Blogpost #9

2009-2010

This blog was a reflection on Mr.McClung's second year as a teacher. In his first paragraph, he talks about how his blog started out as something small and grew to something he does every day. He even mentioned Dr.Strange and EDM 310 students! Yay!

He explained in the beginning that the past school year was full of "firsts". Meaning, he went from teaching middle school to teaching Jr. High. This is a pretty different area because the children in this age group considerably more independent than most middle schoolers. He had to take on a whole new mentality with his 8th graders. He had to learn to provide moments of independence for these kids.

He also went from teaching to science to teaching history and social science. Every teaching experience he had in the past allowed him to use discovery learning and work in groups to complete tasks. He was unsure of what to do with a subject that is mainly composed of note taking.  He went into "survival mode", assigning his students busy work that was a waste of time. He was not excelling in history as he had done in science.
 He decided to make social studies and history fun and relevant as he had done with science. He researched classroom management styles and finally began figuring out his teaching style. He recommends to never get to comfortable and states that change is good and ultimately makes us better.

Being relaxed when teaching was important when it came to Mr. McClung teaching these new subjects. He realized that it took time discussing current events that often included controversial or  debatable topics. He had a problem though. His students were never really taught to think for themselves. They always answered his questions fishing for the right answer. There was no right answer just a matter of opinion. He learned that in order for his students to form their own ideas, he would have to leave his opinions and bias at the door. He wanted his students to think analytically and assess each situation on an individual bases.

Mr. McClung also mentioned how important it was to have a school mom. He explained that a school mom was someone who was kind and patient. They would help you with problems and knew the school well. It's hard to pick up on routines and norms and finding someone who is willing to help and is a veteran of the system is useful. It's important to have someone who is willing to fight for you when the time comes.

He also recommends that teachers check their ego at the door. Teachers are guilty of trying to keep every situation under control. They are so used to planning out their lesson plans and having everything in perfect order that they lose sight of the fact that every day wont be as they so strategically planned it. Also, don't be afraid to go nuts over a good example or lesson. He wants students to know that he cares so he is not afraid of acting passionate about what he is teaching. He doesn't even care if he comes off as "nerdy" or "lame". It helps to show the kids that you really care. Have an adequate plan in place for how much time you are going to spend on a particular lesson. Don't concentrate on the ones that YOU particularly like. Make them all equal.

No matter how bad things get as a teacher, don't lose sight of what's important. You can not let surrounding factors effect how you conduct yourself in the classroom. The students are what is important and it's about bringing your best efforts to them. He states that he was definitely humbled during his second year. He didn't know as much as he thought. Experience is important and there is always an opportunity to learn.

What I Learned...

I learned so much from his blog. It was interesting to see a teachers reaction to the first few of years. I've never really thought about the first few years because I've always imagined myself as being a veteran when it comes to children. Teaching is different than babysitting and I must keep that in mind. I loved reading about the problems he had and how he fixed them. It seemed like his problems are common amongst new teachers and I hope that I remember his methods when I run into any difficulties.

I remember from my middle school years that the transition into Jr.High was difficult. It was a whole new crowd and a different way of thinking. It was a little easier though because I was among peers. I can't imagine what it would be like for someone to teach an age group when they had no prior experience. Props to Mr. McClung for managing to be successful and take it all in stride. I loved reading his blog because it gave me insight on what I can expect when I finally become a teacher.


2010-2011

This was a post about Mr. McClung's third year teaching. He began this post by listing the changes that were made in the past year. It was the first year for him to teach at a school for more than one year, he became head coach of cross country and also began teaching computer applications.

He remembers having to people please on a daily basis. He states that in the end, our decision making process should always be student centered and not centered around pleasing adults. It is very important to keep in mind that whatever may be going on in your professional or personal life, your students deserve your complete attention. Teachers should never let the extrinsic factors affect their performance for the students.

He also warns to not always expect people to be excited about change. You cannot allow others to stifle your excitement and joy that you experience in teaching or any other thing in life. The teaching landscape is full of individuals that once had a passion and fire for teaching, but somewhere along the way they joined the darkside. Embody the aspects of teaching that you enjoy.

Don't be afraid to be an outsider. It's something that goes hand in hand with teaching.  People won't always agree with your methods and may not like you if you choose not to be drug down by the negative energy some teachers have about their students.

Never take over an activity for a student. Often time he mentioned that he would be teaching a task and one student would have a problem. Instead of taking over completely, let the student figure out the problem with your hands-off guidance. This is important because they will never learn to fully master the skills if we do it for them. Don't control their activities.

He also recommends that teachers should not get too comfortable. While routines are good, they can also be bad because they foster apathy. Mr. McClung never wants to catch himself "coasting" through his daily work. He joined committees and volunteered, meanwhile picking up ideas and lesson plans. He did not want to become stagnant so he keeps challenging himself in order to move forward professionally.