http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/ Message boards for teachers. Get help from, and collaborate with other teachers in multiple teacher forums. Join in on the conversation today! en Wed, 16 May 2012 15:08:44 GMT vBulletin 15 http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/images/misc/rss.png http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/ http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11386-Summer-school-math-classes&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 03:54:01 GMT Hi everyone, I will greatly appreciate any tips/help/advice you can offer. I just got a summer school teaching job for teaching math to students who... Hi everyone, I will greatly appreciate any tips/help/advice you can offer. I just got a summer school teaching job for teaching math to students who are above grade level. This is the first time I am getting back in the classroom for over 2 and a half years so I am quite nervous (last time was student teaching). Each class is only an hour and is M-F. One class is 3rd and 4th grade the other is 5th through 7th grade but there probably won't be 7th graders because they are going to middle school next year. The students are all above grade level in math. I have no curriculum to follow but will have access to text books and manuals the district uses. From what I was told I should get the students to think and stay interested in math. A couple questions/concerns I have:

Do you do a getting to know you activity the first day with the students to get to know them and each other?
How do I find out what the students know?
Any suggestions for activities? - I will use the Houghton Mifflin site because they have "challenge questions" that the summer school coordinator recommended - any other resources would be great too!

I really appreciate any feedback! Thank you.
What do I do if we have lots of extra time left in the class? ]]> MAMsMommy http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11386-Summer-school-math-classes http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11385-4th-5th-Grade-Lesson-for-Interview!&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 02:53:50 GMT I recently graduated and am interviewing in the school district where I student taugh on Monday, May 21st.I recently taught in first grade and... I recently graduated and am interviewing in the school district where I student
taugh on Monday, May 21st.I recently taught in first grade and before that, I was
placed in an 8th grade resource room.

The interview is three parts: discussion, computer exam/essay, and teaching a
lesson.

I will be teaching a 4th or 5th grade language arts lesson. They are not sure if it will
be small group or whole group. I am completely stumped on what to teach!

Do any general education teaches have some great lesson ideas for me? ]]> General Discussion laeo23 http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11385-4th-5th-Grade-Lesson-for-Interview! http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11384-quot-Hallway-Conversations-quot-book-project-seeking-teacher-feedback&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 00:28:38 GMT Hello - As a writer and researcher, and a mom, I want to honor the expertise of teachers in helping to raise our children. I have launched a book... Hello - As a writer and researcher, and a mom, I want to honor the expertise of teachers in helping to raise our children. I have launched a book project, "Hallway
Conversations", to share your thoughts on selected topics, to be written for parents. Portion of the proceeds to benefit RIF. I'd love your participation! I'm hoping for national representation from current and/or former elementary and middle school teachers.

Please share and email me or contact me thru the private messaging system for more information.

Thank you for all you do!

-Kaylor Hildenbrand ]]> General Discussion KaylorH http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11384-quot-Hallway-Conversations-quot-book-project-seeking-teacher-feedback http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11383-Hiya!-Looking-for-my-first-step!&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 14:38:54 GMT Hi everybody, my name's Ry. I just completed a year of service with City Year, an AmeriCorps organization focused on ending the dropout crisis. I proudly served on Chicago's West Side for 10 months with my wonderful 9th graders.

Now that my year of service is over, my path is pretty firmly set in education. I've been doing a bit of online research, trying to get a sense of where I should start. The more I look, the more questions I have. I know that I need a teaching certificate, but does that mean a MA in Education isn't the right choice? I've heard that an MA is more for administrative positions.

Furthermore, were I to have my pick of all 50 states, where should I focus my attention? I know that there are a myriad variables to consider - each state has their own specific regulations regarding teaching, budget cuts, salary to cost-of-living ratio, etc.

Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help!

-Ry ]]> New Teachers ryfinerty http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11383-Hiya!-Looking-for-my-first-step! http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11381-New-Principal-looking-to-change-a-school-culture&goto=newpost Sun, 13 May 2012 23:30:19 GMT I have had the opportunity to become the school administrator of a small private gr. 4-12 school. The school has been around for almost 10 years and... I have had the opportunity to become the school administrator of a small private gr. 4-12 school. The school has been around for almost 10 years and yet struggles to remain open each and every year. I have taken on the challenge of leading this new school as we embark on creating a new and innovative culture. We have a total of 67 students and I would like to create a school specializing in technology and project based learning. With this small of a school, we need to bring in and maintain students from year to year, and this may be a way to do such a thing. So, after that long introduction, does anyone have any ideas/help with creating a new curriculum and culture based on these ideas or has anyone experienced these types of changes at their own school? It is going to be a lot of work and any help would be appreciated! ]]> General Discussion newadmin http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11381-New-Principal-looking-to-change-a-school-culture http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11377-Kindergarten-Poems&goto=newpost Wed, 09 May 2012 09:38:53 GMT The Kindergarten Class

We learned how to share
And learned how to care
Just ask us if you dare
THE KINDERGARTEN CLASS

It seems we've just begun
And now it's almost done
This year's been so much fun
THE KINDERGARTEN CLASS.

So we must say so long
With this our little song
We'll be back before long ]]> General Discussion jollysmith123 http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11377-Kindergarten-Poems http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11376-which-state-which-district-Where!&goto=newpost Tue, 08 May 2012 13:26:21 GMT My husband and I are both teachers. Because he is Canadian, we went to school for our teaching certifications there. Now, looking at all the... My husband and I are both teachers. Because he is Canadian, we went to school for our teaching certifications there. Now, looking at all the options in the USA, we don't know where to begin applying! We want somewhere warm and somewhere where our salary can build if we continue with our education (i.e. Masters + credits).
We are willing to move. For example - ok, we have been recommended by a couple people to go to texas, but is there a lower cap on their salary? Adding in cost of living? How does it pan out? Georgia? South Carolina? The Virginias??

Any suggestions?
Thank you! ]]> General Discussion canddteach http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11376-which-state-which-district-Where! http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11374-Dear-teachers-around-the-world-a-1-2-minute-survey-for-quot-Teachers-Exchange-quot&goto=newpost Mon, 07 May 2012 23:10:20 GMT Have you ever struggled.. on what to put on your next powerpoint for the upcoming lecture? Or.. on coming up with creative teaching materials? Our... Have you ever struggled.. on what to put on your next powerpoint for the upcoming lecture? Or.. on coming up with creative teaching materials?

Our team (London Business School Educational Entrepreneurs) is searching for the solution!

Please invest just 1-2 minutes of your time for our ANONYMOUS survey @ http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y3S6MLC

Thank you very much!!

Sincerely,

Educational Entrepreneurs from LBS ]]> Surveys and Educational Research Projects yki912 http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11374-Dear-teachers-around-the-world-a-1-2-minute-survey-for-quot-Teachers-Exchange-quot http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11373-Is-teaching-your-own-class-more-enjoyable-than-substitute-teaching&goto=newpost Mon, 07 May 2012 22:13:05 GMT I might be offered a full time job soon for the first time. I'm just curious about what people think of the differences between substitute teaching and actually teaching your own class. To clarify, I don't particularly enjoy substitute teaching (teachers leave nothing prepared, students don't respect you in the least,etc). I'm wondering if there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you. ]]> General Discussion foxfang4 http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11373-Is-teaching-your-own-class-more-enjoyable-than-substitute-teaching http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11372-Application-Questions&goto=newpost Mon, 07 May 2012 17:41:48 GMT So I am currently applying for my first teaching job as a math teacher and since all the applications are online now, I have to answer the open-ended... So I am currently applying for my first teaching job as a math teacher and since all the applications are online now, I have to answer the open-ended question. These questions and my responses are shown below. I would greatly appreciate your feedback.

1. Describe the skills or attributes you believe are necessary to be an outstanding teacher.

Jean Piaget once said, “The principle goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done.” An outstanding teacher understands that their purpose is not to simply teach, but to inspire in hopes of igniting a passion in their students that will change future generations.

Like any other skilled profession, teaching is an art that requires passion. To become an expert in any venue requires constant practice, honing of your skills and willingness to accept advice. No matter what degree is held, educators understand that as there is always a lesson to be taught, there is also one to be learned.

Teachers set the atmosphere of their classroom, regardless of the subject. They must share their knowledge with enthusiasm and spirit, encouraging student to reach their optimum potential. With the idea that the teachers is the single most important ingredient in any classroom, I believe that the qualities common to outstanding teachers include superior content knowledge, innovative instructional strategies, enthusiasm and sense of humor combined with a unique personal connection.

Many people who remember a teacher who played a pivotal role in their lives, remember them because of their personal connection. The teacher who cared about them as individuals, took interest, demanded the most, and taught them lessons not only about school, but also life. They wore that hat of educator, mentor, counselor, cheerleader, parent, friend, etc. and somehow seamlessly interchanged them.

Of all the hats a teacher must wear, the role of “inspiration advocate” is one of the most important. You must be willing to proudly share your love of learning with students, who will undoubtedly recognize a teacher with true passion and devotion for what they do. Teaching is only for special people. It is not a craft that can be learned, but rather a gift that is cultivated into an art.

2. How would you address a wide range of skills and abilities in your classroom?

The best way to address the skills and abilities of my students is to first get to know them. It is impossible to think that all students in a classroom are alike. Therefore, their differences should be appreciated and used as an opportunity for students to excel. Once their needs have been assessed, proper differentiated instruction can take form in a variety of ways to promote higher order thinking.

It is most effective to use different strategies, such as flexible grouping, individual study, class discussions/debates, and peer tutoring. Peer tutoring allows struggling students to learn from their peers, and advanced students to become more confident in their abilities. These strategies are more effective if they appeal to students’ interest. So to increase students’ interest in a particular topic, I would include student in the planning process.

In addressing students’ different abilities, it is also important to address several different learning styles. Therefore, it is important to “include varied activities such as skill practice, problem solving, manipulatives, games, technology integration such as computers of calculators, graphs and other visual, and writing opportunities (NCTM, 2012).”

In differentiating my classroom, I will also be sure not to leave out the gifted students, as differentiation should provide enrichment to all students.

(To be quite honest, I'm not too fond of my response to the second question. I feel like it's missing something. That's why I need your help! I want to make sure that my responses are perfect. :) ]]> New Teachers http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11372-Application-Questions http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11370-about-a-difficult-administration&goto=newpost Mon, 07 May 2012 15:52:07 GMT Hi,

I've written many times about my bad expriences with administrators. I'm still in Asia and it doesn't matter where I'm at, I'm still a Foreigner working like Foreigners do here in Asia. Anyhow, I do work in a school where Foreign teaching is allowed.

Anyhow, what can I do to make this situation (see below) easier for myself? I've gotten great ideas from you all in the past and have successfully applied some of them.

Situation: There's an administrator who oversees my work in class and I'm about to burn out. He/she constantly observes my classes and brings me into a room after class teaching is over to discuss the various problems that I have in my teaching. The meetings last about 30 minutes and it's mostly about how to improve my style. I have nothing against improving my style as a teacher, but the meetings are frequent. If it's not one subject being "treated", it's another. He/she is carefully looking at every subject and rarely praises me. I have a very positive feeling in my class (kingergarten), but he/she seems to want to change a lot in my class. He/she compares me to another teacher and shows how much work I have to do. It's endless. It as though he/she is obsessed with "classroom correction or improvement".

What can I do to "draw the line", that is, to control his/her tendency to pick on my teaching. My colleagues don't have this treatment like me. I'm the only one who needs so much improvement...it seems. The administrator mentioned that I'm the only one who has these problems in the classroom. I feel that I'm being picked on and that the administrator doesn't like me.

What can a teacher do like me about this? Lock my classroom door? Should I show my limits to the administrator? There's enough pressure there to make me feel like he/she wants to throw me out of the school.

Now, I've had to get legal advice because he/she, the administrator, warned me not to do something or else I would get a written notice. I felt it unjust to do that, but I did get legal advice and it helped.

Any ideas on how to assert oneself as a teacher in this situation (about the constant meetings concerning my teaching), in a situation where an administrator treats you differently than others and pick endlessly on your teaching?

Thanks,
Pencil ]]> General Discussion Pencil http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11370-about-a-difficult-administration http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11369-How-do-you-wake-up-kids-for-school&goto=newpost Mon, 07 May 2012 09:46:20 GMT It can get really difficult for wake up kids for school. You need to see to it that kids sleep well in time at night. During kids vacation also keep... It can get really difficult for wake up kids for school. You need to see to it that kids sleep well in time at night. During kids vacation also keep a sleeping and waking up schedule so that they get into the habit of getting up on time. You can give them an extra hour of sleep on holidays but not more. School performance often declines if a child has not had good nights sleep or has been forced to wake up and come. So you need to instill this discipline of sleeping well on time in kids. ]]> General Discussion jollysmith123 http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11369-How-do-you-wake-up-kids-for-school http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11367-Secondary-School-Website&goto=newpost Sun, 06 May 2012 16:22:18 GMT Hello there, I am the Head of ICT Department and E-Learning Manager of a secondary school in Northern Ireland and I have been given the job of... Hello there,

I am the Head of ICT Department and E-Learning Manager of a secondary school in Northern Ireland and I have been given the job of creating a new school website. Anyone have any suggestions about what software to use etc?

Many thanks

Ciara :) ]]> Technology cmcloughlin http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11367-Secondary-School-Website http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11366-Intro-Physics-and-Chemistry-for-7th-and-8th-grade&goto=newpost Sun, 06 May 2012 01:49:58 GMT I've recently accepted a position at a private school teaching Algebra and Geometry. I was given the impression that this school would like to expand its curriculum to include more of the hard sciences, specifically Chemistry and Physics, and I want to help get it started.
I'm looking for resources that will help me plan everything I need to start this new program including textbooks suitable for 7th-8th graders, activities and experiments, and relevant videos.
Any help I can get is greatly appreciated. ]]> Dwarren http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11366-Intro-Physics-and-Chemistry-for-7th-and-8th-grade http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11365-Teachers-Dissuading-Future-Teachers&goto=newpost Sat, 05 May 2012 13:51:12 GMT Hi, everyone. My name is Katherine, and I’m new to Teacher Chat forums. I’m a soon-to-be freshman Middle Childhood Education major, as I begin... Hi, everyone. My name is Katherine, and I’m new to Teacher Chat forums. I’m a soon-to-be freshman Middle Childhood Education major, as I begin attending college this fall. Upon graduation, I’ll have a 4th-9th grade license in Language Arts and Math, as well as a generalist license for grades 4th-6th.

I’m very excited, but I’m also very nervous. I have teachers—my own teachers—warn me about the profession on a frighteningly-frequent basis. Instead, people suggest helpfully, why not become a pharmacist or an actuary? Yes, because those professions sound completely fitting as an alternative for someone who wants to work with children, haha.

Perhaps better suggestions have included becoming a speech or occupational therapist. I’ve considered these, but after job shadowing, they just don’t seem to fit as well as teaching.

I’ve shadowed in classrooms around my district as a part of a year-long teacher preparation program for aspiring education majors. It’s been great, but mostly because I’ve really enjoyed my students. Sadly, most of the teachers, once again, seem to glean no joy from their job. It’s scary. Will something like this inevitably happen to me?

Perhaps the most troubling situation is when teachers specifically warn me from the profession because I have a 4.339 GPA, and rank in the top 2% of my class. That suggestion both frightens and angers me for obvious reasons.

Is teaching really a terrible career—an atrocious choice from which teachers can only hope to keep their students from pursuing? I’ve read countless internet articles, but they are no help. Some say it’s the world’s toughest yet most important career; others say it’s not even a worthy of the term “career” at all. Both views are troubling for, once again, obvious reasons.

All careers have positives and negatives, right? Do the positives of teaching outweigh the negatives, or do the negatives outweigh the positives?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I have a gnawing fear that teaching is the wrong career choice. However, the moment I switch to a different option, I get the feeling that I won’t be content until I’m back in teaching. ]]> General Discussion Katherine http://forums.theteacherscorner.net/showthread.php?11365-Teachers-Dissuading-Future-Teachers