No Teacher Left Behind
Get aboard the Education Train
By:Christopher Thames
How would you suggest we, as a nation, provide consistent learning opportunities for teachers and ensure that they are not left behind in learning about new techniques and strategies?
As a nation I believe that teachers should have to attend regular seminars. By doing so I think that teachers will be educated on how to manage their classes and teach effectively. Across the summer while the children are out of school educators could join together in groups and meet in all different places and educate each other. All teachers have different experiences that they could offer to each other to help strengthen one another. This could be something like a teachers club.
Should there be a consistent standard for all teachers to meet, just as students must pass high stakes tests? If so, what would be the standard?
I don’t believe that there should be a consistent standard for all teachers to meet not test wise because just as test are killing creativity, test are killing teachers creativity as well. I believe that all teachers should be required to take and pass a visual exam such as having a seasoned teacher observe you while you teach, without you knowing. Seasoned teachers have a lot to offer to new comers such as myself and they can give advice as to what I need to change and what I need to do differently.
Share your thoughts on how well teachers are being prepared to master the NETS-T standards in their classrooms.
In my opinion teachers are not being as prepared to master the NETS-T standards in their classrooms. What I have learned in my classroom while going to college is nothing in comparison to what’s going on inside the actual the classroom. Although I try to do most of the stuff listed on the website such as using my subject matter knowledge to facilitate experiences that advance each students learning, creativity, and innovation in both face to face and virtual environments, sometimes it can be somewhat challenging. Sometimes I am doing these things and I’m not aware that it’s taking place. For example when I use technology in the classroom such as allowing the children to use a computer I am inspiring their creativity but at that moment I don't view it as such.
Should all teachers across the country use certain practices? If so, what would those be?
In a way I believe that all teachers should be taught the same thing but on the other hand it all depends on the region of that school. For example some school might need more techniques and strategies on how to deal with children that have behavior problems and another school in another region might need some techniques and strategies on how to communicate with parents or one another.