Yes. Such contradictions.
Initial Thoughts on Being a Teacher Cadet Teacher
Exciting! I so enjoy working with those who aspire to be teachers. This, I have been privileged to do for several years, first, working with students through Lyon College in the Secondary English Methods class and now through our high school and local community college UACCB via the Teacher Cadet/Introduction to Teaching Class. Last year's group included seven very inspiring young prospects; now this year, eight more have joined this prestigious group!
Why I Want to Teach
Not until my second semester of senior year did I ever presume to be a teacher, hoping to one day be one of those ladies that sit in the windows at banks and receipt money. Then, about springtime in 1985, the idea was planted, cultivated, and came to harvest with my receiving the first of three degrees in education. That fall, I began what has now become a 27 year career in education, having now taught English, journalism, debate, drama, and now this Teacher Cadet class to what must be nearly 3000 students. Very awesome. Very blessed to have been able to accomplish what I was born to be.
Please go here to read more about those who inspired me to be.
Initial Thoughts on Education
Trends come. Trends go. In my previous twelve years here, I have witnessed at least a half a dozen shifts in curriculum. Thus, one must be willing to change. To give up. To expect less. To never give up. To expect more.
Oxymorons.
All realities.
Here's what I know: Education should be a blend. When one goes too far to one side or the other, yes, the other side gets left out. I firmly believe that no one method will ever solve any problem or concern.
Here's what I know: No one teacher style is ever the right one. I do firmly believe that a teacher should always be striving to learn what his/her style is and then always, always, always work to better that method to ever become who he/she was born to be.
I am living what I was born to be. I am beyond blessed.
Thoughts about The Eight Newbies
Interestingly, most of these plan to teach junior high or high school; whereas, last year's group were all elementary! Therefore, as the year progresses, I can see myself modifying some assignments to better fit their chosen curriculum areas.
I am very much looking forward to working with these young teacher wanna-be's!