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Post by hooligans2 on Jul 18, 2006 2:15:52 GMT -5
After many profound brain things inside my head (sorry, my kids watch Madagascar a lot), I have decided to go back to college to work toward getting a teaching degree to hopefully teach kindergarten or first grade. I don't know how many teachers there might be out there in the COTG world, but any advice you have is more than welcome. Thanks.
Ray G.
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Post by stephenvegas on Jul 18, 2006 5:15:26 GMT -5
Advice for prospective teachers? Avoid the 8th Grade- I am just kidding. Seriously, I am an 8th Grade Social Studies teacher here in the Clark County School District (CCSD) which is currently the 5th largest school district in the country (our district encompasses all of Southern Nevada and not just the Las Vegas area and it includes almost 175 elementary schools, about 45 middle schools, and nearly 35 high schools) and is also the fastest growing school district in the country (Las Vegas is supposedly going to become the size of Denver by 2015 and we are opening another 10 schools next month alone). My advice: Challenge your students. ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY and ask thought provoking questions. Try not to lower your standards even when you need to modify them at times for things like IEPs. For effective teaching, discipline is important because without it the amount of learning in your classroom is likely to decrease. So you need to be a "tough guy" like me.  But at the same time, posses a sense of humor and use it accordingly. I personally agree with the saying "It's not what you teach, but how you teach it." For instance, if your lesson plans are motivating and not boring then student retention of the material is likely to increase and the amount of discipline you will have to administer will likely decrease. I also think incoming teachers need a good sense of communication- not just with the students but also with other teachers and the parents. Don't be afraid to ask veteran teachers for advice because, although there are some exceptions, they are often a good source to draw on for experience and information. So I think you are doing a good job just by starting this thread in asking for advice from current teachers. When communicating with parents (especially when it concerns disciplining their son or daughter), DOCUMENT it. That way at a parent-teacher conference a parent can't claim "You never notified me about this problem before" because you can then respond "Yes I did and here is the document that says I did." Organization is also extremely important. Classroom routines. Establish these on the first day of school, rehearse them, and enforce them. I consider the first few days of the school year critical for setting the tone for the rest of the school year. For lesson planning, I think flexibility and patience are really important. I also think reflection after conducting the lesson is a good thing. After teaching a lesson, I sometimes think that things really went well and I will do the same thing next year. But after some lessons I also see the need to change some things. You need to be dedicated. Despite what some people think, teaching is really hard and can often be exhausting (especially if you are good at it). I have found that teaching gets easier after each year and I have already seen some first year teachers quit because they could not handle it. So stay dedicated. I know there are many great teachers among our COTG community and they can offer you additional advice. Although there are a few things I do not like about teaching (such as standardized testing under NCLB), I am not sure I can express how much I enjoy my job. Although some days are better than others, teaching is NEVER boring (unless you count having to administer standardized tests which for me is probably the least enjoyable part of the profession). My final piece of advice for prospective teachers is, after you finish the school year, enjoy your summer because you deserve it. I do not know how it works in other school districts but here our salaries are disbursed over a 12 month period so I actually get the same regular pay check twice a month during my summer break from early June until late August that I receive twice a month during the regular school year. In other words, my school district will be paying me my regular daily salary tomorrow to sleep in and then play COTG because I do not report for work again for another five-six weeks. That is not the reason to become a teacher but it is a cool benefit. Stephen Also, prospective teachers can always consider teaching here in CCSD as we annually have a CRITICAL need for teachers. Some of the benefits to teaching here include the "awesome" climate (you do get to see the sun almost every day), there is NO income tax in Nevada, and we have what is generally considered an awesome retirement plan for educators. But the housing prices here I think are often prohibitive for teachers. |
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Post by Shon Maxx on Jul 18, 2006 6:29:25 GMT -5
I can't wait to go back to school next year and get my Graduate Degree. I want to teach college level English. I figure, I'm already helping a number of friends and family offline with term papers, resumes, and other assignments (especially my mom, though I had to remind her that if I did her homework, she wouldn't learn anything!); I might as well get paid for it.
I look forward to it; it'd be the first job I really enjoyed.
Best of luck to you, Hooligans!
Take care,
Jay
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Post by gatekeeper on Jul 18, 2006 12:48:10 GMT -5
Yes, there ARE a lot of teachers in the COTG community so this is a good forum for advice.
I'm about to enter my 8th year as a teacher. I teach in the 2nd largest school district in Michigan, teaching instrumental music at the high school level. I also worked in a Summer Latchkey program with K-6th graders too when I was in college so I have a little experience with those younger students.
I agree with everything StephenVegas said, that was right on. I'll try to add a few more.
Yes, ask questions! The worst teachers are new teachers who think they know everything.
Communication, communication, communication. This is key. Always repeat very important information. But it doesn't always have to be spoken. Say it, write it on the board, send it home in a written document, etc.
Kids will try to push the envelope, don't let it happen. Be firm and fair, kids have a great sense of what is fair.
Be careful to NOT want the students to like you. You want them to respect you, and if they do............they will like you.
When it comes to discipline, you've gotta be firm in the beginning, and then you can let up. It doesn't work when you try the reverse. The kids won't buy it.
If I think of any more, I'll come back and post it.
Good luck!
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Post by Matt on Jul 18, 2006 14:30:44 GMT -5
Yup, 7th grade social studies teacher here. Can't really add anything to the great advice already given from Stephen and Payback. Don't let the "veteran" teachers who run down kids influence you. Most of the time those "troubled" kids just seek your attention and approval.
Best of luck!
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Post by Darth Turkish on Jul 18, 2006 19:35:54 GMT -5
Stephenvegas and the others had great points. If I may add my two cents:
Discipline can be tough at the beginning. In the long run, it is much better to be a hard butt than 'everybody's buddy'. You should provide a structure to your class and have the expectations that everyone will follow it. Make few, if any, exceptions early on. You will have less problems towards the end of the year because of it. Also if something in your class is not working for the majority, do not be afraid to change it or experiment. As I begin year six, discipline is still not what I would like it to be. That is okay; for some it may take time.
Communication with other teachers is very important. Especially in other departments. As a Special Ed teacher, I get to work directly with other departments: I get to see what is important and how each teachers wants certian things handled. I pick up pointers and new strategies by listening to them. It is always a great feeling that that they know when I go and talk with them about a particular student to advocate, they a) think it is serious and not going to waste their time, b) it is going to be a reasonable request, and c) and I am going to completely respect their opinion.
On the same token, observing teachers that have been in the game for a while is key. You really cannot be exposed to too much as a new teacher, as far as different styles and techniques and strategies. Go observe a math class, history science, art, gym just a to get a different perspective on how people relate to their students. Ask them all tons of questions regarding discipline, teaching style class structure. You will find out pretty quickly that way what fits you and your personality and what what does not. One of the drafting teachers in my school is sarcastic as hell with his students, but it works for him. One of my other friends is a former Marine- and he has these high expectations that exude from his interactions with the kids. They in turn, know what is expected and behave accordingly. Some teachers work a lot of games into learning. Do not be afraid to take what you see and try it out, just be willing to accommodate it into your own style.
Have fun. Fun and the aforementioned desire and dedication, are important. Keep happy and interested in your material, and your students are bound to get caught up in it with you. If they see you having fun, they will say "Hey, maybe this stuff is not so bad". I have that pleasure every semester: i teach a resource math class (I teach in a High School). My kids come to me with a variety of skills, but I routinely start off with basic division, as that is where the needs generally begin. These kids generally have an aversion to math to begin with and now they are back learning 3rd grade material. The job is to get them to understand that it is okay, that I am going to help catch them up with their peers. Once they see that, they get on board with my program. Remember that even though there are days where you may consider unleashing the Wolf inside you, there are kids who appreciate what you are doing. Remember that, and make sure you are on a path that will lead you to keep yourself interested and entertained with what you do, or you will burn out quickly.
Be prepared for meetings. Parent/ teacher, department, school, IEP- they will come in droves.
I do not remember who stated this earlier, but despite our society's perception, teaching is a VERY difficult thing to do. Sure, anyone can stand up in front of a bunch of people and say "This is what happened..." or "This is how you do this..."?, but did it sink in to the 25- 26 young people in front of you? Do they really understand? Can they show you? Teachers, good teachers, are in great demand in everywhere. Hone your craft. Get advice, go to trainings and inservices, learn who your students are, try new things .And stay sharp! As Payback said, these guys will try to get away with anything!
Have fun storming the Castle!
Gregg
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Post by Dustin Neal on Jul 18, 2006 23:17:53 GMT -5
I'm doing English Education right now as well.
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Post by hooligans2 on Jul 19, 2006 16:10:49 GMT -5
Wow...thank you very much for the overwhelming advice. It's always nice to know that all of us on here really are a community and willing to help others. I appreciate it more than I can convey. Thanks again!
Take care,
Ray G.
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Post by Darth Turkish on Jul 19, 2006 17:00:48 GMT -5
Sure man. We are always looking to help someone else into this great calling.
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Post by gwffantrav on Jul 19, 2006 17:40:45 GMT -5
Just so you guys know, Ray is only doing this because he knows the Wiggles started off going to school to be teachers. It's his passion to become the Orange Wiggle Ray. He isn't doing this to help the kids, he wants all that $$$$ that the Wiggles pull in! Plus, he wants all of those Wiggle groupie mommies when he is on tour!! Ain't that right Ray! (inside joke with us) |
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Post by Darth Turkish on Jul 19, 2006 18:11:23 GMT -5
Yeah, well he should know that can be one of the perks, so it is alright!
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Post by soug on Jul 20, 2006 5:29:01 GMT -5
I taught 6 year olds( Thats what we call grade one here) for 6 months...and loved it! The problem was the money. It really sucked at the time. ( thats why I went into business for myself). Teaching is fun...but can be very demanding. Sometimes I regret giving it away.
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Post by blueraider1 on Jul 20, 2006 18:48:41 GMT -5
soug,
they call it that here as well pal.
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Post by hooligans2 on Jul 20, 2006 18:59:04 GMT -5
Wow...Trav you nailed it on the head, though blue is my favorite color so I might have to curb-stomp Anthony and steal his gimmick.
Yes people, my children like the Wiggles, I know the lyrics to most of the songs as well as the choreography, and I buy them lots of Wiggles stuff. You happy now Trav...dirty rotten sonuva...LOL.
Trav...isn't it scary how far this inside joke between us has gone??? Hahahaha
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Post by Trent Lawless on Jul 21, 2006 7:09:02 GMT -5
Personally, rather than being a Wiggle, I'd rather be the Green Doodlebop "Snicker." I'd play the double-reed bassoon. (Catch Playhouse Disney at 8:30 am weekdays for some ... uh .. enlightenment.)
Fortunately, my Wiggles days seem to be over for now. That is, unless Trevor picks them up in a couple years.
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Post by hooligans2 on Jul 21, 2006 13:38:57 GMT -5
Oh good Lord Mark, don't tell me you have to watch that show too. NOOOOOO!!! The Doodlebops is one of the most bizarre, frightening shows I have ever seen. It's like someone tried to recreate the Sid and Marty Krofft days and got ahold of some bad red-rope licorice, if you catch my drift. And my daughters love that show. Well, there's always Charlie and Lola, right Mark?
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Post by Trent Lawless on Jul 21, 2006 14:21:55 GMT -5
{British girl voice on, for the benefit of those who have any idea what I'm talking about}
I can do anything that's everything all on my own...
{voice off}
Yes, Charlie and Lola are at least more grounded in reality.
Honestly, I don't mind the Doodlebops so much. The girl can sing her toochus off. Although the guy that plays Rooney did have a guest spot on "Queer as Folk." Go figure. I never would have guessed. Nooooooo.
Anyway, to contribute something to what this discussion is supposed to be about, thanks to all the teachers -- current, former, and soon-to-be -- for doing what you do. Both my folks were teachers and they knew how to bring up their boys right!
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Post by Darth Turkish on Jul 21, 2006 14:31:09 GMT -5
Gotta love the crazy direction threads sometimes turn!
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Post by gwffantrav on Jul 21, 2006 22:48:40 GMT -5
Wow...Trav you nailed it on the head, though blue is my favorite color so I might have to curb-stomp Anthony and steal his gimmick. Yes people, my children like the Wiggles, I know the lyrics to most of the songs as well as the choreography, and I buy them lots of Wiggles stuff. You happy now Trav...dirty rotten sonuva...LOL. Trav...isn't it scary how far this inside joke between us has gone??? Hahahaha Just think, one of these days...many of those on the board will also have kids and will be singing along the chorus of da da da da da da..."Toot toot chugga chugga big red car!" Your time is coming everyone!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Post by gwffantrav on Jul 21, 2006 22:52:20 GMT -5
{British girl voice on, for the benefit of those who have any idea what I'm talking about} I can do anything that's everything all on my own...{voice off} Yes, Charlie and Lola are at least more grounded in reality. Honestly, I don't mind the Doodlebops so much. The girl can sing her toochus off. Although the guy that plays Rooney did have a guest spot on "Queer as Folk." Go figure. I never would have guessed. Nooooooo. Anyway, to contribute something to what this discussion is supposed to be about, thanks to all the teachers -- current, former, and soon-to-be -- for doing what you do. Both my folks were teachers and they knew how to bring up their boys right! OH goshhh... we hate the doodlebops! We definitely try to avoid that one! Granted, the girl is kinda cute in real life though. I guess that is to draw the dads in! Mark, I would have never guessed he was on Queer as Folk. BTW, one of the reasons I hate the Doodlebops is that creepy school bus driver! He just looks "here kiddies, come on the bus!" ughhhh |
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But at the same time, posses a sense of humor and use it accordingly.
IPPON!!
