Teacher Reflections

Roles of the teacher

I was just doing my reading for professional experience 1 this week. Today's reading was about "Roles of the teacher" (Barry & King, 1998).

It had some interesting activities that it said you should write about in your journal. It also suggested that you keep a journal of your thoughts from when you start your degree to when you have been teaching for a few years so that you can see how you have changed etc. It referred to it as being 'a reflective teacher'.

In the first week of class we did an activity where we wrote down "why I want to be a teacher". Here are my reasons.
:: I enjoy working with children
:: I've always wanted to be a teacher
:: My mum is a teacher, and her experiences had a huge impact on my career choice
:: I have been involved in schools before I was old enough to be a pupil.
:: People told me not to be a teacher because I was bound to regret it. I want to prove to them that this is the thing for me.
:: My friends told me that I was so much like a teacher that it seemed natural for me to follow my dream
:: I want to use the gifts God has given me to teach.


I thought the next task I'll put in here was also very beneficial. I am going to list 10 qualities of a 'good' teacher that I deem most important.

1. An ability to help children gain confidence in themselves
2. Encouraging a positive learning environment
3. Being orgainised and careful in planning
4. Being creative and original/ aware of students needs
5. Being willing to learn!
6. Enthusiasm!
7. "Fair, firm and flexible" (Barry & King, 1998)
8. Caring and compassionate
9. Positive attitude to learning
10. Energetic

What do you think are important qualities for teachers? I'm interested.

I thought I should also indicate some of my practical experiences. I am on a year 2 and 3 composite and teacher share class. This class is cross-stage which is a challenge, but they are all lovely kids. One thing i noticed in the first week was the difficulty kids have calling me "Miss Yager" when their teachers are "Mrs"'s!!! Also Yager seemed a bit of a challenge.
I really am enjoying the kids, they have so much to offer, and I am learning more and more about teaching each week.

I don't want to make this entry too long, and I also have to go to bed. So signing off...

Miss Yager.

posted by Jenfafa @ 4:06 AM