The purpose of this blog is to support Mark Ziegler's "Pay it Forward" on effective mentoring workshop.
Pay it Forward...A Blog Dedicated to Effective Mentoring
Critical questions at the heart of this conversation:
1. How do effective mentors operate in an effort to shape the next generation of effective teachers?
2. What are some of the most important areas of teaching and learning that a mentor can impart on a new teacher?
3. What can districts do to support an effective mentoring program? _________________________________________
Purpose of the workshop: 1. inform participants about the possible impacts of effective mentors. 2. consider what steps or protocols might be included in district policies that work to the end of retaining effective mentors and new teachers.
Assessments (this is a P / F) workshop. To earn the P 1. Participate in the conversation (whole group & blog) 2. Complete final project 3. Attend all classes (4-Friday we have off!)
Final Project: Due one week after workshop is completed (July 30).
1. Write a letter to your superintendent or principal highlighting strengths and weaknesses of the existing mentor program. It will be up to you decide whether you wish to send it.
Letter will include:
A working knowledge of how the existing protocols operate. Areas that highlight what works (this is not a bash your district exercise). Areas that might be improved-informed by the literature and our experiences. Ideas for how the areas might be improved-again, informed by the literature, context and our experiences.
Length-this is up to you. You need to write a compelling analysis using effective language under girded by convincing sources and experiences. Upon completion, you may either give me a hard copy or simply e-mail it.
Ziegler3025@gmail.com
Sunday, July 18, 2010
How does the effective teacher operate in the context of your school?
Monday (AM) If you had to say to a rookie or new teacher these are the traits, dispositions, characteristics of the effective teacher in our district---what might you say to him or her? Give me 5 quick descriptions for your post.
-Knowledgeable of their subject and and able to communicate that knowledge clearly. -Uses a variety of teaching techniques to involve and reach all learning styles -Maintains classroom discipline in a safe, fun(punny)atmosphere:) -Is prepared and keeps up with grading assignments in a timely manner -Goes above and beyond the classroom walls to bring in speakers or go on field trips to encourage learning beyond the classroom and give it application.
-organization -communication with parents (positives and concerns) -effective classroom management -flexible -willingness to share ideas with colleagues
-communicate with parents they love to hear how their children are doing positive or if there are problems -organization -classroom management -be flexible as you may need to change at a moments notice -make the learning environment a fun place for the kids
-Organization -strong/effective classroom management plan -open to new ideas, constructive criticism, etc. -willing to share knowledge, strategies, materials, etc. -uses a variety of teaching techniques -open line of communication to students, parents, colleagues, and administration
The effective traits would be... -is organized and with-it with district assess., curriculum, etc. -is involved is school activities/programs -teaches the curriculum -effective discipline -shares and participates in the shared building/district morals/disipline -has a good relationship with colleagues (shares, collaborates, socializes with, etc.)
- Organization - Knowing where things are, where to find things. Everything has its place (physically, mentally, emotionally) and is in its place.
- Flexibility - The ability to go with the flow without getting flustered; being able to change plans around other changes without getting upset or out of sorts.
- Enthusiasm for the subject - Being passionate about what you're teaching and sharing that passion with students so that THEY can become passionate.
- Consistency - Make sure that what you say on Monday is what you say on Thursday and what you say in October is what you say in April. The rules are the rules for all students, not just some students.
- Sense of humor - You have to be able to laugh at yourself and a lot of the ridiculous things that happen in schools, instead of letting every little thing get to you and make you nuts.
1. Organization---having a grasp on paperwork, schedules, meetings...these would be areas of significance
2. Classroom Management---creating a positive learning environment is not an easy task-but what it is accomplished---life gets much easier
3. Knowledge of subject area. Bob Dylan said it best, "I will know my song well before I start singing". It is ok to reveal ignorance once in a while---but if every question is met with uncertaintly-one is in trouble.
4. People skill---working with other teachers and admin.
5. Professionalism--in dress, in speech, in habits...
An effective teacher has to … 1.) Be professional – at all times – in the classroom, dealing with parents, a school events. 2.) Know your subject matter – at any level you cannot feed the students a line of bull – they will recognize this. 3.) Be fair – handle each situation on an individual basis but always try to assess equally. 4.) Be challenging/motivating – make your students think – they will appreciate this (eventually.) 5.) Maintain classroom discipline – you want to be able to have fun moments, but always be able to bring them back on task quickly
Bryan - I think that it also has to be okay to sometimes say 'I don't know the answer to that question right now but I'll find it and tell you tomorrow.' I don't know everything (yet!!), and I think it helps my kids be okay with not knowing answers when they know that I don't know everything. :)
Mark- I agree with the professionalism. One speaker at a mentor workshop said it best, "If you don't go home to change before you do anything after school, you probably were not professionally dressed." I think of that often. Even living 45 min. from school, I always make sure that I am presentable before I even go pump gas!
Amy- I like your thought of being involved with school activities. I try to attend after school activities so students see me outside of the classroom and see that I care what they are participating in.
-Knowledgeable of their subject and and able to communicate that knowledge clearly.
ReplyDelete-Uses a variety of teaching techniques to involve and reach all learning styles
-Maintains classroom discipline in a safe, fun(punny)atmosphere:)
-Is prepared and keeps up with grading assignments in a timely manner
-Goes above and beyond the classroom walls to bring in speakers or go on field trips to encourage learning beyond the classroom and give it application.
Just a test
ReplyDelete-organization
ReplyDelete-communication with parents (positives and concerns)
-effective classroom management
-flexible
-willingness to share ideas with colleagues
-communicate with parents they love to hear how their children are doing positive or if there are problems
ReplyDelete-organization
-classroom management
-be flexible as you may need to change at a moments notice
-make the learning environment a fun place for the kids
Someone who is knowledgeable of the content, engaging, flexible, open to ideas, mix teaching styles of teacher and student centered, etc.
ReplyDelete-Organization
ReplyDelete-strong/effective classroom management plan
-open to new ideas, constructive criticism, etc.
-willing to share knowledge, strategies, materials, etc.
-uses a variety of teaching techniques
-open line of communication to students, parents, colleagues, and administration
The effective traits would be...
ReplyDelete-is organized and with-it with district assess., curriculum, etc.
-is involved is school activities/programs
-teaches the curriculum
-effective discipline
-shares and participates in the shared building/district morals/disipline
-has a good relationship with colleagues (shares, collaborates, socializes with, etc.)
- Organization - Knowing where things are, where to find things. Everything has its place (physically, mentally, emotionally) and is in its place.
ReplyDelete- Flexibility - The ability to go with the flow without getting flustered; being able to change plans around other changes without getting upset or out of sorts.
- Enthusiasm for the subject - Being passionate about what you're teaching and sharing that passion with students so that THEY can become passionate.
- Consistency - Make sure that what you say on Monday is what you say on Thursday and what you say in October is what you say in April. The rules are the rules for all students, not just some students.
- Sense of humor - You have to be able to laugh at yourself and a lot of the ridiculous things that happen in schools, instead of letting every little thing get to you and make you nuts.
1. Organization---having a grasp on paperwork, schedules, meetings...these would be areas of significance
ReplyDelete2. Classroom Management---creating a positive learning environment is not an easy task-but what it is accomplished---life gets much easier
3. Knowledge of subject area. Bob Dylan said it best, "I will know my song well before I start singing". It is ok to reveal ignorance once in a while---but if every question is met with uncertaintly-one is in trouble.
4. People skill---working with other teachers and admin.
5. Professionalism--in dress, in speech, in habits...
An effective teacher has to …
ReplyDelete1.) Be professional – at all times – in the classroom, dealing with parents, a school events.
2.) Know your subject matter – at any level you cannot feed the students a line of bull – they will recognize this.
3.) Be fair – handle each situation on an individual basis but always try to assess equally.
4.) Be challenging/motivating – make your students think – they will appreciate this (eventually.)
5.) Maintain classroom discipline – you want to be able to have fun moments, but always be able to bring them back on task quickly
Amy, sounds like you wrote this before class. Good thoughts!
ReplyDeleteBryn-I totally forgot about flexibility. That is very important, especially when you teach at Hanover!
ReplyDeleteBryan - I think that it also has to be okay to sometimes say 'I don't know the answer to that question right now but I'll find it and tell you tomorrow.' I don't know everything (yet!!), and I think it helps my kids be okay with not knowing answers when they know that I don't know everything. :)
ReplyDeleteMark-
ReplyDeleteI agree with the professionalism. One speaker at a mentor workshop said it best, "If you don't go home to change before you do anything after school, you probably were not professionally dressed." I think of that often. Even living 45 min. from school, I always make sure that I am presentable before I even go pump gas!
Gwynhwyfar - I like your idea of enthusiasm for the subject - that should probably be moved onto my list as well.
ReplyDeleteAmy-
ReplyDeleteI like your thought of being involved with school activities. I try to attend after school activities so students see me outside of the classroom and see that I care what they are participating in.
Amy - more meetings and socializing at Bill Bateman's
ReplyDeleteAmy and Michelle-
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with you at Bateman's!!!!