21st Century Teachers

I think it is important to have some form of technology used in the classroom to educate students. The use of technology teaches students that the phone in their hand is a learning tool rather than just something to play games, tweet, or post pictures with. When students are able to use technology for learning and find more uses for it, they use it more outside of school for learning purposes.

Teaching with technology can be hard, especially if you don't understand how to use it properly. Being a 21st teacher, you have to know more about the iPads/computers/or whatever you use, more than the students. This can be hard, as a teenager, I sometimes don't even know what I'm doing. Some days, you'll just have to learn as you go.

Using technology, students are able to learn in all their different learning styles. If students are visual learners, they can watch videos on whatever topic they need. Audio learners can listen to podcasts over a topic. There are apps that teachers can create games for interactive learners. All different learners are able to use technology for their advantage!

As a student who is being forced to use technology for school, some days I like it and some days I strongly dislike it. When I am able to actually use for what I need to and can accomplish my task stress-free, then I love it. When I am not able to turn in assignments because the iPad doesn't want to work with me, then I hate it. I think the way we have the students use the iPad and all the restrictions the school puts on them is frustrating and stressful for the students, especially when they are not able to do their work.

Overall, besides all the kinks, I think technology in the classroom is extremely useful. It shouldn't be overused to when students hate it though. The links below talk about technology in the classroom and what it takes to be a 21st century teacher.

http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/15-characteristics-21st-century-teacher
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/technology-in-the-classroom/
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/technology-in-the-classroom

Where I Find The Treasure In Teaching...

"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world."

I find the treasure in teaching when I see the student's potential and I know that they will be able to break through it. Children have the world at their hands if they are given the right education and care. As a teacher, I believe it is my job to give the student the best education that they could get any where. I want each of my students to be successful in life and be able to be and do whatever they want to be or do. It's my job to help them get there and help each student realize their own potential as well. Helping my kids realize they can do anything they can set their mind to is where I find my treasure in teaching.

www.educatorsrising.org

Finding Your Marigold

In companion planting, Marigolds are planted with other plants to help and nurture their growth. They are good boosters for the plants, sharing and providing nutrients that other plants might need. Just as there are marigolds in a garden, there are marigolds in your school. These are teachers that help others grow as teachers. It is important to find your marigold and stay close to them.

Everybody's first year of teaching is a difficult year in one way or another, finding your marigold will help you stay positive and believe in yourself. Hopefully they can even rub off on you and you can adopt their positive attitude and thinking.

Just beware of  "walnut trees", teachers that are not good motivation or supporters. These are known as walnut trees because walnut trees damage and ruin other plants that it is planted by. These sort of teachers are the kinds that don't like kids, give loads of work to their kids for fun, hate the principal, teachers that count down days until retirement, etc. The teachers are poisonous, we should try our best to stay away from them. Their bad attitude can ruin your attitude towards teaching. The longer you stay around them, the more they ruin you.

I think this is super important for me to remember in my years of teaching, especially during my first few years. When I'm feeling down or on the edge of breaking down, I will go to my marigold who will bring me up and inspire me. This article also inspires me to want to be a marigold. It makes me want to try my hardest to not be a walnut tree in any way. I would suggest this article to all teachers to read, and hopefully they'll be inspired too.

http://www.cultofpedagogy.com/marigolds/

Welcome To My Blog!

Welcome to my Adventures in Education blog! This blog will not also be about just me learning about education, but journey in training in education as well. This will be my second year in this class. Last year, I was placed in a Kindergarten classroom, and I figured out that I am not made for that type of classroom. This year I am going to be in a middle school math class, and hopefully I will find a true passion for teaching. It is going to be an exciting year and I am ecstatic to share my thoughts and experiences!