Reflection #4

Unfortunately stereotyping does not have any restrictions. A secondary student will however experience a different level of stereotyping than an elementary student like 'Micheal', at least most of the time it is different, luckily the frequency of stereotyping can be lessened in a secondary school because of the students having a greater since of self. This however cannot stop the stereotyping brought on by visual cues. How a student dresses, who they associate with, their demeanor in the classroom, and unfortunately the color of their skin can all lead to stereotyping in a secondary classroom. The easiest way to treat students properly is to get to know them. Never assume anything and do not pass judgment until you have talked to the student at least a few times. That is how I have done with my students this semester. The best example I can come up with is one of my students making a bad test grade. I was able to understand why that student made such a low grade because I knew the student. Another example is when a student is repeatedly failing to turn in homework. I never just assumed the reason behind it. I made sure I understood that student's situation.

Success Journal Reflection

Most of my successes this week involved the students in class. As a teacher it appears that when working with the students is going well, then all other aspects of teaching will also run smoothly. Having lessons and notes for those lessons that the students can understand is very important. The students respond to the teacher so the teacher can create a successful classroom by considering the individual students and adapting to any situation that arises. My future success goals are simple. I want to continue to interact well with the students, and be able to read them well enough to successfully adapt my teaching when needed. My lessons in the future will be more diverse, so that they do not bore my students, nor are so complicated that they are ignored. A big goal for my future success is to be better able to teach the students instead of simply instructing them.

Reflection #1: Introduction

My name is Corey Murphy and I am teaching 12th grade Algebra 3. My current placement for student teaching is Central high school. The place that I want to teach at upon graduation is Lake View high school, it is the school that I graduated from; in reality though I would be happy to teach anywhere in San Angelo. Teachers have many responsibilities, the top three roles that I believe teachers to have are to be a role model, to provide the students with an optimal learning environment, and to simply be there for the students. A teacher being a positive role model is to teach the students through example, the proper way to behave, such as being respectful to their peers and teachers. The optimal learning environment is one that is safe and has the tools and atmosphere for successful learning. This is the biggest role and responsibility bestowed upon all teachers. A teacher needs to do whatever it takes to create a positive learning environment, from removing negative factors such as disruptive students, to do everything within their power to make sure that the material in the classroom is of an adequate level to be of use to the students. A teacher should have the role of being a source for the student to consult. This is a tricky role to carry out because there are rules and guidelines to follow. A teacher is ok to tell a student to let them know whenever something is bothering the student, but the teacher needs to be careful not to let this spiral out of control. A teacher whenever they are presented with a situation outside of their control must follow the appropriate procedure to insure that the student with the problem is taken to someone who can help. Being a teacher means having many responsibilities and roles. Some may seem more important than others, but all should be taken serious and attempted to be carried out with all the abilities and powers a teacher possesses. A teachers ultimate responsibility is to not to make a student succeed, but rather reveal to the student they themselves have the ability to succeed., with all that is missing is the desire