teacher
I taught secondary science (biology, chemistry, physics) for several years. The best advice I can give you is this: follow your heart. You'll find out fairly quickly is this is the right path for you once you get in the classroom for student teaching.
What I wish someone had told me: it's possible to take on too many activities outside the classroom.
The best part of being a teacher: sharing the ideas you love with your students, and watching them make new connections in their heads.
The worst part of being a teacher: parents who aren't involved in their kids' education.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I will remember them always.
Advice: Rule Number One: Never let 'em see you sweat. EVER. Once they know they've riled you, they've won. Rule Number Two: Come in stern, demanding respect while they're still trying to figure you out. These are the greatest kids in the world, I truly believe, but you have to earn your way to truly educating them. If they respect you, you've got an "in" and they'll listen.
Best part about being a teacher: Watching the kids like learning something new. Doesn't happen all the time, but when it does... wow. It's a rush.
Worst part: the inordinate amount of hoops you'll be asked to jump through to be able to do the above.
I wish you all the best in the world. Middle school is, for many, the worst two years of their life. But a good teacher can help soothe the strife and make at least part of their day a joy. Even if they have to take a test.
I disagree with you on #2 !
Respect is something which is earned, not demanded!
My last boss tried demanding respect from all of us, Once - I laughed in his face!
A couple of years later, he fired me - he then earned my respect.
Welcome to Mindsay, hope your stay is long and enjoyable.
There. That being said...
I agree with you, our schools need to be teaching more Social Studies, Amer. History and World History.
From the past, we learn what our future holds - unless you're a politician - who all are doomed, either through sheer stupidity or just plain ignorance, to repeat the errors of those who have gone on before them!
History was always one of my favorite classes and not surprising, History teachers were usually my favorites.
One thing I disliked... too many dates... every event had a date associated with it - I was more interested in the concept(s) surrounding the event... why it happened, what the outcome of the event lead to.
I think the only reason dates seemed so important on tests was to see if you were awake and paying attention in class.
How ever, there was one concept, not part of any curriculum, that was drilled into little heads by our Problems of American Democracy teacher on a daily basis that has served me well for the 40+ years since High School graduation... "GET THE FACTS!!!" ... along with the occasional "Knowledge Is Power!" - concepts well worth teaching in a world where our leaders want us stupid and compliant!
I think a blog would be an excellent idea!!
You'll find kids who seem not to be inclined to participate in class will sing like a canary on a blog - often with insights you never thought them capable of. Maybe making blog participation a part of their grade would be useful... but then, there are some students who don't have a computer or Internet access.
Too bad Bill Gates doesn't do something useful with all his billions - like give every school kid a free PC and internet access!
Hopefully, you'll be one of those rare teachers who really made a difference in the lives of your students and are fondly remembered 40+ years later. Lots of Luck!
RV