Chapter 14: Succeeding in Your Teacher Education Program--and Beyond

I am concerned about my leadership skills, I lack confidence in my own knowledge and authority. I know that if I don't have confidence and enthusiasm in my teaching, then the students will lack respect for me and attempt to take advantage of me.I also believe that this lack of confidence in my leaderships skills directly influences my public speaking skills, and since public speaking is essential for teaching, it is an obvious concern.

The area of concern that is most present is definitely self. I always strive for self improvement.

I fall under personal for the most part, I am always concerned about whether or not I am making the right decisions, I also fall under information since I always want to improve myself.

Chapter 13: Improving Teachers and Schools, and School Reform

I hope to add practicum and student teaching to my resume. I would also like to add confidence to my skills and qualifications. I need a little more confidence in my own knowledge and become more out going, when conversing with students. Lastly I hope to become certified in at least two states, which would not look bad on my resume.


In the first 5 years I would like to become a Highly qualified Teacher in English, by reading frequently, going to workshops and taking extra classes in my area of study. I would like to be available before and after school hours to help students, if they did not understand the material that was taught in class.I would also like to be a fun and innovative teacher always reforming my approach to teaching based on the students needs and interests.

Chapter 7: Thinking about Teaching and Learning

1. My favorite philosophy is Idealism. The whole concept of constantly thinking "what If" and creating theories based off of the "what if." This philosophy would get the students brain working and to constantly ask questions,and to form and create their own theories and opinions about a topic. Idealism also would encourage students to look at all sides of the story, and form an opinion based on every fact, instead of one particular side. This philosophy fit perfect with my creative and Imaginative attitude.

2. I really like the idea of the Socratic circle. It allows for easy and deep group discussion, and it puts focus on the teacher. I think communication is key when it comes to teaching.

3.I really liked the idea of pragmatism and how both teaching, and learning is subject to change and evolution. There is always room for improvement and always more to learn, when one way of teaching does not work. Then learn from what did not work and form a better, more effective technique.

Chapter 4: Schools as the Workplace for Students and Teachers

The U.S.A has a type of hierarchy chain of command. Starting at the top moving down the later is, the superintendent, to principal and site based council, then secretary and librarians,next is the vice principal, the special education follows that, and finally the chain of command ends in teachers.The U.S.A education system has a very large and intricate system of boards and committees that includes the community as well. The community seems to have a big influence on what happens The U.S.A school systems also have to adhere to the constitution with a few changes here and there to fit social standards.The government also enforces the no child left behind act that sets standards for the students and is supposed to ensure the hiring of good teachers. Funding of U.S school systems is funded by taxes, but in creative ways that will not upset the public. Notusa's education system is very different. First of all it is a much shorter chain of command. The Grand duchy of Notusa is is the first, then the minister of education, then the schools headmaster and last the teachers. All problems and concerns must go straight to the minister of education, but the teacher and the headmaster must be present when the problem or concern is being evaluated. If the problem cannot be sorted out, it then moves to the grand duchy. The community has no say in the education of the children at all. Everything that is taught or done in the school systems is entirely the states decision, even the hiring of a teacher is decided by the grand duchy and minister of education. The only way Notusa and the U.S.A are similar to one another is the funding of the education systems. Notusa funds their schools directly from taxes.

Chapter 6: Social Context of Schools

I was not able to upload my power point, so I found this interesting commercial instead.

How do I start thinking like a teacher

I think I have started to think a little more like a teacher, rather than a student. I have been trying to figure out why teachers do the things they do. Such as why a teacher might get angry when students as a group have failed a test or project, it is not because they are mad at the students but because they are frustrated with themselves. The teachers feel that they themselves taught the students wrong. Other than that though I have not felt like a teacher yet.

Which theories and historical influences should most impact the schools we'd like to have?

The historical influences that should most impact schools today should be cultural influence. Cultural Influences and ethnic diversity have changed the way students interact with each other for the better. Racism and segregation may still be a problem amongst the students themselves but education about these issues and integration has reduced some of the issues.

How can diversity in the classroom help me be a better teacher?

Diversity in the classroom would help me be a better teacher because diversity would force me to teach in broader strokes. I would have to rethink the way I teach to incorporate more than one or two cultures, which would increase the knowledge would help students understand each other. Students understanding each others culture would cut down on cultural discrimination within my class room.

How can I be successful At UMF?

I can be successful at UMF by completing all of my homework and show up to class. I have to Participate and pay attention in class discussions. I must also come prepared to class and interact in group discussion and projects. Healthy amounts of sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet will also affect whether or not I am successful at UMF.

How do I become a teacher?

I have learned that in order to become a teacher I must first complete and pass the Praxis 1 and the practicum exams. I must also complete so many hours of student teaching to before I can become certified as a teacher. lastly I have to make sure that I follow the certification guidelines to whichever stat I want to teach in.

Chapter 5: The History of Schools in the United States

Schooling has changed drastically through out history. Debates about how schooling should be done has been has been the ongoing reason why schools have changed. During the time of the puritans Schools were supported only by the community, instead of school systems being managed by the state. Debates have been held over who was going to be able to attend schools or the same type of schooling, from SES to race. The materials that have been taught in schools has changed over time. Debates have sprung out of many of the contents within the material do to cultural, scientific, and religious beliefs, many of the content issues are still being argued about today.

During the time of the puritans Protestant Christianity was top priority to teach students. As time progressed there was a more broad variety in what subjects were taught such as mathematics, language art, and social studies. During the 80's more science was taught in schools. The teachings of sciences really conflicted with religion, which was already being pushed out of schools. Even today people are arguing that against certain aspects of sciences such as evolution.

Things I need to know

. The Praxis impacts me because it is what will certify me as a teacher.

. All I need to do if I require to transfer my major it is nice to know where to go and what the process of how to transfer.

. The Practicum test seems to be even more important than the Praxis, it is nice to know what I need to have completed in order to take it.

.I already meet the hardware requirements.

chapter 3: Families and Communities

Resolve:Teachers cannot promote a religion in their classroom or any school activity.

It is true one specific religion should not be taught in schools, but teachers should be allowed to teach all sort of different types of religion. As long as the teacher is not enforcing the rules of the religion onto the student it should be okay to teach about religion. Teaching about all types of religion would increase the knowledge of different cultures and perhaps eliminate some of discrimination from the class rooms. So a little religion in the class rooms would be for the better I think.

Todays Students

There is a wide variety of religions within the united states such as Christianity,Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. If students are apart of a religious family they tend to take it very seriously. School systems, students and teachers must respect all religions and to make sure their civil rights are not infringed upon. Some religious families put their children into private religion specified schools to avoid corruption. Also religion minorities tend to be discriminated against by the religion majority. Teachers should not let their religious views hamper their ability to provide an equal education to all no matter what their religion is.

Chapter 1:Becoming a Teacher

What I found joyful

. The Rewards of Teaching: Nothing would be more gratifying than being a help to the community and others. Also having time for my family will be extremely important to me.

.Making a difference: I want to be the teacher that inspires my students. I want students to look back at me and appreciate what I taught them.

.Teacher shortages: the less competition there is the easier it will be for me to obtain a job. Also there is a slim chance that I could be paid with a slightly larger salary.

What I found not so joyful

. Salaries: Teachers are way underpaid for the work that they have to do. The fact that I would have to move away from my family to increase my salary bugs me.

.Accreditation: This seems to be a very stressful situation in an already stressful environment.I shouldn't have to be accredited if I have to renew my license and take a test every 5 years unless it is apart of obtaining a license.

.New teachers are thrown into harder classes than an experienced teacher. All teachers should have an equal amount of hard and easy classes.