Interview Skills and Resume Workshop
Listening to the Principals speak was very valuable. They shed some light on the reality of the 'real world,' reminding us that we are all job seekers and unfortunately facing tough competition ahead. How silly was I to think 'getting in' teachers college was the tough part...ha, well regardless that I was (and still am partially...) living in my little bubble of rainbows and puppies, I have to wake up and smell the coffee: patience is a virtue in getting that classroom of my dreams. Hinting at resume and interview tips, these professionals did overwhelm me at but I still managed to leave with an optimistic attitude - that in a mere 3 years I may be on contract. All sarcasm aside, I believe we are all skilled and passionate for this job - so opportunity is right around the corner...
Federation Day
'Logistical' + "Political" is how I would describe Federation Day. This is the portion of my future career that I find exhausting, yet condemning because this is stuff i have to know. Valid and factual on paper, may i even dare to comment on the dealings I have witnessed in classrooms that contradict the laws of education? No, because I am still learning...but absolutely at the same time because it will teach me how to become a better educator. All this aside - the afternoon lecture on 'how to deal with difficult parents' reinforced to me that as I am in this for the children, I am also working for parents. That is why it is so important to remain professional at all times.
Social Issues Day
The Aboriginal Presentation/Lecture in the morning of Social Issues Day was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed it and did learn a lot. Listening to the stories, witnessing the tradition(s), and critically considering their solemn place in this world lead me to a sad realization that as a student myself, their history/value/worth/beliefs/traditions were vaguely approached yet even touched upon in the minimalist way. This made me very sad as I sat there thinking - now, how I am supposed to teach children if I don't even know myself? With this thought I believe care and commitment will allow me to seek out the resources to produce the knowledge. I will never forget how they concluded their presentation: "As future educators, please don't forget our children..." And to that I promise to do my best and acknowledge their children, just as I will every other student.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
and ... it's all over.
B-A-M!!! No more grade four's?!!I can't believe how fast this last month has gone, especially since going into it seemed like it would last a lifetime! and what a ride it was...late nights, early mornings, coffee stops with my driving buddy, the eggplants hard work down 58, neverending lesson plans, lesson plans, and more lesson plans, 32+ resources out of the IRC, 10inch day book (literally), the joys of teaching in a portable, buzzword student, 'spirit of learning' teams, mapping, canada, patterning, remembrance day, mandela's, religion and relationships, gym games/activities galore, paper hearts, drama, dance, scavenger hunts, singing, DPA, coaching volleyball, st.v team lunch room meets, suprise teacher breakfast, mass mornings, school masses, assemblies, beauty and 
the beast trip, recess duty, teacher VS student-teacher
the beast trip, recess duty, teacher VS student-teacher volleyball game, evaluation day, indoor recess days, 'joy day,' cupcake 'thank-you' cake, student buttons, parent-teacher interviews... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
and there goes my stay with the grade 4s. i'll miss them.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
God Lives under the Bed.
I believe in reflection because it is so easy to loose track of your purpose. You work so hard towards something and then succeed at it, that you forget the joy and excitment it used to bring to you. That 'novelty' wears off...and you continue to look for something greener on the other side. I hope that as a teacher, children will continue to remind me of the daily miracles worth celebrating each and every single day.
This story forces these thoughts even deeper in me...
GOD LIVES UNDER THE BED
I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed..." I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.
He does not seem dissatisfied.
He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.
He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculates loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. "That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.
His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights. And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple.
He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.
He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.
Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.
Kevin won't be surprised at all! ~~ Author Unknown ~~
This story forces these thoughts even deeper in me...
GOD LIVES UNDER THE BED
I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed..." I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.
He does not seem dissatisfied.
He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.
He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculates loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. "That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.
His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights. And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple.
He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.
He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.
Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.
Kevin won't be surprised at all! ~~ Author Unknown ~~
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
ps - how can i forget my pink ladies!?
Check out our awesome Halloween costumes!
...well at least I thought they were awesome but then the majority of my students asked me why I didn't dress up? -they were just referring to me of course :)
wow...this really is teaching.
I survived my first week (+2days)!!! And it just keeps getting better!
and what keeps motivating me? My students. I just love every one of them.
Thinking back to how I felt last Monday does not settle well. I couldn't sleep, didn't sleep and dreamt with my eyes open about standing in front of 30 sets of eyes! How was it that all of a sudden my goal had actually become a reality? I have wanted to become a teacher all of my life...but was it actually starting to unfold?
So what did I learn thus far?
- you will follow your lessons plans exactly!
.......ya right!
- 7 hours a day to learn is SO MANY!
......apparently not so much!
- your students are your greatest critics?
......absolutely.
- am I up to this challenge?
......yes.
This block continues to get better while I seem to become more exhausted!? Weird connection there. Working in a classroom as a teacher is much different then reading 'how' to teach from textbooks. When you are actually out there you realize the immense responsibility and the level of intensity that makes up this profession. So with that I appreciate every challenge that comes my way, and although it seems that I won't make it through on some days - I remember that teaching is not solely about structure, technique and perfection - it is about the passion that drives you.
Cheers until next time...
Angela
and what keeps motivating me? My students. I just love every one of them.
Thinking back to how I felt last Monday does not settle well. I couldn't sleep, didn't sleep and dreamt with my eyes open about standing in front of 30 sets of eyes! How was it that all of a sudden my goal had actually become a reality? I have wanted to become a teacher all of my life...but was it actually starting to unfold?
So what did I learn thus far?
- you will follow your lessons plans exactly!
.......ya right!
- 7 hours a day to learn is SO MANY!
......apparently not so much!
- your students are your greatest critics?
......absolutely.
- am I up to this challenge?
......yes.
This block continues to get better while I seem to become more exhausted!? Weird connection there. Working in a classroom as a teacher is much different then reading 'how' to teach from textbooks. When you are actually out there you realize the immense responsibility and the level of intensity that makes up this profession. So with that I appreciate every challenge that comes my way, and although it seems that I won't make it through on some days - I remember that teaching is not solely about structure, technique and perfection - it is about the passion that drives you.
Cheers until next time...
Angela
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Children Learn What They Live
This is a picture of my 2 little cousins. They discovered a small friendly creature hiding away in a hole.
It claimed their attention for 2 hours.
For reasons such as this - that is how I know teaching is for me.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.
If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with security, they learn faith.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with acceptance, and friendship, they learn to find love in the world.
Copyright © 1972/1975 by Dorothy Law
Internship Days are Over!
Tomorrow we all begin our official observation days! I can't believe that they are already here. I am really happy that I have had the chance to get to know my grade 4 students and my associate up until this point. This will really benefit me when I begin teaching, but I still can't help but feel nervous.
This entire experience thus far has been invaluable. I see why it is so important that we need to invest time in the classroom as student teachers. I can remember my first day at St.Vincent de Paul...I was unfamiliar with my fellow peers, the area, my responsibilities and Brock University in general. I was nervous and felt very self-conscious about my place in my grade 4 classroom. I am still conscious of my boundaries as a student teacher and do maintain a professional attitute at all times, but can now enjoy the students and what they are learning so much more! I have been blessed with a great set of students who will challenge me along the way, as I remember back on my first day. The students peered closely at me, with what looked like a thousand questions running through their minds. Not many of them felt comfortable with my presence, so I made sure to introduce and speak to each one of them when I had the chance. Comparing that first day to now, I am delighted by my place in that classroom and the friendly connections I have made with the grade 4 students.
Looking forward now to the observation days, and soon-to-be teaching this grade 4 class, I am ready and willing for the challenge and can't believe it is already here. I wish everyone the best of luck and look forward to sharing some great stories with all of you!
Angela :)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
a thought for the soul...
"I am only one, but I am one.I can't do everything, but I can do something.
The something I ought to do, I can do.
And by the grace of God, I will."
- Edward Everett Hale
The 'Glory' is Over
My Micro-Teaching is complete. As of 10:35am this past Friday, Oct. 19th I took a big breath! Hooray!
My thoughts? well...
Pre: Decided on my topic 2 weeks before - Had my associate review it -Bought enough beads for 100 students + (it was fun though) - Thought about making another trip to the dollar store.
During: I was so happy with my students - I knew I had enough beads - I could feel the eyes of the camera - I was somewhat unnatural? - 20 minutes went fast!
After: Happy it was over - Nervous for the comments - Satisfied with the results - Can't wait to get better!
Overall, I really want to commend everyone at St.Vincent de Paul! You all did fabulous and I loved every lesson! Congrats :)
My thoughts? well...
Pre: Decided on my topic 2 weeks before - Had my associate review it -Bought enough beads for 100 students + (it was fun though) - Thought about making another trip to the dollar store.
During: I was so happy with my students - I knew I had enough beads - I could feel the eyes of the camera - I was somewhat unnatural? - 20 minutes went fast!
After: Happy it was over - Nervous for the comments - Satisfied with the results - Can't wait to get better!
Overall, I really want to commend everyone at St.Vincent de Paul! You all did fabulous and I loved every lesson! Congrats :)
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Check Out My Eggs!
Check out this picture.....Can you see the 8 eggs nestled perfectly in my front garden? 
The long story short: one day my mom woke up to find that we had a new addition to our family. My Italian grandfather had many ideas himself, my Dad was in awe and my sister couldn't believe her eyes.
Our concern was that this mom lost her nesting place and we could only imagine why. We tried so hard not to bother her, but eventually this mom didn't come back for her babies...and they never hatched.
This is sad story because nature couldn't complete its course...but it also teaches us an amazing lesson about our connection to nature and the environment. Every mother only wants to protect her child(ren)...
I decided to post this thought because I am going to be teaching my grade 4s a lesson relating to habitats. I can only hope that they, as the next generations, are taught to respect this earth as not just their own.
The long story short: one day my mom woke up to find that we had a new addition to our family. My Italian grandfather had many ideas himself, my Dad was in awe and my sister couldn't believe her eyes.
Our concern was that this mom lost her nesting place and we could only imagine why. We tried so hard not to bother her, but eventually this mom didn't come back for her babies...and they never hatched.
This is sad story because nature couldn't complete its course...but it also teaches us an amazing lesson about our connection to nature and the environment. Every mother only wants to protect her child(ren)...
I decided to post this thought because I am going to be teaching my grade 4s a lesson relating to habitats. I can only hope that they, as the next generations, are taught to respect this earth as not just their own.
Friday, September 21, 2007
It's ALL about experiences...
One word to describe my mini-micro teaching lesson: WOW
'Wow' because I never had a camera videotaping my every move and every word...eek!!! and an even bigger 'wow' because here I was - out in the open - attempting to prove to my peers and counsellors that I do possess those innate qualities every aspiring teacher wants to believe they have!?
What I learned?
(1) I naturally say "Okay guys..." I am assuming this is a direct result from teaching swimming lessons, lifeguarding and working in camps for 8 summers! So it may take some serious work...
(2) There is no point writing down word-for-word what I 'plan' to say - cause really, does anything ever go as you plan?
(3) Most important: A teacher is allowed to have fun!!!
So my experience with mini-micro teaching? If it wasn't for that dreaded video - I may have needed to drink 2 cups of coffee every morning in November rather than one. Instead, I am slowly learning to LAUGH at myself. Please join in if you'd like :)
To many many more laughs this year...
Angela
Monday, September 17, 2007
A First Time for Everything!
Hello?!
I have never had a blog before - so I am having trouble thinking about what I should post on a regular basis. But what I've realized from searching other blogs from around the world - is that you don't need structure or any type of outline - that is the beauty of this thing they call 'blogging'!!!
So here I go...
To sum up the last 2 weeks of my life: awesome! I thought I enjoyed my undergraduate degree - but the Faculty of Education at Brock has been absolutely wonderful. This program continues to impress me and I absolutely love all the professors and the people I have met. All of my life I have known that I wanted to be a teacher and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to develop my skills here. In other words - it is definitely a lot of work and cannot be taken lightly, but nothing worth having comes easy...
I am a music and poetry lover, which I guess explains my English degree...so i'd like to end this post with a quote that never fails to make me feel a little better....
I wish you all continued success in this program, and throughout your teaching careers.
Cheers to learning, laughs and good posts-
Angela :)
I have never had a blog before - so I am having trouble thinking about what I should post on a regular basis. But what I've realized from searching other blogs from around the world - is that you don't need structure or any type of outline - that is the beauty of this thing they call 'blogging'!!!
So here I go...
To sum up the last 2 weeks of my life: awesome! I thought I enjoyed my undergraduate degree - but the Faculty of Education at Brock has been absolutely wonderful. This program continues to impress me and I absolutely love all the professors and the people I have met. All of my life I have known that I wanted to be a teacher and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to develop my skills here. In other words - it is definitely a lot of work and cannot be taken lightly, but nothing worth having comes easy...
I am a music and poetry lover, which I guess explains my English degree...so i'd like to end this post with a quote that never fails to make me feel a little better....
"Underneath the Skin, the Human Story is Universal."
-Anoynmous
I wish you all continued success in this program, and throughout your teaching careers.
Cheers to learning, laughs and good posts-
Angela :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
