1) Has positive expectations for student success.
2) Is an extremely good classroom manager.
3) Knows how to design lessons for student mastery.
I agree with the points that they have summarized. I feel that great teachers set high expectations for all students. They expect that all students can and will achieve in their classroom and an effective teacher does not give up on the students that are "underachievers". Often times, it is these students that are having difficulty that need the most attention and guidance. I also feel that an effective teacher knows how to organize students, space, time and materials so that optimal student leaning can occur. This is the heart and soul of classroom management. Great teachers are prepared and organized. They are in their classrooms early and ready to teach. They present lessons in a clear and structured way. Their classroom are organized in such a way as to minimize distractions. Effective teachers have clear, written-out objectives that give students a clear idea of what they will be learning, what the assignments are and what the grading policy is. Lessons should be engaging, lively, fun, and interesting. I feel that effective teachers us facts as a starting point, they ask "why" questions, help the students view all sides and urge students to predict what will happen next. Lessons should engage the whole class, and should not be dominated by just a few students. Effective teachers are warm, enthusiastic and caring. They reach out to parents and communicate frequently. To grow as a teacher I hope to spend time continuing to gain new knowledge to share with my students.
Currently, I am in a full time contract teaching Kindergarten at Starlight Elementary in Watsonville, CA. I am having so much fun with this position. My students are amazing. I have been with them since the beginning of the year and it is really wonderful to see that they are starting to understand what the purpose of the alphabet is and how their letter sounds can be used to blend and read words. My students are READING! It is so amazing! This is the just the beginning of their little school careers. They are learning how to be friends with one another, how to be kind, express their feelings, and how to behave appropriately. I love my current position. As I reflect about my classroom, I feel that I could use more support from parents or a teacher aide. With all the budget cuts, I currently don't have any extra help. Kindergartners needs a great deal of one-on-one support and attention. Sometimes I feel that if I have one extra hand in my classroom, I could give the students the attention they need. Just recently, I had volunteer Grandpa join my classroom. He has been really helpful and is so sweet with the students. My kiddos love having their own "Grandpa" in the class too. He just started this week so hopefully this will be the support that I need. I will keep you posted.
Hi Meghann,
ReplyDeleteI love seeing all the pictures of your class and students! I aided in a Kindergarten classroom a couple of years ago and they had a part-time aide in the classroom and a parent helper at least three times a week to help during centers. I can't imagine how overwhelming that is to not having any help! That is great that you now have a Grandpa helping out. It is great and important for family members to be involved in their child's education and being in the classroom to volunteer is a great way to see your child in a different way.
I am glad you pointed out the importance of never giving up on a student. Students who are struggling, often times, do not get the help they need. I see this so often. A student does not qualify for any help as they do not have a "learning disability". They still are way behind and need the extra attention and help. This is where great planning comes in to play. Being able to differentiate the instruction is important so you have the time to give each student the extra help and guidance they need and deserve. I am learning so much in my student teaching and I have found how important it is to be prepared but also be flexible and understand plans may need to change.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I am excited to see how it goes with your grandparent helper.
Elisha
Meghann,
ReplyDeleteYou have mentioned a lot of key important facts. One in particular is that you said that it is important to establish high expectations. In my case I have been in the classroom since the first day of school, and that advise was given to me from more than one teacher. I was told it is easier to ease up than to become more strict. I took that advise and implemented it to the fullest. Not only is it important to implement school rules but to assure the students you are serious and make known to them your system and it is all or nothing. As case by case you can ease as needed.
The hardest part is the first month of school. Reason being is that you need to rid the students of all their bad habits and structure them to the way you expect of them. From behavior to where to put their name on their paper to pushing in their chair before they are dismissed.
Good luck in the classroom.
P.S. I have a 4 year old nephew who will be entering school soon. What skills is he expected to have coming in on the first day?
HI Meghann,
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned many key elements of effective teachers, planning, dedication, enthusiasm, preparation, management, etc. It is evident that you are a dedicated teacher who really cares and wants the best for her students. I agree with you that parent support is key especially in the primary grades. It is important for you to find ways to reach out and make parents feel invited in your classroom. If you work at a school with a high ELL population, get letters translated and invite parents to share about their culture or read in their primary language to the students. Once they have made a connection with you they will feel more comfortable coming in to help! Looking forward to reading your next post!
Dr. Dickenson