I'm pretty sure that everyone's first year of teaching is about the same. You are absolutely right in saying that simply reading a book about something, such as classroom management, will not prepare you for the real thing. When I went from teaching Headstart for Waukesha County to teaching in the inner city, nothing had prepared me for that, either. I felt like a brand new teacher all over again. Experience and I think having a good mentor are how you learn what life is really like in the classroom. I'm not so sure that my classes when studying to become a teacher were all that realistic; it all sounded good, but I don't think it totally prepared me for what was to come.
For the last 30 days, I have been answering one reflection question each day and I have learned so much about myself as an educator. Whether you are a veteran blogger or brand new to blogging, I invite you to take this challenge. Video tape or write your answers to each of the reflection questions and share it with your PLN. Here are the questions that I came up with. Are you ready to take the challenge? 30-Day Blog Challenge Day 1: How did you decide to become a teacher? Day 2: What do you believe is your greatest strength as a teacher? Day 3: In which area do you think you can improve the most? Day 4: What were you most worried about as you approached your first day as a teacher? Day 5: How do you keep your classroom organized? Day 6: What have you observed of other teachers that might work in your own classroom? Day 7: How can you best promote responsibility in your students? Day 8: How do you connect with your students? Day 9: What do you want out of the “Staff
Okay along with my 30 day reflection videos I do want to use this blog for sharing my ideas and collaborating. I was just telling my students that we live in a "global community" and I started thinking that I could collaborate with great teachers from all over. I have been researching a lot about standards based grading and I think it is the right thing for my classes. I have been reading books on grading and my eyes have really opened. My grade book used to be filled with all homework assignments and assessments. This doesn't tell anyone what the students actually came away with. I know that I need to change how I have been doing things and I know that it is best for my students.
Today's question was: How do you create a classroom where every student feels included and valuable? I can't tell you how important building relationships are in education.
I'm pretty sure that everyone's first year of teaching is about the same. You are absolutely right in saying that simply reading a book about something, such as classroom management, will not prepare you for the real thing. When I went from teaching Headstart for Waukesha County to teaching in the inner city, nothing had prepared me for that, either. I felt like a brand new teacher all over again. Experience and I think having a good mentor are how you learn what life is really like in the classroom. I'm not so sure that my classes when studying to become a teacher were all that realistic; it all sounded good, but I don't think it totally prepared me for what was to come.
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