Two inventories

The two inventories that my scoring selected was Social Reconstructionism and Constructivism. When I was reading the dialogue from the teacher's lounge, I thought I agree most with Myra Miller (perennialism) and Mark Washington (progressivism). When I reflect on it now it does contradict because one philosophy is teacher- centered, while the other is student- centered. I agree with social reconstuctionism because I think that supports Dr. Ayers opinion on unleashing students energies toward a world they will shape. Social reconstruction supports my previous lesson plan of using group settings and cultural differences as a teaching tool. I believe in learning from and teaching our peers. I like the fact the in the social reconstrutionism classroom, the book states on page 326 that the class will read a book and visit a photojournalist's exhibit. I believe this philosophy reaches the text and hands-on learner. I believe constructivism works well with social reconstructionism even though the books only mentioned existentialism.

Video

I really enjoyed the video. There were a lot of things that I agree with in the video. Dr. Ayers focuses on the student as an individual. There were several statements that really moved me. He stated that we as teachers must examine each student and determine if they are 3D, or if they have even more dimension. That statement makes me think of my family. My parents have 3 girls and we are all two years apart. We are different in sooo many ways. Looking at the academic aspect, we are very different. I thought about it one day. We have the same parents and they have always been concerned with our academic success. My sisters and myself have different study habits and our ability to grasp information varies. I thought maybe it was because of the time differences, two years makes a big difference. I have twin girls. Their academic success varies also, and they are introduce to the same things at the same time. One can easily understand grasp information and you will know by the intelligent conversations that she has with other adults. I won't know that my other daughter is grasping information until I catch her teaching the information to her baby dolls. I believe you will drive yourself silly trying to get only two people to think and act the same. I believe more things can be taught, learned and achieved if we embrace individuality.

I was touched when Dr. Ayers stated," Instead of seeing students as empty vessels that needs filling up, but as canvas as which upon I'm painting. . . or clay I am shaping". I agree that teachers should ask questions instead of always giving answers. Dr. Ayers mentioned that kids have their own lives. That is so true, I am a witness to it everyday. My girls are so serious about their school life, their friends, they worry about tests, and what their other peers think of them. I struggle to set my adult life aside to make sure that they choose to include me in their world. Dr. Ayers suggest developing teaching philosophies that will unleash students energy to shape their world. My girls are nine years old and we enjoy watching television together sometimes. I have parental block on television at home. I want my girls to social so I allow them to be involved in activities such as 4-H, church choir, sports, and visit family and friends. One day they were watching a reality show about finding love. I told them to turn and they had no business watching that. I caught them at least three more times before they confessed that they had already seen the whole season of the show. They told me about the television they once had in the cafeteria at school that has been moved to the office where the administrative staff watch satellite television. One of my daughter said she stood in the office and watch television until someone noticed her and ran her back to class. I had to other choice but to change my point of view. Now every once I awhile I go into the living area and watch shows that kids have no business watching. The difference now is that I tell them why I don't agree with the show. I express my views to them and be over dramatic by telling them that if either one decided to exploit herself in that manner it would kill me and then I would come back to haunt them still. I explain to them other options they may have. I provide example of people that has overcome hardship, and I try my best to set a good example with the way I live.

In the video moral behaviors and ethics were discussed. I agree when Dr. Ayers stated that we teach moral behavior and ethics of every minute of every day.

Women's role in chapter seven.

Chapter seven was a mess in my opinion. The book did say it was going to go full circle with the role women played in education. Before it went into detail about how women was not allowed to teach, it first discussed how unmarried women was the ideal teacher. On page 267 it discussed that even though it was a woman who donate the plot for one of the first public schools, girls still was not able to attend. I am surprised with the nonsense that went with choosing a teacher and the direction schools to go. School first purpose was to spread religious belief, and today the prayer is not even allowed spoken in schools. The chapter first introduces us to a male teacher and during that time, men where the only ones teaching because the were the only ones becoming educated. In the late 1680s most women could not even sign their names.

Wed-activities similarities

The three sites I found most interesting was; National Dropout Prevent Center, National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, and NEA Health Information Network. The three sites were related by being very clear with the mission statement. Each statement promotes better health and education. The National Dropout Prevention Center developed strategies for communities and schools to implement to encourage graduating. The webpage is very detailed and easy to use. The program appears to be made up of a beautiful group of people. The is a mix of young and experienced educated individuals. I believe with the mix the program that has been successful for 22 years and will continue to reach many lives. It includes online involvement to reach a larger group of people. It is also inclusive of students with disabilities.
The National Campaign to prevent Teen Pregnancy also reaches out to a large group of people by using the internet. One strategy it has in common with the other two is using education. To keep their mission alive it has to educate the community and policymakers. This webpage was also very informative and promoted planning, implementing the plan, and reevaluating your plan.

The NEA Health Informative Network educates the community by keeping it up-to-date- with national health news. I believe this site can be helpful to everyone because of the lifesaving information.

My best teacher.

I am fortunate to have had many wonderful teachers. One of my best teacher taught social studies. He was also the high school women track coach. It's hard for me to explain why he is so great. It was the presence of his classroom. It was so relaxing, some student did fall asleep on him. I don't think it was because he was boring, but because the student didn't value his/her education. I am from a small town, local actually, and everyone know everyone. This teacher knew his student's siblings. I remember one day he said, " Miss. Thompson I had your sister and she sat on that same row in that same seat." There was a guy in my class last name Thompson and he had a sister that was in my sister class. And then he said, " Mr. Thompson your sister sat in that same seat as you." I guess you can conclude that he had assigned seating. He taught without looking about the book. I can remember him writing on the board and instructing us to turn to a certain page in the book, find a particular chapter, and he would read it word from word as we followed along. The man know his stuff. He also respected students; know how to communicate with students. Best of all, he knew how to motivate students. When I recently graduated I thought of him.

Worse teacher

I am fortunate enough that the worst teacher I ever had I did not have many encounters with her. I attended the Upward Bound program at a university during high school. We had Monday night tutorial sections that had a tutor that was a teacher from a local high school. Her body language was as if students was always bothering her. When ever we would go on field trips to visit universities or businesses, she would ask that we get her an application for employment. This teacher made it very clear that the only reason she taught was for the Teacher Fellow's Scholarship. She often made comments about how she could not wait til her time was up. I should remind you that I did not she her often, so the time we did meet, she was complaining to students about being a teacher. I felt sorry for her students that met with her daily and depending on her to educate them.

Becoming a Teacher

I am considering becoming a teacher because I believe it will be a job always available. I recently completed one degree and while searching for a job in this area it has been limited. When completing my first degree I did not consider teaching because I know that it is a demanding job and it takes a very special person to do it. I do consider myself special, but in such a different way. There are three groups of people that I will always admire, teachers, soldiers, and the elderly. Actually I am somewhat afraid of becoming a teacher because of the huge responsibility. Teachers change lives. I am considering it know because I believe that I can change lives, I don't know how, but I'm starting to think teaching will be a great way. I have twin girls that attend the public school system and I am scared to death. I work with them a lot at home because I know teachers can't do it alone. I think teachers are amazing, and I think that would be an alright way to be considered!