Monday, September 30, 2013

Significant Relationships

Every student has had teachers or a teacher who stands apart from the others; who impacted them in some way. I have had some amazing teachers throughout my life, which makes it hard to choose just one to write about...But I had one teacher who helped change my life. This teacher was my 8th grade History teacher at North Ridge Middle School, Ms. McDonald.

photo.PNGMs. McDonald was passionate about her students. She truly cared. That alone is something that separates her from many teachers. She would come in very early and stay late just do accommodate her needy 8th graders. She never gave up. She would push her students until all of them were doing their best. Ms. McDonald never raised her voice, she was never condescending, she never underestimated us. All these qualities are great, but these aren't what separates her from other good teachers. What separates her is that she formed relationships with her students. She formed trust . We all knew that we could always come to her if we needed anything. It's so amazing because she didn't even have to verbally tell us, we just knew. Her compassion for our well being wasn't hard to see. She is one of the main reasons why my 8th grade year was the best year. She supported me when I needed it. Her classroom quickly became my safe haven at school. I would find myself there in between classes and after school, it eventually became routine. She expected me to come and didn't mind my company.  I had never been able to open up to anyone, but she was different. She wasn't judgmental. She was almost like a friend. She was and is an amazing teacher, and she definitely changed my life!

As for my future career in teaching and how I plan on impacting students... is I plan on being an open book. I want to tell them how it is so they know they can trust what I have to say. I want them to know that they can trust me, because I really believe that trust is the basis for everything. I want them to know me well enough, that they know that I will always be there to support them. I will be there whenever they need encouragement. I will be there even if it's something insignificant like needing a new pencil. Rather it be big or small, I want them to not be afraid to talk to me about it or ask me questions. As a teacher it is your job to help these students learn and to become well rounded people. I believe that it will make everything easier if the students trust you. They will listen as you teach and they will take what you say seriously. And hopefully one day they will trust you enough to talk to you about whatever they might need, so that now you will have the opportunity to lead them in the right path and be a positive role model. Because sometimes that's all someone needs.

Click here to watch a video about a man explaining the importance of teachers and students relationships. And how individualization is key all by talking about yoga but extending the metaphor to education.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Navigating My Path To Teaching

One college that I have been considering for most of my life is Texas Christian University. TCU is located in Fort Worth, Texas. The tuition for TCU is $36,000. That isn't including housing or food fees. I'm interested in degree programs such as secondary education, psychology, or counseling education. TCU has a lot of scholarship opportunities, if you are interested in seeing all of them click here. Another college that interests me is Texas A&M, which located in the quaint town of college station. The tuition for Texas A&M is 41,000. They have the same degrees that TCU has and they have plenty of scholarships as well. Click here to see more information on scholarships!

There are four steps to becoming a teacher-
1. Get you Education
2. Earn Your Teaching Credential
3. Find a Job
4. And Starting Your Teaching Career

If I stay in the U.S. then I plan on teaching in Texas. There are many reasons why Texas is an ideal state to teach in.. the salary for secondary teachers is approximately 46,110 and the low is around 45,000. Teachers in Texas get about 15 weeks of vacation. Texas also has a few areas where there are teaching shortages, so that leaves many opportunities for new and eager teachers. Texas teachers are required to take a lot of tests but in comparison to other states it isn't too many. For me, Texas would be a wonderful fit with my teaching career.

I personally would love to teach abroad! It is one of my dreams to teach in a third world country and make an impact. In order to get a good teaching job abroad, it's best to have a teaching certification and speak proper English. The normal teaching requirements are required for teachers who plan to teach abroad. Check out this video of a young lady from the U.K. who helps teach in South Africa! 



Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Resources

Here are some great resources for teachers!
1. Edutopia- This is an awesome site! It lets you view by grade level and gives you access to helpful blogs and videos.
2.Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything- This website gives you all the tips and guidelines needed when incorporating technology into todays classrooms.
3.Edudemic- This site is neat because not only does it have countless resources for teachers, but for students as well!
Everyone should check out these sites! Especially if you want to better your classroom for your students!

Monday, September 9, 2013

All About Me! :)

I'm Rachel Jefferies and I am an eager first year intern! I'm a junior at Richland High School and I'm on the varsity tennis team and the Treasurer of Student Council for my junior class. I am beyond excited to begin this journey and meet many new friends! I hope to become a middle school ELA teacher and possibly coach tennis one day also. I can't wait until I get to meet all of the students that I will be spending the year with!