A Teacher's Reputation

A person's reputation follows them wherever they go,and if you happen to be a teacher,your reputation is even more important. As a teacher, you are an example to your students. If you mess up, they will probably think it is okay to do so. Parents will judge you depending on your reputation. I remember being in 5th grade in my Social Studies class with Mr.A. I thought he was a great teacher, he always made us work but we had fun doing so. He was really funny and creative. Then one day, my friend was telling me that he would get drunk during weekends and that he Was cheating on his wife. She said many other negative things about him and that changed everything for me. That changed the way I thought of him, the image I had. I no longer thought he was funny and I didn't feel enthusiastic about attending his class. That affected his reputation very much and eventually the principal heard about his misconduct. He then, got fired. I don't know if what I heard was true but he must've gotten fired for something. Years passed, and when I got to 8th grade, I heard that he wasn't able to get a job ever since because of his reputation. I would see him at stores, and he looked terrible. He had a beard and simply looked so depressed, I almost didn't recognize him. what he did, caused it to ruin his reputation. He could've easily avoided that from happening. I believe a way to protect your reputation would be to be cautious in what you do. You had to remember you are a professional. People look up to you. You are an example. If there is anything you want to do that you doubt would be inappropriate, it's better if you don't do it. Keep your personal life out of school. That's the only advice I have.

Welcoming students to classroom

I believe it's important to welcome students to the classroom because it shows how determined and ready you are to begin class all while being positive. It makes you, as a teacher, look prepared. It also shows your students that you take your job seriously. Three tips I would use in my classroom from Wong's book would be to post information by the classroom door such as " name, room number, period, grade level, subject and an appropriate welcome or greeting." (pg.106) I think doing this will avoid questions being repeated as to where a student is at. Everything presented in the book has to do with being prepared and on time. Puntuality is of high importance. As an effective teacher, he/she would need to be early at the classroom door in order to welcome students in another thing I also think is important is to have seating arrangements. The tip I would follow is "have their names on place cards on the desks." (pg.108) this will also help students know exactly where they will be seated and will establish rules in the classroom from  the first day. The last thing I think is important is to help those students who seem confused. Maybe they got the wrong room number, and they don't say anything due to embarrassment. This last tip is simple but real effective. "Check each student's registration card, and if the student is in the wrong place or is lost, help the student or find a guide who will." (pg 107) All these tips will help have a better control of the class and will start the year off great.

Most important factor governing student learning.

Classroom Management is the most important factor in governing student learning according to Mr. Wong. He states "A well-managed classroom is also a predictable environment."(pg.88) This is because both students and teachers know what is expected and what to do to achieve it. Wong also gives four characteristics in determining whether the class is a well-managed classroom or not. "1. Students are deeply involved with their work,especially with academic,teacher-led instruction."(pg.86) This means that there is no distractions, and students are doing their work effectively. "2. Students know what is expected of them and are generally successful."(pg.86) this is also another important characteristic, and can only be done by the teacher setting those expectations. "3. There is relatively little wasted time,confusion,or disruption."(pg86) This is also an important factor and ties in with number two. If students know what is expected they will not waste time and will be clear about what there is to do. The last characteristic Wong pointed out is "4. The climate of the classroom is work-oriented,but relaxed and pleasant."(Wong 86) This makes a lot of sense because the classroom isn't a boot camp. Even though it should be a place where students study and work, they must feel comfortable in order to do so. The teacher is responsible for this. In order to reach this goal of having a well-managed classroom, teachers need to do their parts. They must make sure students are working and redirect those who are not. They must have objectives set up on board so students can see why they are working. Teachers must make sure students know that tests are based on the objectives posted daily. Teacher must have a discipline plan if class gets out of control. Teacher must spend time reviewing procedures until they become routines. The teacher also knows how to grab students attention and also knows when and how to praise good deeds. I've enjoyed reading this book so far, I believe classroom management is a vital factor into being an effective teacher.

Field Site Experience

These past two weeks that I've been working with the 5th grade students, I've been able to experience many things, all at once! The first few times I had gone, I had trouble with making myself clear. What do I mean by that? I mean that I was way too nice with the kids. It was hard for me to be strict and keep them on task. This morning, I went again. I will admit, I was a bit hesitant to go, due to how I felt there was no control or order in the classroom. I knew I had to complete my responsibilities, so I put a smile on my face and walked into class. What do I see? Kids playing with chairs, using their phones and listening to music. The teacher was having trouble controlling them. I knew I had to change. I needed to change my attitude and the way I was doing things. So once the teacher got them into rotating groups, things got a bit better. I asked the teacher if I could get the students attention in order for them to keep being on task, she agreed and insisted on me doing so. I was able to get their attention by raising my hand and they all did the same. I called them by name and told them to get into their designated groups, I made it clear that it was no time to socialize. After controlling the class, I walked around and would make them read out loud taking turns in the group. I would give examples and explain what the story was talking about. I would ask questions and they would answer. I was impressed. This gave me the confidence to keep going. I went to a different group, I made them read and then helped them answer the question. I did this repeatedly. The students began asking me for help on their work. They stopped using their phones and playing around. For the first time, I felt like I had done everything I needed to do. I felt like I helped. It reminded me of why I do what I do, why I want to teach. It was a great experience and I can't wait to go again and continue helping with their education. The teacher did tell me that if things were too complicated, I could leave and she would understand. The thing is, I want to help these kids. It also will serve as a great experience. I am up for the challenge, bring it on!

5 Teaching Blogs I chose to follow :)

1. theinnovativeeducator
I chose this first blog because she has many great tips for teachers and covers many topics. A particular topic I found interesting was one of her blogs called "how to transform learning". She is also in an organization which furthers kids education. I believe she will benefit and expand my learning.
2. hollykorbey/
I chose this as my second blog to follow because this blogger has fantastic ideas and doesn't only give advice on how to better your teaching but even has blogs about kids who struggle with dyslexia and with different disabilities. I found her page pretty interesting, she also has many topics to choose from and all of them have to do with teaching, varying in grade levels.
3.http://www.freetech4teachers.com
This blog is a great resource when looking for ways to incorporate technology into your students learning. It has fresh new ideas and helps you to get to know how to use the tools offered. This would help for those of us who are trying to be a 21 century teacher.
4.http://theorganizedclassroomblog.com
This blog is all about organizations! I think this is an important topic, this blog also talks about how to help engage your students into learning. It is a lot more centered into helping with how to organize yourself with work and the classroom and how to keep it that way. I recommend you all give it a look!
5. http://www.trycuriosity.com
This is my final blog. It is written by an elementary librarian, and it's just a really fun page. It's mostly about how to apply literacy into your teaching. It includes a lot of well done lesson plans and even some Dr.Seuss ! It's a fun method to use in the classroom.

Ten things I would've liked to know as a first year educator

The article "The Top Ten Things I Wish I'd Known As A First Year Teacher" had a very interesting view on how things should be handled in the classroom. I think the information is quite beneficial, and definitely useful for new comers. One of the things I found relatable is "Posting instructions on the board". The author does mention it might sound ridiculous if most students are old enough and should know what to do especially by the time they are in middle school and/or high school, yet I've gotten to see a few of my teachers doing this throughout my high school years and it has proven to be a very effective method. I suppose I never thought that even the simplest things in teaching were that important. This is my first year as a future educator, so I really don't know what to expect. So far everything's been decent but I believe knowing what other teachers went through will help me mentally and give me plenty of ideas. I compared that list, which will be linked at the bottom of the page, to another list I found online, "Fifteen Things I Wish I'd Known Before Becoming A Teacher".It is a bit different but similar in many things as well. Both agreed that being prepared was necessary and to basically expect the unexpected. I like how they don't describe teaching as something beautiful and magical. It's a lot more realistic. Both articles said it wouldn't be easy because as a teacher, you don't only deal with your students but with their parents and other teachers and administrators. You have to be proffessional, approachable, kind but firm. I believe I am ready for the challenge. I am excited to begin teaching in a couple years and both articles have helped me expand my skills and try to become a better learner and eventually an effective teacher.

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