If I didn't establish a clear purpose for this blog, then it would most likely consist of a whole lot of rambling about nothing. But I have a very clear reason for starting this blog. I am going to become a teacher. But this blog will be where I document my road to becoming a great teacher (hopefully).
I believe that most people who choose to become teachers initially believe that they could be effective teachers. I think we all choose occupations that we think we could excel at. But we also decide that based on what we think the job is really like, what it consists of, and the amount of effort that goes into it. When people begin their first job associated with their degree and realize that they don't actually like the occupation that they have chosen, it's often because the job is not what they expected or hoped it would be. In the teaching field, this often looks like a new teacher who steps into a classroom expecting all of their students to quietly remain seated and do nothing but listen and speak when prompted. But in reality, this teacher steps into a classroom and has no idea how to gain the students' respect and is dealing with disciplinary issues the majority of the period.
When teacher candidates are learning to become effective educators, they are typically taught how to educate their students after they have already gained their respect and have a perfect rapport with their students. They are lectured to about the joys and rewards of teaching young minds. They are also shown the side of teaching that encourages them to be passionate and excited about teaching. These things are great, there is nothing wrong with them at all, but there needs to be a balance. Education students need to be aware of the difficulties of teaching and what goes into the daily job. There have been many cases where education students are really excited about their future occupation...until they step into the classroom for observation hours. I have seen plenty of students drop their class and change majors after they do their observations. They return from their experience depressed by the lack of funds for teachers, lack of resources, poor student-teacher relationships, and poor teaching skills. This is usually the point when people see what the job really consists of, realize it's not what they thought it was, and back out. Teaching really is one of the most mentally and spiritually rewarding jobs, but it comes through hard work and a drive to succeed.
I believe that when a teacher respects and cares for their students and the students respect and care for their teacher, most elements in teaching a class fall into place. Now obviously, there are a LOT of variables that go into it, but the foundation of an effective and appropriate teacher-student relationship, in my opinion, is respect. This blog will be about my process to finding the perfect balance of respect in a teacher-student relationship so that education is harmonious for teachers and students alike.
I believe that most people who choose to become teachers initially believe that they could be effective teachers. I think we all choose occupations that we think we could excel at. But we also decide that based on what we think the job is really like, what it consists of, and the amount of effort that goes into it. When people begin their first job associated with their degree and realize that they don't actually like the occupation that they have chosen, it's often because the job is not what they expected or hoped it would be. In the teaching field, this often looks like a new teacher who steps into a classroom expecting all of their students to quietly remain seated and do nothing but listen and speak when prompted. But in reality, this teacher steps into a classroom and has no idea how to gain the students' respect and is dealing with disciplinary issues the majority of the period.
When teacher candidates are learning to become effective educators, they are typically taught how to educate their students after they have already gained their respect and have a perfect rapport with their students. They are lectured to about the joys and rewards of teaching young minds. They are also shown the side of teaching that encourages them to be passionate and excited about teaching. These things are great, there is nothing wrong with them at all, but there needs to be a balance. Education students need to be aware of the difficulties of teaching and what goes into the daily job. There have been many cases where education students are really excited about their future occupation...until they step into the classroom for observation hours. I have seen plenty of students drop their class and change majors after they do their observations. They return from their experience depressed by the lack of funds for teachers, lack of resources, poor student-teacher relationships, and poor teaching skills. This is usually the point when people see what the job really consists of, realize it's not what they thought it was, and back out. Teaching really is one of the most mentally and spiritually rewarding jobs, but it comes through hard work and a drive to succeed.
I believe that when a teacher respects and cares for their students and the students respect and care for their teacher, most elements in teaching a class fall into place. Now obviously, there are a LOT of variables that go into it, but the foundation of an effective and appropriate teacher-student relationship, in my opinion, is respect. This blog will be about my process to finding the perfect balance of respect in a teacher-student relationship so that education is harmonious for teachers and students alike.
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