My dad told me about something that is happening in Austria. It is from a newspaper called Kurier. Here is the translation of the article into English: http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fkurier.at%2Fkarrieren%2Funi%2F2068513.php&lp=de_en&.intl=us&fr=yfp-t-701
Austria is making some big changes in regards to how it's school systems run. It had something called Hauptschule - which was a higher up high school and now it will be replaced with a middle school in order to give all students an equal education.
Also, the training for teachers at pedagogical academies and universities will be unified - meaning, they will all receive the same type of training. It was different in the past.
This is quite a substantial change for Austria and it will take some getting used to for students and teachers a like.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
"Standards Heightened On School Lunches"
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/01/13/standards-heightened-on-school-lunches/
For as long as I can remember; schools have been talking about how there needs to be a change in school lunches and that children need to have healthier options and it looks as if that is finally going to happen and has already happened in one school according to the article on WCCO.
When I was younger I do not remember getting anything that was very healthy to eat at school. Once in a great while we'd get vegetables and fruits; but, it was usually pizza (which everyone loved!), french fries or some type of starch daily, skim, chocolate or 2% milk (1% milk was unheard of) and there was usually a dessert of some type - which everyone looked forward to! :)
I wish that these type of standards would go into the college years and the dreaded "freshman 15" wouldn't be a concern for anyone. I do not feel that college cafeterias offer the most nutritious options for college students and perhaps they could learn a thing or two from the primary schools changing their standards on school lunches. I realize that when one is in college one is an adult and we have the option to make our own choices in what we eat; however, I think if there were healthier choices that one would make the choice to eat healthier if it was available. When I lived on campus I did not really ever remember there being much of anything healthy to choose from - much of it was pasta, fried foods, pizza, burgers, fries, cookies, desserts, ice cream, pop, etc.
I think that healthy food options should be offered in any school setting you're in - whether you're a 4 year old or a 40 year old going back to school.
For as long as I can remember; schools have been talking about how there needs to be a change in school lunches and that children need to have healthier options and it looks as if that is finally going to happen and has already happened in one school according to the article on WCCO.
When I was younger I do not remember getting anything that was very healthy to eat at school. Once in a great while we'd get vegetables and fruits; but, it was usually pizza (which everyone loved!), french fries or some type of starch daily, skim, chocolate or 2% milk (1% milk was unheard of) and there was usually a dessert of some type - which everyone looked forward to! :)
I wish that these type of standards would go into the college years and the dreaded "freshman 15" wouldn't be a concern for anyone. I do not feel that college cafeterias offer the most nutritious options for college students and perhaps they could learn a thing or two from the primary schools changing their standards on school lunches. I realize that when one is in college one is an adult and we have the option to make our own choices in what we eat; however, I think if there were healthier choices that one would make the choice to eat healthier if it was available. When I lived on campus I did not really ever remember there being much of anything healthy to choose from - much of it was pasta, fried foods, pizza, burgers, fries, cookies, desserts, ice cream, pop, etc.
I think that healthy food options should be offered in any school setting you're in - whether you're a 4 year old or a 40 year old going back to school.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Freedom Writers
1) What are some of the hopes and expectations Erin has prior to starting her first job?
Erin wants to teach high school English. A story she wishes to teach that she has in mine is The Odyssey.
2) What realities and challenges confronted her in the beginning of the year?
Erin is confronted with realities that the students she will have do not have the reading level of someone in high school and the students come from a rough walk of life.
3) What were some of the case scenarios of the lived experiences of the students she had in class?
Some of the case scenarios are that one student comes from an abusive house hold, some students are in gangs, others have witnessed murders and another witnessed a murder as a child and witnessed her father being taken away for it; even though he did not commit the crime.
4) How did the student’s attitudes towards learning impact their academic performance?
The students did not feel they needed to learn because there was no point in learning. One student professed her hatred of white people and how they feel superior to other races and don't understand. The students didn't think that learning would help them "out there" in their world.
5) What strategies did Erin incorporate to break down the barriers between the students and the teacher?
Erin took the students on a field trip and this helped immensely in breaking down the barrier between the students and teacher relationship. It created trust and respect.
6) What kinds of teaching methods worked with the students?
Erin had the students write journals and after their journals were finished at the end of the year; she had the students put them into a book. She gave them several books to read, group discussions, field trips, guest speakers, etc.
7) How did Erin develop curriculum that connected with the students?
Erin chose materials (books) that the students could read that they could relate to. She chose books such as The Diary of Ann Frank which the students could relate to and they were able to go to a museum to see first hand what happened during the holocaust. They also were inspired to raise money to fly in someone who helped house the family of Ann Frank as a guest speaker.
8) What were the attitudes and challenges from other teachers and administrators in the school?
One administrator in particular was not very pleased and more than likely felt as if Erin was doing too much. She probably felt a bit intimidated and instead of praising Erin for her good work; she complained to the school board and that her methods may work now; but, that in the future if the students were to be split up that they would go back to their old ways.
9) What role did Erin’s expectations for the students have on their learning?
Erin did not give up on her students and she kept fighting. In the beginning it was hard for her to reach her students; but, in time her students were learning and they enjoyed learning. Erin went out of her way for them - taking them on field trips, buying them books to read and so on.
10) What lessons did you learn from this in regards to your first year of teaching?
I learned that it may be tough at first; but, I should keep going and not give up. Also, not everyone may not like me and that is okay. If I follow my heart and do my job and influence them in a positive way that is what counts.
Erin wants to teach high school English. A story she wishes to teach that she has in mine is The Odyssey.
2) What realities and challenges confronted her in the beginning of the year?
Erin is confronted with realities that the students she will have do not have the reading level of someone in high school and the students come from a rough walk of life.
3) What were some of the case scenarios of the lived experiences of the students she had in class?
Some of the case scenarios are that one student comes from an abusive house hold, some students are in gangs, others have witnessed murders and another witnessed a murder as a child and witnessed her father being taken away for it; even though he did not commit the crime.
4) How did the student’s attitudes towards learning impact their academic performance?
The students did not feel they needed to learn because there was no point in learning. One student professed her hatred of white people and how they feel superior to other races and don't understand. The students didn't think that learning would help them "out there" in their world.
5) What strategies did Erin incorporate to break down the barriers between the students and the teacher?
Erin took the students on a field trip and this helped immensely in breaking down the barrier between the students and teacher relationship. It created trust and respect.
6) What kinds of teaching methods worked with the students?
Erin had the students write journals and after their journals were finished at the end of the year; she had the students put them into a book. She gave them several books to read, group discussions, field trips, guest speakers, etc.
7) How did Erin develop curriculum that connected with the students?
Erin chose materials (books) that the students could read that they could relate to. She chose books such as The Diary of Ann Frank which the students could relate to and they were able to go to a museum to see first hand what happened during the holocaust. They also were inspired to raise money to fly in someone who helped house the family of Ann Frank as a guest speaker.
8) What were the attitudes and challenges from other teachers and administrators in the school?
One administrator in particular was not very pleased and more than likely felt as if Erin was doing too much. She probably felt a bit intimidated and instead of praising Erin for her good work; she complained to the school board and that her methods may work now; but, that in the future if the students were to be split up that they would go back to their old ways.
9) What role did Erin’s expectations for the students have on their learning?
Erin did not give up on her students and she kept fighting. In the beginning it was hard for her to reach her students; but, in time her students were learning and they enjoyed learning. Erin went out of her way for them - taking them on field trips, buying them books to read and so on.
10) What lessons did you learn from this in regards to your first year of teaching?
I learned that it may be tough at first; but, I should keep going and not give up. Also, not everyone may not like me and that is okay. If I follow my heart and do my job and influence them in a positive way that is what counts.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Alternative Teacher Licensure
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=900178&catid=14
I can see where someone would see both the good and bad side of this; however, I feel that this bill can be beneficial. For someone who is older and wishes to become a teacher; this will save them time, however, the training should still be the same as it is for someone in college - it just means that the education process is not as long as someone who is going to school.
If this bill does go through, I would hope that the right types of individuals take advantage of the Alternative Teacher Licensure. I do not feel that anyone can be a teacher, it takes a certain type of individual to become a teacher and I am sure that there are some individuals out there right now who would be wonderful teachers; but, do not have the time and/or money to go back to school.
I can see where someone would see both the good and bad side of this; however, I feel that this bill can be beneficial. For someone who is older and wishes to become a teacher; this will save them time, however, the training should still be the same as it is for someone in college - it just means that the education process is not as long as someone who is going to school.
If this bill does go through, I would hope that the right types of individuals take advantage of the Alternative Teacher Licensure. I do not feel that anyone can be a teacher, it takes a certain type of individual to become a teacher and I am sure that there are some individuals out there right now who would be wonderful teachers; but, do not have the time and/or money to go back to school.
Why do I want to be a teacher?
Why do I want to be a teacher? That's a good question. Isn't it?
I already have a general degree from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. My degree is a general degree - nothing specific. I got a degree in Behavioral Arts with a focus on Social Work and Psychology. I graduated from there in 2006 and have built up somewhat of a resume since working there. In May of 2006 I worked at Camp Friendship as a counselor. I worked respite weekends. I found that I worked well with individuals who had special needs and I really enjoyed the work. I also had a few babysitting jobs for several families in the St. Cloud area. I also took up pet sitting and house sitting for a few people in the area as well.
In December of 2007 I took a job as a full time, live in, nanny for new born baby named Amelia. That job lasted for several months. In March of 2008 I was offered the job and experience of a life time. My cousin's boyfriend had a sister who was looking for an English speaking nanny for her two children. I had to make a decision within a week and I asked my current employers at the time for their opinion and it was okay with them for me to take this new job since they were planning to move out east that summer anyways.
I lived in Vienna, Austria from May 2008 - July 2009. I transported the children to and from school and I taught the girl English and I spoke nothing but English with the boy since he went to an American school in Vienna. I also played the role of a translator when there was a parent/teacher conference. I did many things with the children and it was quite an experience for me! While living in Austria, I also got to know my relatives better and I got know the place my parents came from and that is something I really enjoyed.
In July of 2009 I moved back to the United States and decided it was time to go back to school to further my education. I had decided to get a Social Work degree; however, since I had already had a Bachelor's degree it was suggested I get a master's degree and I should try for Gerontology. I was in Gerontology for about 1.5 years and it just didn't seem to click for me. The jobs I had and what I was studying in school didn't fit together. I babysit 3 times a week for a 9 year old girl, I am a PCA for a 7 year old girl who has down syndrome and autism and I also have created my own pet sitting/house sitting business. I have always enjoyed being with kids as well as animals. I took this last semester off and did some soul searching and decided that I needed to pursue something else and decided that pursuing Special Education would be the right choice for me. I began my PCA job in October and I think that Autumn (the girl I am a PCA for) has inspired me to become a Special Education teacher.
Since I already have a bachelor's degree; I am hoping to pursue a graduate certificate in Special Education. Right now the application process is in the works and I hope to have good news in the next few weeks. :)
So, I guess I want to be a teacher because of my work history and because it feels right. I have worked with children since I was about 16 years old and I have always enjoyed it. I found that I really enjoy working with Autumn and I would love to become a Special Education teacher and I hope that in the next few years I can make that dream a reality. I want to make a difference in the lives of children and be someone they can learn from and look up to and a teacher would be the perfect career choice for me to do so.
I already have a general degree from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. My degree is a general degree - nothing specific. I got a degree in Behavioral Arts with a focus on Social Work and Psychology. I graduated from there in 2006 and have built up somewhat of a resume since working there. In May of 2006 I worked at Camp Friendship as a counselor. I worked respite weekends. I found that I worked well with individuals who had special needs and I really enjoyed the work. I also had a few babysitting jobs for several families in the St. Cloud area. I also took up pet sitting and house sitting for a few people in the area as well.
In December of 2007 I took a job as a full time, live in, nanny for new born baby named Amelia. That job lasted for several months. In March of 2008 I was offered the job and experience of a life time. My cousin's boyfriend had a sister who was looking for an English speaking nanny for her two children. I had to make a decision within a week and I asked my current employers at the time for their opinion and it was okay with them for me to take this new job since they were planning to move out east that summer anyways.
I lived in Vienna, Austria from May 2008 - July 2009. I transported the children to and from school and I taught the girl English and I spoke nothing but English with the boy since he went to an American school in Vienna. I also played the role of a translator when there was a parent/teacher conference. I did many things with the children and it was quite an experience for me! While living in Austria, I also got to know my relatives better and I got know the place my parents came from and that is something I really enjoyed.
In July of 2009 I moved back to the United States and decided it was time to go back to school to further my education. I had decided to get a Social Work degree; however, since I had already had a Bachelor's degree it was suggested I get a master's degree and I should try for Gerontology. I was in Gerontology for about 1.5 years and it just didn't seem to click for me. The jobs I had and what I was studying in school didn't fit together. I babysit 3 times a week for a 9 year old girl, I am a PCA for a 7 year old girl who has down syndrome and autism and I also have created my own pet sitting/house sitting business. I have always enjoyed being with kids as well as animals. I took this last semester off and did some soul searching and decided that I needed to pursue something else and decided that pursuing Special Education would be the right choice for me. I began my PCA job in October and I think that Autumn (the girl I am a PCA for) has inspired me to become a Special Education teacher.
Since I already have a bachelor's degree; I am hoping to pursue a graduate certificate in Special Education. Right now the application process is in the works and I hope to have good news in the next few weeks. :)
So, I guess I want to be a teacher because of my work history and because it feels right. I have worked with children since I was about 16 years old and I have always enjoyed it. I found that I really enjoy working with Autumn and I would love to become a Special Education teacher and I hope that in the next few years I can make that dream a reality. I want to make a difference in the lives of children and be someone they can learn from and look up to and a teacher would be the perfect career choice for me to do so.
Welcome to my blog.
Welcome to my blog! This blog is for my Introduction to Education class and will be updated often.
- Jenny
- Jenny
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