1) Honestly, the only time I ever physically pulled out my philosophy to use was when I was revising it or getting it ready for some professional purpose. My philosophy is internalized and I believe it and apply it.
2) You need to stop worrying about your portfolio. When it's time to be done, in methods, you'll be given more direction.
3) My philosophy changed tremendously through the years. The more I taught (even now it changes), the variety of teaching experiences (grade levels, content), my personal experiences(becoming a Mom and considering more how I would want my children taught), and the continued learning via classes, workshops, conferences, etc. all played a part in my on going philosophy adjustments. The school where I taught, followed the pretty normal pattern of creating a philosophy(mission statement) and renewing it every few years.
4) Yes, students are included in strategic planning which is the process that creates and revises school mission statements, etc.
5) Your entire philosophy can be practical and achievable. You create it - you decide.
6) If parents are not comfortable volunteering, there's nothing you can do about it. That's a personal issue. There are, however, ways for parents to volunteer in the school without coming in contact with many students. They can help in the library, run off papers, do filing, etc. Just the fact that they are in the building has an effect on their student according to research.
7) As far as parents' opinions on 'student-based' philosophies, I'm not sure what you mean by that. I don't think we discussed these, and I'm honestly not sure what you mean. Clarification would be welcome.
8) If there's an aspect of class that you want to know more about, research it.....that's part of the purpose of your education. I want to whet your appetite....but you can't rely on learning everything in class - learning is YOUR responsibility. Dig it out!!!
9) Benefits of K-8 schools has been touched on a couple times in class. Refer to the above point and look them up. There's research out there waiting for you to reference it.
10) We'll deal a lot more with parental involvement later in the term.
11) The community of the school creates the mission statement together. I don't see why they would not support something they created. If that would happen, there's nothing a teacher can do to change what the school or community does other than lead by example.
12) You can definitely have fun in class and still meet the required standards. The methods of teaching you use are totally up to you. When you create interesting, challenging, and engaging lessons, your students will have fun regardless of what they're learning.
13) If you have lots of questions - this blog is the place to be.
14) The one sample philosophy excerpt is part of mine. I won't give you a whole one because I want you to create your own.
15) All 14 of the middle school aspects are important. They work best when they're all implemented.
16) You DO have topics to blog about. You are encouraged to discuss/comment on any of these topics from class OR put forth your own question or topic. I gave a topic on a previous blog - but only one or two responded.
17) Hmmm, I'd say philosophies are a lot alike for several reasons. Lots of people are not very creative. :) The basic aspects of good teaching are just that....basic aspects so most people will include them. Many people don't realize that writing their philosophy is more than just an assignment. It should be an analysis and statement of what they truly intend to apply within their teaching. They also don't realize that they need to set themselves apart and above if they want that interview.
18) I think you can get students engaged in your mission statement by having your application of it be visible in your classes and in the school. If students recognize that you consider it important enough to live by, they'll pay more attention.
19) "Concrete" answers are not something you will have in discussions about education because they do not exist most of the time. Issues discussed in education circles and about educational issues ARE case by case and need to be addressed in that manner. There is seldom a set in stone answer because there are always so many variables!!
20) You know whether your philosophy is being 'upheld' because you're the one doing it. You should be consistently reflecting on your teaching and that should tell you how you're doing.
21) Why would you need to worry about 'dealing' with a parent who is not involved because their student gets good grades? I would contact them and tell them what a great job their student is doing and encourage them to compliment their child. You don't need to fix what isn't broken.
22) I can't do anything about the time in class. That's why I take the time to blog with you.
Wow - my fingers are tired. I hope to hear from you all!!
Have a wonderful week.
Diann
See you next week.
6 comments:
Today was my second day at Leverette Middle School and I had an amazing experience. I was with a different teacher then I was with the previous Monday but I was able to do a lot more hands on activities with the students. I was wondering if it is ok that I may not be with my same teacher every Monday. She has an administrative position that sometimes calls her out of the classroom. On these days I will be going with another teacher.
Hi Brittany,
As long as it's ok with both teachers, and you feel your getting a valuable experience, it's fine.
Diann
Hello Everyone!
Today I went to my second day at Leverette. Allison (one of our fellow classmates) and I got to observe a teacher meeting at the beginning of the school day. During the meeting, the principal showed a video clip of a conference in Dallas. This particular conference was held to welcome back teachers to a new school year as well as to motivate them for the new school year.
Allison and I both thought this clip was very inspirational. Everyone should check it out.
Its on YouTube! Search Dalton Sherman or try this link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAMLOnSNwzA&feature=related
I hope you guys like it as much as we did!
Hello Everyone!!
Well, while we are on the topic of our placements, I would like to say mine seems to keep getting better and better each and every time I go there. I'm placed at Leverette with a 7th grade science classroom. I have a first, third, and fourth hour classroom with a second hour "prep" time. At firsts I thought I was going to be bored during the prep time, or that it would just be a waste of time, but actually, it does me a lot of good to see the relationships and interaction my teacher has with the other teachers in her building. Also, when things need to get done, my teacher is able to pull in different resources and get those things done that are needed. Besides second hour, from my experience I've been able to see that different groups of kids react differently. My teacher did some reflecting on one class (right before the next one) on her teaching, found areas where she could tweak it, and went from there. The following class was more alert, understood the material more, and was so responsive to her questions that I could tell it was making a turn in a positive direction for the way her day would finish.
My second day at Leverette was definitely a positive experience across the table.
:]
My second time at Leverette Middle School ended up being a positive one too. The first time there I was not too sure how far I should go or could go in helping the class out. So the first time there I mainly just observed, and handed out worksheets. The second time there was such a great experience. I was able to work one on one with some kids and able to move around the classroom helping out students who needed it. So far my experiences have been great this year.
I feel like there is so much i need to know...when before i thought i could just go and teach...boy was i wrong. I am really excited about this class because what we talk about really is valueable and can be used in our own class some day. That video of the kid...WOW it really is important to believe in every kid, because many times we are the only ones who do!
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