I have a question:

What kind of credential do you need to teach yearbook? One of the school districts here had a job opening and I've thought off and on about maybe teaching yearbook (or graphic design) to high school students. Is there just a general subject credential or would art be more appropriate?

I would have thought that an English or journalism degree would be more appropriate for yearbook.

Well, it would help if you've worked on the yearbook staff before. Otherwise, knowledge about publishing, publishing software (we used Adobe PageMaker) and photography, layout, etc.

Would like your advice!
 

I've been interviewing with schools, and have one job offer. They called and left a message which I got yesterday saying they were interested in me. I did interview with another school yesterday morning.

Dilemma: School #1 is a school that is "rebuilding" their team and administration. It had an incident or two last year, which is why they are cleaning house. Pros---Very close to my house and I'll still get to teach some gifted. My daughter would be able to go to the elementary school in this district instead of the one we are zoned for ( we tried to look at it today, but it was closed). I will be able to help with the rebuilding of the curriculum, etc. and they are very interested in me helping with extra-curricular as well as there are none at this time whereas they used tohave several activities. They also use block schedule which is where I have four classes a semester--and class every day is 90 minutes.

Cons: Its recent history, and my hubby is not crazy about the area. He's not real certain if he wants my daughter to go to this other elementary school either. They need to know tomorrow if I want the position because the board meeting is next week and new hire training week of August 1st.

School #2: Is in the same district as where I taught last. I felt the interview was good. They swill make their decision late this week or early next week. The whole district is very good, and the schools are excellent.
Pros--would be teaching in a system where I already have one year of experience. they are on a 7 class day schedule. would be teaching 7th and 8th grade. Elementary school for daughter is right next door ( like 10 feet) and is excellent.

Cons: 45 minute drive every day back and forth, they won't k now until late this week early next week,


Advice, please!

Well, this is what I'd do prelimiarily.

Sit down in the quiet. Clear your mind. Picture the situation at school one. Think on it.

Picture the situation at school 2. Think on it.

Which vision made you feel the best?

You have to think about your daughter also. I could have had a job at an international elementary school to work with ESOL/special ed teacher, but it wouldn't have been a good school for my daughter (almost the whole school is in ESOL, which is good for me professionally, but not so good for her, as far as her learning what she needs to),

But they both seem good, I think you have to follow you're heart.

Re: Would like your advice!
 

WOW! I can totally see your dilema. I have been teaching for about 5 years now and drive over an hour each way in LA traffic. I could deal with a lot of cons rather than having the traffic. Teaching all day, working in your classroom after school and then sitting in traffic is miserable. In addition, being 45 minutes from home is never good in time of a family emergency, etc.

BUT if you feel as though choice #2 is better fit for you and worth the drive then take the chance! It is cutting it close to the new school year...I am sure you begin before we do!

Good luck!!! It will all work out for the best...

I was an editor in high school. And I've got the design, printing and publishing thing down.

But I do remember that my yearbook teacher was also my English teacher... so maybe Carolina has a point.

Oh yeah...he sure was LOL. I forgot.

Big fat bump


So, I'm having an issue with my kids. I'm 99% sure one of them gems stole my test book (ya know, the tests that come with the textbook so the teacher doesn't have to make one up). I wasn't planning on using them anyway, execpt for maybe to take a few questions. But I've very dissapointed and upset and furious at the same time that a 7th grader would steal the test book the less than 5 min they were unsupervisied by me (during the change of classes when I have to stand outside in the hall is the only time I'm not in the room with them or the door isn't locked).

I think whats bothering me as well, is I'm only 99% sure. There are doubles of every other book (ie, lab exercises, overheads, review pages, etc) except for that one. And I'm pretty sure that I was gonna throw the old one out this summer cause I got a brand new one but I kept the old one for some reason.

What makes me think one class did it, though, is that 2 classes I made the announcement to were visiably upset and reacted to the statement. One class stared blankly at me and didn't bat an eye or have anything to say. So that just seems odd.

Anyone else have things go missing? How did you get them back? Anyone ever hear of a class not having a reaction before?

I talked to my mentor and some other teachers at lunch about it, but I just figured I post here to see what some other thoughts are. I get to sit down with my VP tomorrow and discuss it. :(

Bummer situation...I've had stuff taken out of my classroom before as well, but usually managed to recover it.

At my school, we used what was called the Truth Log. We handed it out, when there was an incident, and we asked the students to write on the Truth log what they saw/heard/did. The nice thing about this is it's done anonymously...they don't put their names on it, and you usually find out the truth about what happened. Most of the time you'll have those few students who know what was going on tell you about it anonymously.

Second---you can discuss with your students the issue of ownership. Ask them how they would feel if you went to their locker or took something out of their bookbag. How would they feel? What would they expect you to do? Then explain that those books cost the school a lot of money---and that the person who took it, if they don't return it, would have to pay for a new TE, which can cost well over $100.

Third, let them know that taking the book for the answers is cheating and academic dishonesty. Tell them what the consequences are in your school for that---by reading the penalty out of the school handbook.

Good luck, and hope this helps.

Could you give an assignment where the kids get to make up their own test questions for the next test? If the questions turned in by any student look like the test questions could be from a book, he or she could tell you who has it.

You have the newer edition. Was there much of a difference between the stolen book and the book you have?

yearbook is usually taught by someone certified in english (journalism). you still need to have a teaching license.

1st and 2nd grade
 

Hello teachers,
I have just started giving English classes at a Spanish elementary school. I'm with children from 2 years old to sixth graders. The most difficult age for me is the 1st and 2nd grade.

First, I find it very difficult to maintain discipline in the classroom. What do you all do to call attention and keep everyone on task?

Second, in one class I have a seven year old who doen't want to listen, do work, or anything. I think he is capable, I have tried giving him a special leadership roll in order for him to give him some positive attention but it wasn't effective. I need some intermediate steps between "Okay, time to pay attention" and "Go to see the director!!"

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Buy the book "How to Be an Effective Teacher: The First Days of School" by Harry Wong and Rosemary Wong. It's amazing - it was a required text for summer semester in my Masters in Teaching program, and several teachers at the middle school where I am student teaching swear by Harry. It's pretty much like the bible of classroom management, and it is definitely applicable to any age of students (although I think it is probably best for elementary/middle school ages). Plus, the book is very readable, clearly divided into sections, and fairly cheap (only ~$20 at Barnes and Noble or Borders).

Harry has a pretty wholistic style of classroom management strategies, and lots of ways to create a classroom environment that prevents a lot of "discipline" problems before they start. For example, instead of setting "rules" and punishing students who break them, teach students classroom procedures.

A related Harry-ism "A rule is a DARE to be broken whereas a procedure is not. A procedure is a DO, a step to be learned."

Good luck!

I bought Harry Wong's book as well. Overall, I enjoyed it and have implemented many of his ideas in my class. Since you are dealing with the 1st and 2nd graders, I think the book would be excellent for you. I haven't been able to use all of the ideas because I just didn't think they would work in 7/8th grade.

Even with my 7/8th grade, I bought a bike bell that has the most annoying pitch to it. So if it gets too loud, I ring the bell. Everyone shudders and stops what they are doing immediatly.

two books
 

The First 6 Weeks of School
and The Morning Meeting Book 2 excellent books in a series of 4 that have really helped at our school. I have even modified some of the suggestions to fit my Pre-K classroom. Other teachers in higher up grades have found the MM is a great way to form a classroom community.

Wow! We all do such similar things. I have the bell also, and it's loud and obnoxious. Kids go silent pretty quickly. I also own the First 100 Days of school. Some of my friends used the First 6 Weeks. Both are great resources and offer ideas that are simple to implement.

This is my fourth year teaching. Finally things are starting to seem more seemless, and I can do more challenging things and offer variety to the levels. It didn't help that I switched grades after my second year. Last year was like starting all over again from scratch. Granted it was only a switch from third to fourth grade, but still. A move is still a move to a whole new set of plans/tests/lessons...

My motto this year is "if I can have someone else do it...(ie: parents, students) then it's less for me to do." I have freed up a ton of time for myself this way and everyone else feels more involved. I even have my students write the articles for our bi-weekly newsletter. They write, I type, and we're done! Time for yourself is key to keeping yourself from going INSANE!!

Ahh! I LOVE this book! My mom is a teacher and this was one of the first things she bought me when I got into my teaching credential programs; I definitely plan to implement some of his strategies in my own classroom.

Yeah, have you seen the Harry Wong motivational videos? They're hilarious... He's a very animated man. Some of the people in my grad program had an unofficial party to watch them - our professors think we are nuts...

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. It will take me a while to get the books but in the meantime I looked at some of Wong's articles I found on the internet and have planned tomorrow's procedures and activities so that my students know what they need to be doing at any given moment. I'm still not sure what to do if my seven year old student continues rebelling in spite of the procedures. But I do feel more relaxed about tomorrow knowing I'm going to get my students ready to start learning.

KATwoman

Well....I have some news!!!

I've been subbing since I graduated (this is my second year) and I was at a school today when the phone in the classroom rang. It was the secretary at another school in the district offering me a long term position in 3rd grade!!!!!!!!

I was ecstatic!!! I accepted....of course! We're not sure how long the position is for (it is for a personal leave).....it could be 6 weeks, 6 months, the rest of the year.....i dunno. But hey I'm excited!!!!!! I've had these kids once this year and a bunch last year when they were in second grade. They are excited that I'll be there and even got to say hi to me on the phone when I was talking to the teacher! It was adorable!

Luckily, the teacher that I'm subbing for will still be around (she is going to be acting principal because the principal is the one taking the leave of absence) and I will also have a student teacher till the end of the year. So at least I'll have some company and advice right in the building. I am also working on a FABULOUS 3rd grade team which is awesome! One of them was actually my college orientation leader! How funny is that!

Well anyways....thought I'd share the good news! YAY!:D

Congratulations, hannahgirl. That is wonderful news. I remember how difficult it was getting my first teaching job years ago.

Enjoy working with your grade level team. To me, that makes all the difference. I am fortunate to have an incredible team that I am part of.

As for the student teacher, enjoy having another body in the classroom, but please be aware that this can be a HUGE responsibility. During the last three years, I have had a student teacher for part of each year, and I have to say that my work load is at least doubled when I have a s.t. Generally, there is a lot of paperwork and extra preparation/planning that must be done with a second person. That being said, I love sharing my classroom with a student teacher - it can be very rewarding for the students in the class as well me. I always feel rejuvenated and refreshed when working with someone who is new to the field!

Have a great time! :) Courtney

I figured y'all might appreciate this - I am student teaching at a middle school and I chaperoned my very first dance on Friday! It was so much fun - 7th and 8th graders have soooo much energy and the Napoleon Dynamite-esque slow dances were hilarious. And the kids at my school are pretty well-behaved, so there wasn't too much "discipline" required - just a couple "don't do that again" looks.

How fun! You must be one special person to work with middle school age students! (Keep in mind this is coming from a first and second grade teacher.) I always enjoy all of the "extras" that we get to do as teachers. Although we don't have dances at the primary level, we do have lots of Family Reading Nights and Fun Fairs. I think it is always exciting to see the kids outside of the traditional school setting.

Alphaxikt, enjoy your student teaching time. Before you know it, you will be done and looking for your very own classroom. It is definitely a fun time!

Ok, elementary teachers - I need a little bit of help. I volunteered to teach a session at my college's "Writing Rally"; this is basically an event where students K-5 get to come (with a parent) and write a book. However, this means that I get 15-20 3rd graders for 1 hour and 50 minutes, and I am supposed to help facilitate as they write their book.

Any ideas on how to do the introductions, make the kids comfortable, and ultimately or get them excited and ready to work? I am a secondary person, so I have never worked with kids younger than grade 7, so any info on the capabilities/skills of 3rd graders would be greatly appreciated!

I taught third grade for two years and teach fourth now. Keep in mind that they are about a fouth of the way in the year and, depending on the area you are, some may still be at a second grade level as far as ability goes. I would expect that each child will be able to come up with a topic sentence and four supporting details to support a paragraph for sure. However, I have successfully taught five paragraph essays in third. A good topic is popcorn. You can use a web design to have a branch for taste, texture, smell, etc... Each obviously gets it's own paragaph when you write. Model, model, model is KEY!! (PM me if you want more help...I could go forever! :))

Ok...I have to make a little rant here bc this had me so annoyed today!

I teach Pre-K. It's very high academic wise (writing, science, social studies & math as well as early reading skills, as well as social & emotional development. There's a lot going on with kids who have never ever been around other kids their own age and kids who are significantly more well adjusted. Along with the fact that they are 4 (some still 3!) and need help with tying shoes, opening thier milk @ lunch and other fun stuff. But, in short, it's a challenging job, I'm lucky to have it & I LOVE IT. Many of my co-workers say it's the best job they'd never want to have.

A retired teacher came back today to sub in our building. She was in the lunch room catching up with some older teachers. She and I were sitting next to her & she asked what grade I taught.
"I teach Pre-K"
"Oh well that's easy!!"

it took all the grace & class I have to NOT reply...
"It's not. But I'll be sure to request you as a sub next time I'm out so you can see for yourself!"

I'm so glad most of my co-workers who are regular classroom teachers at my school see the value in Pre-K and respect me for what I'm doing with my students.

Pre-K....you must have the patience of a saint! I know my place is NOT with the young ones. I'll take my 9 and 10 year olds any day! It's so an apples to oranges thing when comparing grades and levels. I'm sorry that she said that to you. :mad:

Edited: Darn spelling!!

I give you a big hug. I teach toddlers 18 months- 3yrs. That age group is not for the faint of heart. I love working with the toddlers.

I am teaching a structured Pre-K class now... the great thing - we are HIGHLY reccomended by schools in the area...

The bad thing - the people I work with dont have degrees and act like they're in highschool. Gah.

So I am finally quitting - in like 8 days - and subbing. I have an interview at an Edison charter school here in Pittsburgh and then one on the 21st at a Catholic school.

Gah. I hope I get something!

This is exactly what I want to do. I just graduated from Bama this year with a journalism degree, but I really want to enter this program to teach high school English and advise the student newspaper and/or yearbook. Does anyone here do this or know anything about it? I'm basically clueless when it comes to certifications and whatnot, but I'm guessing if my Master's is in secondary llanguage arts ed and my Bachelor's in journalism, I'd be good to go for that.

Hey kk_gphib_01!
My journalism teacher in high school did the same thing and he was fine. He teaches high school English and Journalism classes. And he advises the school newspaper. You might want to see if schools do something similar like that.

p.s. I'm a journalism major!!!

anyone here teach anything other than high school, middle or elementary school? lately I have been considering getting into teacher but I know I couldn't handle dealing with high school students or little kids

um... short of becoming a professor, what other options are there? teaching something non-academic to adults?

The only thing that comes to mind is GED or ESL classes. We have those at my school for parents from our community as well as adults who teach parenting skills classes.

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We're operating on a 2hr delay for the transit strike here in NYC. My pre-k kids are off the wall. On top of it being the week before the holidays, they know our routine is off and are acting up like never before!

Hey everyone, I finally got a teaching job! Im teaching at a charter school in the inner city here... its tough!

My students have been through many teachers this year, and have been placed in other rooms when there was no teacher - meaning other grade levels... Im the person who has stayed the longest since the origional teacher. There was someone who stayed one day.

I am still concidered a sub, they want to be sure that I stay.

I have been in the room for three weeks. I have no voice today because I have been screaming.

Many of my kids have been suspended since I have been there... they like to just walk around, throw pencils and swear. OH by the way, they're in SECOND grade.

Any ideas on good behavior management plans? Not theory, I need things that have been tried and WORK for inner city/trouble children. Ive been told by other teachers to bribe/use a raffle... just to start to control the kids...

other ideas?

Michelle, I just remembered that you work in NYC (when I was dreading going to work) how are your kids?

NYC teacher in the hooooouuussssssssseee!

I have the 4yr olds so praise and time outs work. Here's some things I've learned from co-workers and being a prep teacher my first year.

Right now a co-worker is using a bribe type of system with one of her autistic kinder. students. If Anthony sits on the rug for 10 minutes, he gets to play with the counting bears for 10 minutes. 10 minutes of reading gets 10 minutes in the block center and so on with other tasks she wants him to do but he needs motivation to do. That's probably too much 'baby' stuff for 2nd grade tho.

Another co-worker uses the "happy note" system. She made a small (the larger side of a ceral box) chart and divided it into 5 sections, each a different color. From top to bottom red, orange, yellow, green, blue. Each color repsents an adjective to describe behavior. Red is "uh-oh" Orange "watch out" yellow "good" green "excellent" & blue is "super star". Each child has a clothes pin with his/her name on it and begins the day on yellow. Depending on the child's behavior, THEY move their clip up & down during the day. The teacher tells them when but bc they move it there is a bit more ownership of their behavior. If you end the day on "Super Star" you get a "happy note" a slip of paper that says " 'Allison' was a Super Star today! 12/21/05. Signed Miss Jones". Those kids LOVE to get a happy note and parents have come to expect this daily behavior report.

I have used this system for a 3/4 grade bilingual special education class I saw 3 times a week. They needed a whole group system & I needed it to be something I could carry with me to their class. I put a kidney bean into a plastic container each time they were quiet as a came into the classroom, followed directions etc. I shook the container too so they could hear how many beans they had. I told them that when they got to 20 beans they would get a new pencil from me (the mice must eat them at our school kids always lose pencils!). You could also use this as a mngmt system for the different tables in your classroom. Each table had a name/color/ some way to ID itself, write that on the container and add beans during the day as the tables behave the right way. Grey sand with a bunch of glitter in it can be used as 'bling' instead of the beans. I like being able to hear the beans clang around in the container. The "bling" tho is quite popular up here in the land of 50cent songs..

Praise works, sadly bc I find most of our kids don't get enough of it at home.

Clearly you & the kids are not in a great situation bc they have had a few teachers already this year who have not stuck it out with them. Any kid is going to see this and wonder "why did she leave?" and get madder as time goes on. All this change is not good for them. When you pick a system to use just be consistent & treat it like the first day of school all over again. They are use to chaos and will take some time to adjust.

And finally...congrats to you for getting a job. And for being the kind of person who wants to work in the inner city. It's the hardest best job you'll ever have!

Michelle,

Thanks for the advice!

I had a sick day today.... and I slept ALL day.

I am so frustrated with work and am having such a hard time getting the behaviors in control.


Note to anyone having children any time soon:

Dont raise your children to disrespect adults. Dont raise them to use the f-bomb at age 8.

Thanks.

I'm so nervous--I start my student teaching in a week and a half! :eek: Our professors keep telling us to get ready for the most stressful semester of our entire lives...do you all have any advice for getting through it?

Oh, I'll be teaching middle and high school. ;)

I recently graduated and I am trying to find an elementary teaching position. I am looking to move to Virginia. Does anyone by chance know of any counties they would reccommend? I have put in applications in the counties that I am familiar with but I am open to pretty much anywhere in Va. Any ideas??