Hi everyone. Welcome to my 495ESM blog! Thanks for stopping by. This is is fourth year living here in the valley. Before this, I spent my life being an Army brat, and spent my previous years in Louisiana, Texas, and Germany. I decided to come to Southern California to be closer to family and of course, the weather! Like most of you probably reading this, this is my last semester here at Cal State Northridge. I’m an English major (Four Year Integration option), which means I’ve been working on my undergraduate degree and preliminary single subject credential simultaneously the past four years. This is also my last semester of student teaching. Working to complete my undergraduate degree and preliminary credential has been a wonderful learning experience, and I’m excited to pass on what I’ve learned to future students.
The main reason I’ve decided to teach is because I love English/Language Arts as a subject. For me, reading literature in (and out) of school has forced me to think outside of my comfort zone and question my own beliefs to better understand the world I inhabit. It has asked me to investigate the differences between right and wrong and the gray space in between. I have become better at seeing details and how they play a role within a larger whole. I believe this is the most important aspect in educating our youth. Though we can’t give students all the answers, we can teach them to think critically and give them the tools to find them. Then, of course, there is the more practical need that is served in this subject area. The study of English/Language Arts prepares students to be a functional cog in the work force. It teaches students to communicate orally and in writing, and read a piece of text and fully understand it. I have always known that I’ve wanted to do a job that helps people, and what could be more important that preparing our future generation for the personal and professional challenges they are to face?
My hope as a teacher is that students will come out of my classroom as better, more generous human beings and as critical thinkers who are not afraid to question what they know. My greatest concern is that I will get burnt out quickly. I’m scared that I may lose my enthusiasm and dedication to the profession, like many other great teachers who could no longer tolerate school politics and decided to leave. I hope that I will be able to tackle whatever troubles I may come across and be able to do it all while still keeping a smile on my face.
I really haven’t given a whole lot of thought to what role technology will play in my teaching. I’m still in the process of figuring that out. Though I feel like I am generally tech-savvy, I still feel like there is a lot for me to learn about technology that can be used in the classroom. I think that technology should be present in the classroom whether it is to use it for lecture, activities, or research, but still haven’t figured out how I can/will integrate technology into my class. But I know for sure I am ready and willing to learn more about how to accomplish doing this. Wish me luck.
I completely agree with your ideas of being "burnt out" due to politics, etc. That is super interesting that you were once an "Army Brat." Are your parents now in Southern California and do you speak any German? I have lots of questions for those who have seen more of the world than I have, but I completely agree with those wanting to be in So Cal for the weather.
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology should be in every class room, but when it takes over a class room, I feel the intimacy between teacher and student (ofcourse in a platonic manner). If a teacher is only accesible via e-mail and website, how much of an impact can he/she have on their pupils.
It is completely important to WANT to influence the future of America, and I think that is what drives future teachers into this profession.
That is really cool that you have been able to do the credential program while completing your bachelors. I was a transfer student so was unable to persue that route.
I'm looking forward to chit chatting more in class and think Dr. Clark is going to make this calss really fun and rewarding. See you in class :)
Yeesh Denica, you are so well spoken (written?). Your entry makes my blog look dumb, lol. Even though I know you outside of class and I've probably already told you before, I thought I'd let you know that I really admire how you are able to balance being an undergrad AND a student teacher at the same time. That being said, I will continually grill you as to how the credential program works, haha.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the need to be able to think outside of the box and analyze things, as a student and as a worker.
I don't think you will get burned out, though (hopefully not!). As a young, new teacher, you have the advantage in some ways. Instead of being set in your ways, or a grumpy tenured teacher, you will be able to adapt and learn what works best for you. And of course you have to remember that kids are kids, and while they may be frustrating, your ultimate goal is to inspire them in some way (yeah, I know, I sound idealistic/naive).
See you around!
Hola Denica!
ReplyDeleteI know that I have had classes with you before but we have never really spoken so I am glad that I will be able to get to know you better through this blog!
Where did you live in Germany? I am not an army brat but many people think I am since I have lived in so many different places but Berlin happens to be one of them. Ironically, much of my family has been in the military as well but that is not the reason I lived there.
I really like how you talk about literature as a tool in life. I chose English because I feel that it relates to every aspect of life but you were able to express that more eloquently than I can (haha). Congrats on finishing up with your credential and we will be walking together in May!
You and I have talked SO many times about the stuff we fear when it comes to teaching. There seems to be a lot of it, huh? I feel like short of practicing medicine, there isn't a more anxiety-inducing profession to pick. The weird political stuff that seems to pervade every department or staff gets in the way of the teaching, and the teaching is already difficult as is.
ReplyDeleteBut honestly, I think part of the reason we're so nervous is simply because we haven't done much of it yet. Once we do it a few times with a few classes, we'll get a feel for it.
I'm so glad you pointed out that you want to teach more than grammar or theory or facts. English class should also impart lessons in character and critical thinking skills. Like you said, tools for life. Students can, and should, learn how to examine their lives and texts within a context school can provide.
Hooray for the last semester!