really caught my attention: high- stakes standardized testing, I can relate to this because for many years I took the TAKS test which is a state wide administered exam and overall I believe it does have some help as to the motive behind it but what bothers me is the fact that teachers tend to give all their attention to that rather than other objectives that need to be taught. Another element that struck out to me was life long learning, I really liked this one beacuse as for me, I have been one of those students that would memorize, not learn, and in the long run it did not help me at all.

Chapter 11 Reflection

          Ideally I would like to become a superintendent one day but due to what I have seen and personally experienced as a student leader, if I had to choose between these options, I would like to become part of the school board.
          As a student in a small community I have seen how the board members, educated or not, have over powered the authority of the superintendent. When I was a senior in high school and even now, my school district was very corrupt and nothing was done to help the students but only benefit the individuals on the board. Individual power is not what I would seek, but stopping that is what I would strive for. I would use the power a board member has so that the students can be educated to their fullest potential and provide all kinds of experiences and opportunities.
          It is seen in the media very often on how board members always sabotage the school to benefit themselves and yet the community or city keeps re- electing them or citizens simply are not aware of the candidates motives if they become board members. My goal would be to make a change and show what great progress and outcome of doing the right thing, how not only benefits the students, which is what the board is there to do, but benefits you too by giving one that feeling of doing good for others.

Chapter 10 Reflection

          In the year 2020 many aspects of the education field will see many changes compared to what it is like now in days. From technology, to architecture, to maybe even the curriculum.
          My guess is that as to technology is that it will be so advanced that books will no longer be utilized and everything will be done through a computer. As I mentioned in a previous chapter reflection, I believe this hurts students at a certain extent. They now lack the one on one communication between teachers and students. The different styles of learning within children will no longer matter because everything will be done one way…on a computer.
          The architectural aspect of the typical school will be constructed very different from today’s buildings. They will look much more modernized and classrooms might not have as many hands on equipment besides a computer, which also excludes desks in order to implement room for computers.
As far as the curriculum, some subjects might be removed from the general core plan in order to focus more strongly on what is essential for the student to learn in order to succeed in their careers. Or maybe, more might be added and may become much more diverse.

Chapter 9 Reflection

        Chapter 9 is about the philosophical foundations of American education. A variety of different philosophies were introduced such as: Perennialism, which is delivered primarily from the writings of Plato, views truth and nature- in particular, human nature as constant, objective, and unchanging. Essentialism is a uniquely American philosophy of education that began in the 1930s and 1940s as a reaction to what was seen as an overemphasis on a child-centered approach to educate and concern that students were not gaining appropriate and adequate knowledge in schools.
         I found these two philosophies to be very interesting being that with perennialism I too believe that students should be taught with a hint of a classical aspect to the material. I have personally seen that discipline knowledge can be taught through subjects such as history, mathematics, language, science, and the arts. In the essentialism philosophy I agree that students must lean the appropriate material and knowledge in school in order to be successful in life.

Chapter 8 Reflection

Chapter 8’s topic is about the ethical and legal issues that face teachers. A wide variety of subjects are covered throughout the chapter.

It talks about the difference between laws and ethics which is that ethics are morally embraced while laws are                written rules one must follow. The six characteristics of teaching are discussed, which are: appreciation for moral deliberation, empathy, knowledge, reasoning, courage, and interpersonal skills. The importance of ethical teaching is presented in the chapter in three ways teachers ethically influence students which are, personal example: the way you do your work and treat the students, classroom climate: the environmental safety in the classroom which allows students to be more effective, and finally ethical dialogue: discussing core ethical values so that the students can begin to clarify their own ethics.

The teacher and the law is also presented in the chapter which explains the substantive and procedural due process. These subjects have to do with the rights a teacher has and the contract requirements, dismissal procedure and cause.

Other topics discussed in the chapter are liability precautions, child abuse reporting, self defense, freedom of expression, the fair use of copy right materials, life style and the teacher, religion neutrality guidelines, students and the law, student suspension and expulsion, and reasonable suspension and probable cause of search. 

Chapter 7 Reflection

If I remember correctly I believe the first time I encountered the internet at school was in the second grade. We had a school online learning program called Study Island and we would go once a week as a class to work on assignment.

It was until the fourth grade that I began playing games on the internet. Due to the fact that I did not have a computer at home at the time, I was never interested in using them at school, probably because I didn’t know how to use them at the time. Even at the time I began playing games on the internet, I did not do it much because I never found much amusement in them.

Chapter 6 Reflection

Personally, and from observing other educators, I believe that the single most important characteristic of an effective teacher is the relationship/ attitude the teacher has not only with her students but with other faculty and staff as well.

My most effective teachers in high school were those that had a great relationship with their students where it was perfectly ok for a student to go ask the teacher for help with issues both inside and outside the classroom.  Due to the fact that I grew up in a small town with the entire district population being just a bit over 700 students, we were able to get to know our teachers and have close relationships with them because our classroom size was only about 10 students per class period. I remember being able to go to my Spanish teacher who was also my cheerleading coach, and talk to her about girl problems because her and I had a close relationship. To me, that is the kind of teacher that left an important mark on my life.

Another teacher of mine, my algebra teacher, was also a very nice man. He was the type to sit down and take time to explain all he needed to in order to successfully teach the objective of the week. Not only did all his students love him, but all the other staff members were very appreciative of him because of all he did and always helped others.

In conclusion, I believe an effective teacher must have a good relationship with both their students and co- workers.

Chapter 5 Reflection

In my junior high years, I experienced a lot of complex instruction. In one particular class, my algebra class, we did a lot of small group work and our teacher would go around the classroom asking if we needed help or he would ask us to explain to him how we solved the problem. At first I didn’t see that it was effective because I have never been quite good at working in groups because I like things done my way, but little by little I began to work better in groups and found that at the end, it was more effective. I was able to see the other aspects of how they would do their work, and input some of their strategies into mine. 

Chapter 4 Reflection

One social challenge in today’s world with many students and young adults is alcohol and drug abuse. Many people have found that usually these habits develop because of stress, hardships, loneliness and other emotional feelings such as those.  Many teens have become very dependent on these drugs and alcohol habits that they begin to affect only themselves but those who around them as well.

Drugs are usually very addicting and are hard to cut away from. They also cause many problems for the person and family as well. Due to the fact that they are pricing but easy to access in most cases, many young adults will do practically anything without thinking of the consequences, just to get their hands on them. Unfortunately, when one person becomes involved with drugs, the entire family is put in danger.  

Alcohol is probably the most common use of substance abuse. This usually begins at a very early age and continues on sometimes for the rest of their lives. Many consequences come from using drugs and alcohol. Usually they are tied to premarital sex and other sexual acts. Many of these acts lead from one to another. It begins with alcohol and drug usage to sexual acts or destructive acts then it ends with having unplanned children or prison.

Personally I believe the reason for these things going on in today’s society all boils down to emotional factors one is going through. It can range from family issues to issues with a boy or girlfriend to issues at school. I think people feel a void and use drugs and alcohol to fill them.

As a future educator I would probably advise stdents about the dangers in the classroom, but due to restrictions and time allowed per class period, I be one to get involved more into a child’s life than just instruction in the classroom. Many teachers today know about these issues going on in their student’s lives but simply chose to ignore them and go on with their lives. I can see myself becoming involved and getting to know those troubled students more in order to help them move on from such behavior. Though it is a risky thing to do, I want to be more than just a teacher but a mentor and an inspiration to other students as well.

Chapter 3 Reflection

Of Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences, I fell that the Verbal- linguistic intelligence is my strength. Verbal- linguistic intelligence draws on the individual’s language skills, oral and written; to express what’s on the persons mind and to understand other people.  

I have always been a person that has had much more success when delivering something in text form or by the spoken word.  As a leader in my high school I was always chosen to give presentations and speeches to represent my school. From campus to campus or district wide, I also wrote a few articles on the school/ district to turn into the local city news paper for publishing. I also helped represent many clubs and other oragnizations through events such as "Miss Public Service" for my criminal justice club and "Interview" for my FFA club. These events were the events that represented the school over all. Tey were like "spokesperson" for the district.

When it comes to listening and understanding others, I prefer to communicate in an oral manner. I have been put into situations where I had to communicate with people orally and have succeeded. I believe this strength is important to have when becoming an educator so you can better communicate with and understand the students you are working with. for exapmle, if you were to have a student with speach disorders you can always communicate with them by using pictures and things of that sort.

Overall, I believe this strength will help me become an awesome educator as I hope to one day become.

Common School Practice

        One very common school practice I would change is homework. I see no need or real positive effect homework does for students as a whole. Many educators believe homework is a way of reinforcing what is being taught in the classroom. I must agree with the purpose of this strategy, but in reality, not all students gain what they are supposed to from these homework assignments.

        I believe homework (at home assignments) is a good thing to be given to younger students such as in the elementary levels. I believe this allows for the child and parent to connect and develop a relationship that is further more than just a family relationship. Now in days, you do not see many parents that are involved with their child's school and many parents do not even know what the child is learning at school. I feel that if an elementary teacher would give maybe just one weekly homework assignment that needs the work of both the child and parent, they are forced to get involved and maybe little by little the parents will become more interested in volunteering in schools which will help the student be more successful in school.

        Personally, and not very proud of it, when I became a student in Jr.high and high school I vividly remember simply copying off others to do my homework assignment. This is where homework becomes an issue. As for me, when I become an educator one day, I do not see myself as one to give homework, but to use the time in the classroom to my advantage. If a teacher has good strategies and good discipline there is no reason why the teacher is not able to cover all the lesson and materials in class and feel the need to give homework. At that age a student does not understand the importance of homework, therefor will not gain from it. They can simply ask another student to do it for them or copy off one another. And When testing comes around the student fails and whether teachers are to blame or not, it is them who gets a bad name or evaluation for having such a high failing rate.

        Right or wrong, and I am sure many will argue this case for many years, to me: It all becomes a chain reaction. One thing leads to another, and in my perspective, I see mostly failure out of giving homework.

Chapter 1 Notes

In chapter one, the question the chapter is based on is “Why Teach?” Several reasons as to why people have become educators are given in the chapter and the chapter also asks us to evaluate and examine our own motives as to why we want to become teachers.  Teaching cannot be classified as just a job but a passion. It takes a certain type of person to become a teacher, not just anyone can do it. Two rewards one gains from teaching mentioned in the chapter are extrinsic- external and intrinsic (internal).

The chapter also really emphasizes to the student (us) to evaluate the reasons we want to become teachers and make sure we are pursuing this degree for the right reasons. Many who go into this profession have a different aspect as to what the work is and are overwhelmed and some disappointed because it is not what they thought it would be. The chapter lets us know the importance of being in the classroom observing how it works before we can be in a classroom alone.

Dr. Wilma Joe Smetter

         My most significant teacher was not really a teacher. Her name is Dr. Wilma Joe Smetter and she was our district's superintendent my sophomore to half way of my senior year. She taught in a classroom for about the first 15 years of her career. Due to that fact she knew how to relate and communicate with her students very well.
         I graduated from a 1A school district which consisted of about 500 students from elementary to high school. Being that the district was so small, Dr. Smetter took advantage of the fact and not only got to know her students as a whole but as individuals. She continuously visited classrooms and attended almost every extra curricular activity she could. Every student in the district knew who she was and she was admired by many.
        I became close to her because she created a committee which consisted of several students from each campus which was meant to receive input from the students themselves on how to better the district. We met once a month and it was then when I began to notice all she had been doing for our district and realizing that no employee had ever done that before. She made us aware of her open door policy and allowed us to feel free to go and speak to her for any reason at any time. I took advantage of the opportunity and began to visit her on a regular basis. I asked her for advise on furthering my education and as to what courses of action I should take in order to succeed.
       When I started off, I was planing to pursue a degree in communications. After several meetings with her and learning more and more about her views on education and her goals, I began to find myself very interested in becoming an educator as well. After some thinking and getting to know myself a bit better I found that being an educator was meant for me. Not only do I wish to become an educator some day but a mentor as well to a student the was Dr. Smetter became a mentor to me.

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