BECOMING A TEACHER: LOOKING FORWARD AND BACKWARD AT THE SAME TIME

EDF Study Guide #1Brittany Willis

METAPHORSBeing a teacher is like being

a: Being a Tour Guide: the

teacher sets the itinerary & takes students through the lessons to many new places

Being a Sailor: the teacher changes course in midstream & he/she will determine the better direction

Being a Sculptor: teachers uncover the ideas emerging

in the minds of their students Climbing a Hill: every once in

while stop & take a breather & continue on with the lesson

PHILOSOPHY OF A TEACHING STATEMENT

state how you feel people learn most effectively

discuss the approaches you take to help students learn material & skills

explain goals toward which you are working

describe how you measure success in your classroom

illustrate what values you’d like to impart to your students

ATTRIBUTES OF A GOOD TEACHER

Passion for teaching

Love of kids

Dedicated work ethic

Organization skills

Effective management

style

Content knowledge

“Goodness of fit” is defined as the compatibility of a person’s temperament with their surrounding environment.

Naturally, there are temperaments and environments that seem to fit while others do not.

It’s vital that a teacher’s temperament fits with their environment (classroom) to give children an opportunity to learn and grow.

ATTRIBUTES OF A GOOD TEACHER CONT’D I’d like to think that I posses some important

qualities that will help me in my future career as a teacher. Being around children brings out the very best in me and when I’m around them, there is this light and spark. I’m passionate about teaching them and also learning from them. I believe I have the patience needed and also the organizational skills to put together effective lesson plans.

Some attributes I need to work on are content knowledge & an effective management style.

THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION CODE OF ETHICS

Principle I: The Educator strives to help each student

realize their true potential as a worthy and effective member of society.

Principle ll:The quality of the services of the education

profession directly influences the nation and other individuals rather than the student

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

student’s point of view of their environment

how they feel intimidated or

comfortable?

school’s history & reputation

what are they known for?

School Climate School Culture

WHY SHOULD I MAKE A TEACHING PORTFOLIO NOW?

A teaching portfolio is a record of specific accomplishments attained over an extended period of time including background and professional information.

An education student should prepare one now because there are opportunities out there such as volunteer work and internships that would serve as a great foundation to the portfolio.

EDUCATIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY

An educational autobiography summarizes and reflects upon the experiences and events in a person's life up to the present time.

I first started school at 4 years old. There are specific memories I have of preschool such as holiday crafts/projects and certain stories and how they made me feel. I was always dropped off and didn’t start riding the bus until 4th grade. I really enjoyed my school, my teachers and my classmates. My elementary years were my favorite and very memorable. I did well and made honor roll frequently. I think a small part of the reason I want to be an elementary school teacher is partly due to my personal experience and memories of how much I loved school when I was little. Everything was exciting and new.

I identify most with the picture on the top right. When I was in class, it felt interactive. We played in groups. We did projects in groups. We learned together. The teacher was not big and scary like the picture on the bottom right and we were not separated like the picture on the left.

DEFINING A PROFESSION

Offers a unique, definite, & essential service

Places an emphasis on intellectual techniques

Requires a long period of specialized training

Every profession begins with a teacher.

Everyone has to learn and become educated about the career path of their choice.

Martin’s 3 criteria Yes, it’s a profession!

NEA AND AFT

The National Education Association

Largest professional organization/labor union in the US

Represents those preparing to become teachers

American Federation of Teachers

Labor union Primarily represents

teachers

NEA AFT

NEA AND AFT CONT’D

have to pay expensive fees

sometimes required by state

contrary views

can provide legal protection & advice

can join educational debates and topics that you feel strongly about

assistance with life insurance, benefits, etc.

Controversies Benefits