NO TEACHER LEFT BEHIND....
Survival in the 21st Century's Classroom
Are Teachers Ready for the 21st Century?
We often talk about the measures of No Child Left Behind and ensuring student success. There is, however, no talk about any type of the No Teacher Left Behind Act. 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? Teachers can definitely be left behind if they fail to make continuous learning and training part of their commitments to their careers. Effective teachers have to have a desire to blend in with the newest developments and changes in their careers. They must continually attend meetings, training sessions, workshops and other planning developments to help them obtain as much new information as possible. In the modern-day schools, technology is available to help improve both teaching and learning for students and teachers. Teachers need to have the ability to adapt to changes and becoming more familiar with technology is just one of the ways that they can do this. I believe that teachers should have some digital training to network with other teachers across the world, not just learn and share information from those locally.
Should all teachers across the country use certain practices? Yes, all teachers across the country should use certain practices to ensure student success. Teaching should be a passion for every educator and he/she must stay on top of learning new things and using strategies that are of the 21st century. They must stay current and updated as new changes develop and new ideas form. Teachers need to always take advantage of opportunities for professional developments and trainings. This will make an impact on their teaching and have a great influence on student learning.
If so, what would those be? All teachers should use the practices and standards so that they will all be in accordance with what is expected. In order to be an effective teacher, all teachers should certain practices such as: maintain good communication skills, use humor, encourage student engagement, involve students in decision making, be clear and concise and be supportive of individualized instruction.
Should there be a consistent standard for all teachers to meet, just as students must pass high stakes tests? Teachers should be expected to abide by specific standards just as students must pass high stakes tests. If so, what would be the standard? The Common Core Standards outlines the principles and strategies that are appropriate for every teacher.
Lastly, share your thoughts on how well teachers are being prepared to master the NETS-T standards in their classrooms.
Personally, I do not feel as if teachers are doing a good job of preparing to master the NETS-T standards in their classrooms because they show little or no interest in incorporating new ideas and new teaching strategies. They become so lax and stagnant in their presentation and delivery of lessons which kill the encouragement of student motivation, progress and success.
Reference:
Newman, R. (2013) Teaching & Learning: Connecting the Dots. BridgePoint Ed. Inc. San Diego, CA.