My third post... but not my last!!!

What three issues or questions in language arts education today are most important to you?
Why?
What experiences do you have with these issues or questions?
What would you like to learn more about in relation to these issues/questions?

The most pressing issues that I see today in language arts education or student’s knowledge of the importance of reading and writing. I feel many students don’t think these are necessary tools to survive and obtain good jobs. Many think they can be a beautician or mechanic and its fine if they cannot read or write. When students tell me this I am floored because they obviously do not know. However, I have to remind myself that they are 13 years old and immature. I remind myself that they have very little knowledge and/or experience about life. I begin to realize it is my job to educate them on these matters and I feel teaching them about these things are equally important as teaching them the actual strands and concepts.

I would like to learn more about the students and their life aspirations. Then, I would like to learn about how they can get there. That way, I can give them a framework to achieve their goals.

My Second Blog... Ever

Your guiding principles as an English/Language Arts Educator...

My principles fluctuate from time to time. I can say today they are skewed by student apathy. Before teaching I was trained mentally to believe that everything that goes on in a classroom was the teacher's responsibility. I was trained to think that Teacher's mindset led to teacher actions which led to student actions which finally led to student achievement. I do not think this is total garbage, but I do feel that this logic (aka Academic Impact Model) can kill a teacher. Being brainwashed to think this forced me to spend countless hours beating myself up about how terrible I was at teaching based of student achievement. This impact model used to be my guideline until about 2 months ago.

For the most part, the Academic Impact Model makes sense and should be a general reminder to teachers. But to think that all blame points to a teacher is harsh. I believe that students have their own logic or model to live by, and when both student and teacher are in sync than student achievement occurs.

Ultimately, when I take stage in the classroom, plan lessons, or do anything school related, I truly only live by one creed - and that is give it my best because that is what Jesus asks of me.

Thanks for reading.

My First Blog... Ever

Prompt: "The difference between what you thought teachers did before you became a teacher and what teachers, you, actually do as a teacher"
I've learned that teachers do a lot. More than just being in the classroom teaching students, they relentlessly work. At school, before and after school, at home, weekends, each moment of the day is consumed by their job. I know this because this is what I go through. There are occasions when I am out with friends and I suddenly have some impulse about a guided practice idea, or a great opening for my "main idea" lesson plan. And the crazy part is that I have no control over these impulses. These constant impulses control my life 24/7. I never know when I will stop having the mindset of teaching, but I do know that outside my 8 hour work day, I am putting work into my classroom.

So thinking back, I see that teachers work harder than it may appear in the classroom. It is a tough job and whether students see this or not, teachers like myself know the dedication it takes to become a sincere teacher (not necessarily an effective one just yet).

Thanks for reading.