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.