The History of Education in America

In response to the prompt, the public view of teachers has shifted greatly since the early days of American education. Those who were once highly respected and held as valuable members to the community are now severely under appreciated and demonized by public generalizations. When you ask the majority of American people, whether they enjoyed an enriching education experience or not, they will give a very critical view of our current education system. Often times this ridicule is founded in an unfair or overly exaggerated conflict the individual experienced during their schooling. Common criticisms boil down to calling the teacher unfair, rude, or too strict. What many fail to realize is just how hard these teachers work and how many of them are truly inspiring to the students who see the value in their teaching. Some individuals may be cursed with apathetic teachers or an attitude that prevents them from seeing the bounty of hard work. When someone isn't prepared to commit themselves to staying focused in class and listening to the teacher's instruction, it is easy to fall behind and quickly develop a sour taste of school. Unfortunately this outlook has spread among many individuals leading them to hold a grudge against anything school related. And what better target for your frustration than the teacher you see everyday, running the classroom? These connections are overlooked by the majority and teachers are given a bad reputation for what is often no fault of their own.

The Water is Wide Reflection

Recently we viewed the movie, The Water is Wide, in  my Principles of Education and Training class. You can find my responses to the Reflection Prompt below.

3. Conventional teachers are often very regimented and routine. Their schedules and assignments are predictable and oriented towards groups- not individualized. This is not necessarily a "bad" way of teaching, it is just more rigid and impersonal.

5. Mr. Conroy showed that he respected the students on an individual level. It was clear in his efforts that he did his best to support the community with honest intentions and the community eventually returned the support. Through a constant welcoming and positive nature, Mr. Conroy was able to prove the school is a place the community should be invested in.

6. The children were initially hesitant to play by Mr. Conroy's out of the box principles. This new structure was foreign to them and caused for some growing pains.

Mrs. Brown was certainly ver strict and hard-pressed into her own "fundamental" ways. The two had conflicting fundamental view points on the principles of education. Through patience and commitment, the two were eventually able to see eye to eye.

With his youthful, outgoing nature, Mr. Conroy stuck out like a sore thumb on the island. Many dismissed him for having his head and the clouds therefore making them reluctant to compromise.

8. Mr. Conroy's persistent positivity and good heart serves as a model of excellence for any person put in a position of instruction. His method of really connecting with people on an honest and personal level builds a connection of respect and understanding not achieved through impersonal discipline. I know that this approach to helping others is the smoothest way to break boundaries and create respected relationships. I plan to incorporate this philosophy in any field of my life. It's just the right thing to do!

An Interview With Mr. Evans

This is the report of my interview and observation with Mr. Evans. I hope it's as informative to you as it was to me. Enjoy!

The Top 20 Characteristics/Dispositions Teachers Need

Intuitive
Responsible
Ambitious
Flexible
Observant
Engaging
Respectful
Driven
Honest
Witty
Confident
Logical
Versatile
Motivating
Determined
Comprehensible
Inspiring
Bright
Perceptive
Receptive


An honest teacher is able to easily establish a connection with their students. A simple yet reliable moral code is an important impression that students can see early on. After all, these students will be learning more than just curriculum from their teachers. This honesty encourages students to do the same and provides a positive moral role model.

A comprehensible teacher ensures that their words are understood clearly and that they can present information in a concise manner. Students should be able to follow and predict the teachers intentions.

A versatile teacher is adaptive and prepared to translate learning styles. Whether it be connecting the lessons to another subject or simply being able to handle a variety of student interests, a versatile teacher is always ready to combat a new challenge.

While more difficult to achieve due to its abstraction, an inspiring teacher implants students with the desire to learn. These gifted individuals are a motivating presence just by showing up and their attitude creates a fiery passion in their students.

Taking a step back from a headstrong approach, a receptive teacher is able to objectively listen to the ideas of others. This can range from student opinions to heavy handed administrative orders. Whatever the information may be, a receptive teacher understands the importance of keeping an open mind and looking for opportunities to grow in their own learning.

Big Plans

1. 2017

2. There are several things that I would love to do. I have still not decided exactly which direction I would like to go. Music education, surgery, or a career at NASA are all things that I seriously consider.

3. College for sure. As with my profession however, I am unsure as to the exact college I will enroll into. This would depend on the profession that I choose. University of Houston is an interest in regards to a music career.

4. If I chose the music education route, I would have several opportunities to shadow successful teachers and even get hands on training instructing at participating middle and high schools. University of Houston provides these opportunities with a high rate of success.

5. The ability to help students learn music and become as passionate about the art as I am would be a great joy and I believe I possess the skills to do it very well. As aforementioned however the plans for my career are still tentative.Any of the three careers I debate I believe I could be highly successful in. Regardless of my decision, I will do my best to help others and leave this world a better place.

BLUE.