Hats off to the Class of '09

MTSU's commencement ceremonies were this morning, and my family went to cheer on my good friend, "Ro" who received her degree in education. Thank goodness I love her cuz it's almost not worth it. It was hot, LOOOOONG, and what drove me nuts is that EVERYBODY (ahem, the family & friends) talks through the entire ceremony. I could feel my temperature rising and was actually getting a headache from trying to hear the speakers through the noise that consumed that gym. AAAGGGGHHHH!! It is totally one of my pet peeves for people to talk while others are talking. It's rude to the speaker and it's rude to those wanting to hear. I finally gave up trying to hear which is probably why my headache never got too bad.

I wish I could've done more for my friend, cuz I really am proud of her. She is going to be an EXCELLENT teacher!

Side note: I start summer classes Monday and I'm so dreading it!

Go Class of '10 !!!!! :)

Quote of the Day

"Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers."
-Joseph Albers

Ingredients of a Good Teacher

Have you ever read those silly little "recipes" that show the ingredients of say, a Mom? 3 c. Love, 1 tsp meanness, 1 gallon patience, etc...

There are certain qualitites and characteristics we come to expect of good parents, good preachers, and good teachers. I'm sure there's a butt-load of good ones, but if you had to pick the Top 5, what would you say?

One of my favorite teachers this semester told us her Top 5 and I believe they're good ones:

1. Positive Attitude
2. Flexibility
3. Compassion
4. Good Communication Skills
5. Loves Learning

I know you'll agree that these are pretty good...seems they would be a good Top 5 for Moms and Preachers alike too. :)

I KNOW these are good qualities to have, but as I sit and think about whether I possess them, I'm not real sure. Sometimes I have a crummy attitude; I'm not sure I'd be thrilled to have all my hard work at lesson planning go down the tubes for x,y,and z; I do feel I have compassion (until I get that angry parent in my face, or I get the lazy/no good parent, etc); I can communicate my feelings and wants GREAT....to my husband (LOL), but will I be able to do that with my co-workers, my kids' parents, my kids??; I do honestly feel that I enjoy learning, but again sometimes that's all relative. Learning what? Science?-heck naw! New classroom management suggestions? Bring it on! Learning in general? Sure.

I suppose only time will tell how all these will play out once I'm in the school system, I do know that I will try my best and I'll certainly ask God for help.

I think having a good support system, whether in- or outside the school will be a necessity.

So, I ask....Do you possess these qualities? Do you have better ones to add?

Do you believe I should get out of the teaching field immediately?!

Shift Happens

This was 2006 current, but is still very evident (if not more) today and into the future:

Uno

I'm starting this blog as a place for educators, present and future (and past I suppose), may come and see what I'm doing as a pre-servie teacher and as a place for me to post various topics, videos, etc on education that I find interesting, disturbing, insightful, etc. This is a place for parents as well to see what is happening with education and to keep up with things.

Some things will be what I'm doing in school. Others will be articles or videos I find about the education world. I plan to post links on the side bar for parents and teachers as well.

I can't say what direction all this will take. This is a chance for me to keep up with what I am doing in these years, so later I can reflect on what I was thinking now versus what I will be thinking about education in the future. Could be interesting.

So, follow along.