How do I start thinking like a teacher?

I do not feel that I have reached the point where I truly think like a teacher, but I find the perspective to be slowly sinking in. There are those moments when I see things done in my classes which I think are really well done and start thinking of ways they could be improved or ways I could incorporate them into my classroom. I find myself thinking outside of the box more than I ever use to. However, I would not say this is a constant thing and it will take time for me to get to the point where I consistently think like a teacher. I think the more brainstorming activities that we do in class and the more we are given the opportunity to put ourselves in the teaching position, the more likely I am to develop that skill.

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

There are many principles and historical influences that affect the schools that are created. I don’t feel we have really covered anything of great significance on this topic. However when presenting on the principles for applying information we touched on some of the ideas that influence the way schools approach teaching today, and the reading talked about the history of negative treatment to various diverse students which has led to reform. I would like to learn more about the theories the impact the kind of schools that I want to teach in and how to recognize them.

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

It is important that a teacher understands that the students in his or her classroom have various backgrounds and worldviews. This is important for the teacher to appreciate and to utilize in the classroom. Having students that come from different situations, family structures, and viewpoints encourage learning for the teacher and the students. With the reading we did on the diversity of students, I learned a lot about the influences of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, English language learners, religion, and disabilities in the classroom. The presentation we did on the principles of teaching helped me to think more critically about the principles that should guide a teacher and how they are affected by diversity. By the end of this class I hope that I learn more about how to incorporate learning in such a way as to appreciate the diversity that will be present in my classroom.

How can I be successful at UMF?

Success at UMF is accomplished through diligence and the willingness to use the resources that are available. When reading up on Praxis I and II, I learned that there is a math clinic as well as advice and assistance from various resources that the school offers. It has also been very clear in our class discussions that the professors and those in the education department are able to give help and direction when needed. I hope that we learn about even more resources that are available to us in order to succeed while we are at UMF.

How do I become a teacher?

To become a teacher, a person must meet certain requirements. He or she must take the Praxis I and, in some cases, the Praxis II and they must have some practical experience that goes along with the degree they receive. The teachers are evaluated according to ten standards for teacher certification for the state. I learned about these requirements from the reading that we have had to do and from the standards assignment that I am working on with my partner. By the end of this class I hope that we learn more about the certifications required to become a teacher and what we need to do to prove we are proficient in the ten standards.

Professional Organizations

These are some professional organizations that support teachers:

United Federation of Teachers-http://www.uft.org/

National Science Teachers Association-http://www.nsta.org/

National Parent and Teachers Association-http://www.pta.org/

National Education Association-http://www.nea.org/

Things I Need to Know

I read about four important things that UMF Secondary Education majors should know

•I have taken the Praxis I, but will need to take the Praxis II and can find out information for the test through Cindy Kremble.
•I have completed the requirements and have been accepted into the Secondary/Middle Education major. I will be taking practicum this fall.
•When taking practicum I will not be taking any other classes and I will have to work later in the evenings and on weekends.
•I am going to have to get a new laptop for this program and become well versed in using it so that I can integrate it during practicum.