Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year!

So, 2009... it's been real. You gave me some pretty rad moments... but I'm so ready for 2010!!

In 2010, I will enter grad school. Yes... I will.

In 2010, my desk will stay clean. (I say this every year)

In 2010, I will have a brighter outlook on things.

and... in 2010... I will continue to do my best and be the best teacher I can be!!!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

American Education

Is there hope for the future of American Education? I know there is. Despite the constant obstacles that are thrown in our teachers' way, there still remains hope that there is a bright future for our children.
There are the best teachers in my child's school. They go out of their way to ensure that my child is getting the best education she deserves. I will never forget in the beginning of this school year, my child was feeling anxious about attending a new classroom with a new teacher. This teacher not only wrote us a letter over the summer, but also made several phone calls, and even invited us into her classroom! My daughter was able to meet her, and see the classroom, which lowered her anxiety level tenfold. She was also able to choose where she'd sit, and see which of her friends would be in the class with her.
It is because of teachers like this that I know there is hope for the future of American education.
This post is part of the MAT@USC Hope for the Holidays event. Did you have an experience or witness something in 2009 which gave you hope for the future of American Education? If so, please see this post for more information on how to share it.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Grad School?

I have been contemplating going back to grad school... ?? ahh! The decision terrifies me. There are pros and cons, and I feel like laying them all out here will help with my decision.

Pros
*knowledge-- I will become much more knowledgable in what I do, and will keep me up to date with the latest in the educational scene.
*doors open-- I can't imagine coming out of the classroom, but you never know what the future holds. Perhaps later in life I will tire of the every day hassles of being a classroom teacher, and maybe I'll want to do something else, like guidance, administration, or supervision... Always helpful to have something to fall back on.
*money-- this one might be a joke lol... the difference between BA and MA pay is peanuts, but I guess every little bit helps
*networking-- I'll meet more educators. I'm sure, in my classes, and meeting other teachers always helps in getting more ideas.

Cons
*money-- why does this one show up on both? money is the root of all evil, I tell you. In this case, I'd have to shell out a lot of clams for a degree. Yes, I get some back from my district, but not until I've finished the course.
*time-- a lot of time that I have been spending with my family and on my current classroom duties will have to be sacrificed to do well in my classes.

Hm... are those really the only cons? Maybe my decision is already made for me... ?!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Volunteers

I'm curious about what other teachers do about parent volunteers?

I've always welcomed parents into my classroom. I figure I have nothing to hide, right? I also feel that my students' parents and I should work as a team towards our one common goal: helping their child work to their potential.

Many teachers have the opinion that this teamwork should work as follows: teacher takes charge during the school day, parents take over at home. Why not intertwine the two? Show the students that all of these people are working together and care about them... and that all we do is FOR them?

To all those educators out there who are skeptical, I say give it a try!! Don't let the parent intimidate you. YOU are the professional, and you know what you are doing! Accept the help. The parents AND your students will thank you!