ENGAGE: Ch. 1 Focus Questions
These questions are in preparation for the discussions of this chapter:
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a teacher?
One of the main advantages of being a teacher is that you get to share the content which you're so passionate about with other people. The students are able to pick up on this excitement, and it will hopefully translate into their own excitement to learn. One of the disadvantages of being a teacher is that they often put too much pressure on themselves, often blaming themselves too quickly when something goes wrong such as a failed lesson. This can be remedied by acquiring a vast array of instructional models to be implemented when appropriate.
2. What are the satisfactions—and complaints—of today's teachers?
Teachers are most satisfied when they see progress in their students. This can be measured in various ways, such as there skill level, ability, and functioning. Teachers often get frustrated when they are required to teach to a standardized test at the end of the year because they feel that they have to rush through the material to make sure its covered, even if the students aren't retaining all of the information or skills.
3. Can we consider teaching to be a profession?
Teaching can most definitely be considered a profession. It is not a temporary placeholder job, but one that someone can make a career out of for the rest of their working life. Teaching is also not a job that ends when you "clock out" at the end of the day. Instead, it is strung throughout other aspects of your life, and although it is more time consuming than other jobs, it is also much more rewarding as well.
4. How has teacher preparation changed over the years?
In recent years, there has been much more of a push for teachers to take more classes and be as qualified as possible to mold the minds of America's future. In the past, a college graduate might have had to take a few classes and pass a few tests to gain their certification in teaching. Now, however, the training is much more rigorous, with many classes and hours of fieldwork observation and reflection required.
5. What are the differences between the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers?
Although they are both teachers' unions, the American Federation of Teachers takes a more militant stance through its support of teacher strikes. and the National Education Association protects teachers' rights through less "aggressive" means.
6. What traits and characteristics are needed for successful teaching?
Successful teachers must be passionate about their content in order to make their students motivated and excited to learn it. Teachers must also be patient, as not every student will pick up the information or skills right away. Teachers who are quick to anger or get frustrated will find themselves burnt out quickly in this profession. Teachers must also be able to get joy out of helping others succeed and learn, as that is what teaching is really all about.
7. Is teaching a "good fit" for you?
I believe that teaching really is a good fit for me. Not only am I passionate about my content area and excited to share that passion with others, I get an overwhelming sense of pride when I see someone succeed due to the help that I provided them. Although it is a lot more work than people realize at first, I think that teaching is one of the most rewarding professions someone can choose to pursue.
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a teacher?
One of the main advantages of being a teacher is that you get to share the content which you're so passionate about with other people. The students are able to pick up on this excitement, and it will hopefully translate into their own excitement to learn. One of the disadvantages of being a teacher is that they often put too much pressure on themselves, often blaming themselves too quickly when something goes wrong such as a failed lesson. This can be remedied by acquiring a vast array of instructional models to be implemented when appropriate.
2. What are the satisfactions—and complaints—of today's teachers?
Teachers are most satisfied when they see progress in their students. This can be measured in various ways, such as there skill level, ability, and functioning. Teachers often get frustrated when they are required to teach to a standardized test at the end of the year because they feel that they have to rush through the material to make sure its covered, even if the students aren't retaining all of the information or skills.
3. Can we consider teaching to be a profession?
Teaching can most definitely be considered a profession. It is not a temporary placeholder job, but one that someone can make a career out of for the rest of their working life. Teaching is also not a job that ends when you "clock out" at the end of the day. Instead, it is strung throughout other aspects of your life, and although it is more time consuming than other jobs, it is also much more rewarding as well.
4. How has teacher preparation changed over the years?
In recent years, there has been much more of a push for teachers to take more classes and be as qualified as possible to mold the minds of America's future. In the past, a college graduate might have had to take a few classes and pass a few tests to gain their certification in teaching. Now, however, the training is much more rigorous, with many classes and hours of fieldwork observation and reflection required.
5. What are the differences between the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers?
Although they are both teachers' unions, the American Federation of Teachers takes a more militant stance through its support of teacher strikes. and the National Education Association protects teachers' rights through less "aggressive" means.
6. What traits and characteristics are needed for successful teaching?
Successful teachers must be passionate about their content in order to make their students motivated and excited to learn it. Teachers must also be patient, as not every student will pick up the information or skills right away. Teachers who are quick to anger or get frustrated will find themselves burnt out quickly in this profession. Teachers must also be able to get joy out of helping others succeed and learn, as that is what teaching is really all about.
7. Is teaching a "good fit" for you?
I believe that teaching really is a good fit for me. Not only am I passionate about my content area and excited to share that passion with others, I get an overwhelming sense of pride when I see someone succeed due to the help that I provided them. Although it is a lot more work than people realize at first, I think that teaching is one of the most rewarding professions someone can choose to pursue.
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