I often complain about my undergraduate program. I feel as though it did not prepare me for teaching at all. They even warned me, “You will not be prepared for teach”. They gave me many wonderful lesson ideas (which I haven’t used at all….) and many great resources for curriculum (which I also haven’t used…). But there was clearly a lacking of ver’nost. No one prepared me for the connections that I would make with students. They are stronger than most connections I have ever made. I certainly think that a few philosophy requirements would have better prepared me for teaching. Even the reading of Rose’s work would have been suitable.
Countless behavior management workshops have told me that in order for my students to respect me, I need to respect them. Some have even mentioned that students can read your eyes better than your words. I would try to respect my students, but it never seemed to do anything. It wasn’t until I truly got to know my students, and meet them where they were, that I began to respect them. The beginning of the school year is always incredibly hard for me. I put so much time into my students. But by the end of the year, (like right now) I discover how much I love my students. I also see how much they count on me and need me. They know I will be there, everyday greeting them at the door. Perhaps ver’nost is not something that teachers can learn how to do with students. But if we can learn to be open, maybe we can try to reach it.
I think there is a huge issue in education today. Relying on high stakes tests to prove growth and progress is not the way to form educational practices. Each student that walks into the door is unlike any other student. Research tells us that because students come from such diverse backgrounds we cannot rely on these tests. But we continue to do it. Grading is easy. The numbers are easy. The comparisons can easily be made. I am hoping that the shift has started. I am already hearing many things about changes with the current EOG. I have heard that there will be added sections. They will begin to use short answer questions and essay questions. It isn’t much, but at least it is a step in the right direction.
Sarah Feinman
Comments (4)
Sarah,
I always like hearing from teachers who feel like their efforts have paid off in the end. I think it is really neat that you have a balance in classroom management where you get to know the students and respect them while requiring that they respect you as well. I usually from respectable teachers that they understand that their role as the teacher may be the only stable role that is present in their lives! I think Hicks' book is a reminder of that idea. Good luck with the rest of the year, it sounds like it will be enjoyable!
Posted by Elizabeth Griffin | April 27, 2009 3:17 PM
Posted on April 27, 2009 15:17
I agree that the classes you take in undergraduate don't prepare you for the actual classroom experience. I remember my first year of teaching thinking that my classes were way off course. But can we ever FULLY prepare teachers without throwing them in and letting them get their feet wet? I had my first student teacher this semester, and she was always overwhelmed with everything, trying to make it all perfect the first time around. I kept telling her that those first few years will be such a huge learning experience, the most important learning of your teaching career. I think we are all still "students" those first couple of years teaching!
Posted by Christy Rivers | April 27, 2009 9:34 PM
Posted on April 27, 2009 21:34
I too did not feel prepared for the classroom. I look back now and think why did I have to take certain classes and why didn't I have to take classes like this one. We need to be made to think and reflect and gain knowledge from others. As an undergrad I was told that you are not suppose to smile for the first month. This was suppose to make my students respect me and not "walk" all over me. There was nothing mentioned about getting to know your kids and developing relationships with them. Like Christy I had a student teacher this year and I really tried to emphasize this with her. Although I think she was still overly concerned with making sure the schedule was followed promptly and that her lessons were "flawless" (if there is such a thing) I hope that she took away with her that building relationships with her students is key to making a difference and being truly successful each year.
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Posted on April 28, 2009 21:05
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Posted by Gittel | February 28, 2010 8:12 AM
Posted on February 28, 2010 08:12