Friday, December 18, 2009
Secret 6 Part 4
What are some hints or suggestions you would have for a new teacher in regards to maintaining professional growth, and a professional attitude throughout your career? We are all better at what we do today than we were when we first started, but how can you continue that growth for 20, 25, 32 years?
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For maintaining professional growth, I would encourage new teachers to continue to pursue more education and to work towards their master's degree as soon as they can. Also, a teacher should read professional articles and books throughout their career.
ReplyDeleteTo maintain a professional attitude, I would suggest surrounding yourself with good role models, to have a good rapport with your students but at the same time keeping a student/teacher relationship, and to not be afraid to change what and how they teach in order to meet the needs of the present day students.
As the new teacher, I have lot to learn from the veterans who have already taught 20+ years. I would definitely agree to surround myself with positive role models. Professional growth is something that we work on every day, as we grow as educators and become better teachers. I hope that I strive to do the concrete examples of that as well (finishing my masters degree, workshops, etc).
ReplyDeleteI have learned so much about what to do, and even what not to do from some of the band directors I have considered mentors throughout the years. There have been many throughout my career who I have gained so much from and have helped me along the way. I love that KMEA seeks out the new music teachers and sets them up with a mentor. I am also enjoying being a mentor to a new teacher.
ReplyDeleteI agree totally with surrounding yourselves with people that motivate you. When I see someone doing something great in their class or pursuing their education it motivates me to try to better myself. I think wanting to grow professionally is part of loving learning and loving to teach. If we want our students to like learning, we should be an example to them by learning ourselves.
ReplyDeleteFirst I say, join your professional organization. You will have colleagues from your discipline who can give you advise, plus one benefits byattending the state meetings. I have been a member of Kansas Assn. of School Librarians for over 25 years, and without that membership, I would not be able to be part of the e-mail list-serve where we have daily discussions about issues affecting everyone of us.
ReplyDeleteMake the most of district in-services, which sometimes can be a bit difficult, but at least there is now professional development offered through the regional service centers, where years ago there was none.
Stay away from negative teachers. They will only lead you in that path unless you are strong enough to know how to handle it. You always want to be a better teacher not a bitter teacher. It is too easy to fall into the trenches of the least resistant. Keep a positive outlook. Make every effort to be the best teacher you can humanly be. Remember we are here to teach kids and we may be the only positive force in their life.
ReplyDeleteI encourage all new teachers to get their masters as soon as they can. Also, read professional journals often and try new ideas. Never stop growing professionally.
ReplyDeleteFind a mentor teacher that you truly respect and "pick their brain". They have years of information and experience to share. I think it is also beneficial to visit other classrooms to gather new ideas. We can all learn from each other.
I would encourage beginning teachers to work towards their master’s degree right away. I am very thankful I am currently doing this. Attending workshops, subscribing to professional journals and applying for grants are also ways of maintaining professional growth throughout your teaching career.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else in saying surrounding yourself with positive influential teachers. I am blessed to work with several of the best here in Clay Center. I have learned so much from my coworkers. The best way to grow in 20-30 years is to not let yourself get board with your job. Keep learning yourself. Implement new units for yourself and the students to take part in. Don’t be afraid of change, sometimes it is the best thing in any situation.
I would encourage new teachers to network with teachers from nearby districts. Spend time with them visiting/exchanging ideas. Read recently published books in your content area, ask to go to conferences, model life-long learning for your students. I would also encourage new teachers to try something new. I think the best teachers change what they do each year, striving to become better and better.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we must surround ourselves with positive role models in our teaching career. I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a great team that supports each other and gives suggestions to help me become a better teacher. I would also tell a new teacher to continue their education and reading because it is best to be flexible and willing to try new things in our classrooms that may or may not work but we have to try to ensure the success of our students.
ReplyDeleteThe best advice I would give is to surround yourself with people who are compassionate and care about kids. Keep learning in your profession. Take classes. Keep abreast of new ideas. Try new ideas. Stretch yourself. Set personal goals for growth. Get your National Boards Certification. Get your Master's Degree. Go for your Phd. Make those connections with professionals in your field. Have fun. I love teaching.
ReplyDeleteMy best advice for new teachers is to never lose the love of learning. It doesn't necessarily have to be formal learning, i.e. college classes, workshops, or in services. Learn from your colleagues, your surroundings, and even your students. Let your life experiences teach you. Be observant. Be a sponge and absorb everything. Realize that everything that happens to you builds your character. Your teaching is a reflection of you. Embrace life and never stop asking "why?"!
ReplyDeleteThe best advice is to hang around with positive people who are motivated and excited about what they teach. Never stop learning or changing your teaching methods or lessons. Find a person in your curriculum area to bounce ideas off of or just to learn from them.
ReplyDeleteProfessional growth is a must in education. Not only to maintain your license, but also to stay on top of your game. Continuing to grow can come in many forms. One of the first I would strongly recommend to a new teacher is to complete a master's degree within the first 10 years of your teaching, if not the first 5. This helps in several ways, the most obvious being financially. Additionally, it can expose you to many experienced teachers with great ideas, and viewpoints. Another way of maintaining professional growth is joining and becoming involved with your professional organization. The contacts and knowledge you can gain can be immeasurable. More ways to grow: join your content organization, attend conferences, read journals and other publications, network, attend school board meetings once in a while, and never be afraid to ask questions of your colleagues or ask to observe a class now and then.
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