There are many articles that I have read over the last few weeks, but two in particular really challenged my thinking and philosophy in regards to education. In the article, “Edwin & Phyllis,” Lynn Fendler engages her readers with a meaningful dialogue between an experienced teacher and a prospective educator, debunking some of the more traditional responses that young, perspective teachers might give for wanting to become educators. The truth is that teaching can be anything but glamorous and oftentimes straddles the fine line between causing more harm then the good that it seeks to accomplish in the life of a child. Prospective teachers must not only think about what motivates them in wanting to become educators, but what type of teachers…
She is described as “Dark complexioned, monumental, and easily the most physically imposing teacher in the school”. This illustrates how intimidating she is and how students are afraid of her appearance. The author also points out that “her…
Even though Lederman was still a superb teacher like past years, one year of little improvement in scores sent her to a category where she did not belong. This is one example of a teacher who…
Discrepancies in the American educational system produce the vast inequalities that primarily affect minorities and low-wealth districts. Consequently, schools districts in high-poverty areas are predominantly consistent with Black and Hispanic populations. Low paying districts encounter obstacles such as a shortage of teachers, less qualified teachers and teachers without teaching certificates. The lack of skilled teachers negatively impacts student’s ability to reach their academic potential. Unprepared teachers are less effective in producing student learning gains.…
Based upon sources from many different people in the EMS building, Caroline Raney’s character has been revealed and praised by many of her colleagues. Her ability to have complete control over the class she is payed to teach amazes her colleagues and frankly the whole school. She works perfectly with each and every different type of student; of all the variations in spectrum of intelligences that her students could have, she diverts her attention to each and every one. Every student knows, walking into Mrs. Caroline Raney’s classroom, that they will get the best devotion of attention that they could dream of getting from a teacher. Her character is one that mystifies many upon the first look.…
Educating Esmé is an entertaining diary of a first year teacher in a Chicago elementary school. Madame Esmé, which she prefers to be called, maintains strict stability while trying to inspire and change the lives of thirty-one inner-city students. She encounters a gang-influenced student, fist fights, child abuse, an over-demanding boss and an unsupportive administration. Esmé Codell’s first year with a classroom of her own was anything but easy. Madame Esmé is one hundred percent unique.…
One day she came up with a bright idea and told her students, “You were chosen to be in my class because I am the best teacher and you are the best students.” Pierson, who came from a background of parents who were educators, knew how to inspire and inject enthusiasm, and, most importantly, try to build a relationship with her students. It was not easy; some of these kids were frequently absent and had negative attitudes, but it just took one action to make a reaction. If instead of cheating, Lewis had decided to use his capabilities to encourage his students to work on their grades, now he would be a hero instead of a cheater, and not only for his current students but also for the incoming generation as well.…
These ideas hold true within Lynda Barry’s “The Sanctuary of School.” She discusses the importance of teachers and their involvement in the lives of their students. Specifically, she tells the story of her childhood and how her teacher made a positive impact in her life by getting involved. As she snuck out of her house, she walked herself to school in the dark hours before it started in order to get out of her home situation. Encountering her teacher, she began…
As Jean Piaget once said, “[t]he goal of education is not to increase the amount of knowledge, but to create the possibilities for a child to invent and discover, to create men who are capable of doing new things”. Children have such a wealth of ideas inside of them, and the goal of every teacher, including myself, should be to inspire their students to share them with not only the class, but the world. In the novel Educating Esmé by Esmé Raji Codell, Esmé inspired her students to become lifelong learners through the promotion of goals for her students. One of the main themes of the student goals in the Intro to Education class is to inspire students to become good learners. Good learners typically have a high level of discipline and self…
Erin Gruwell enters Long Beach school district, which is close to Los Angeles and gets a taste of her students lifestyle. She is a white teacher entering a black, Latino, and Asian community. Although she is not intimidated by them, they seem…
COVER This story is about three kids who were playing outside and saw a strange house where an old lady lived. The kids heard about the poor old lady who is ill, lives alone, and nobody cares for her. Then they decided they wanted to visit her. Before visiting the old lady, each child planned to bring gifts for her to make her feel better.…
Although teaching is a field that is extremely rewarding, it also comes with its share of challenges. These challenges can be overcome, however, if the teacher believes in their students ability to learn, and is able to inspire and motivate them. The teacher can accomplish this task through motivating the students through lessons, tests, and a positive classroom environment. If the teacher is fully committed to their student’s best interests, the classroom will ultimately succeed, even if there are challenges along the way.…
It highlights the issues of race, poverty, street violence, and institutional corruption in the schools. The honesty with which these issues were portrayed allowed me to appreciate Erin’s dedication to her craft and aspire to be more like her. Erin is a strong, loyal educator, who made a difference in her students’ lives and gave them another chance in life. She gave them confidence in themselves and their abilities, which impacted their lives in many aspects, including personal, professional, and…
Observation: As part of my research paper for three days I observed an inclusive classroom for two hours each day. During this time I was able to see how the general education teacher handles real life teaching situations in a classroom that has students with different abilities and six whom have IEP’s for numerous reasons such as emotional disorders. During my observation I took notes on both the students behavior and the strategies implemented by the teacher. The observation helped me to further evaluate the importance of inclusive classrooms and the influence an educator has on these students.…
My mother always said I became a teacher because I loved to talk, but more than that I loved to share. As always, my mother was right. She believed in me, as well as many of the Tyler ISD teachers who taught me and for this I will always be grateful! It is my desire to believe in my students and encourage them to be the best they can be each day!…