Chapter 4: School as the Workplace for Teachers and Students

In our Build-A-School (Farmington Community Vocational School or FCVS), we had a typical hierarchy of staff; superintendent, principle, teachers/instructors, Ed. Techs etc. this is generally the system used all over the United States and the world. It is much like the staff hierarchy of a more formal business office. At FCVS, we have a close relationship with the local high school (Mt. Blue) which is a public school funded by the state and town. FCVS also receives some money from the state to fund their program. About half of the funding for FCVS comes from the surrounding towns and communities. This is very similar to the way other public schools are run and funded.

Chapter 14: Succeding in Your Teacher Education Program- and Beyond

As a future teacher I am concerned mostly about what happens in the classroom. I am concerned about my image as a role model, that I will do something that is not appropriate (i.e. swearing, not following my own rules, etc.) I am also concerned of my students’ behavior, whether it is physical or demeaning to the teacher, themselves or other students.
1. My concerns are mostly about my behavior as a teacher. This would probably best fit under the category of self, my success in teaching and managing a classroom.
2. I think that my concerns right now are a combination stage 4 (consequence) and stage 2 (personal). I am concerned about the example that I would be setting for my students.

Chapter 6: Social Context of Schools

My hope is that the brochure that I created will help my students become aware of cultural diversities and differences in our school.

Chapter 7: Thinking About Teaching and Learning

1. One of the things mentioned in chapter 7, was that even teachers learn. Teachers learn through teaching, whether something goes well and works for their students or something doesn’t go quite according to plan. I think that it is important that as a prospective teacher, you listen to the experienced teachers. Listen to their stories and their suggestions so you can learn from them and not have to experience these (especially the bad ones) first hand.
2. I really like the idea of a student focused classroom. As stated in the book, student focused classrooms allow students to learn and construct ideas and knowledge “relevant to a specific task or situation through self-interest and dialogue with others.” I think that the self-interest is a huge part of successful learning. If it captivates their interest roll with it, they might surprise you.
3. Even further into the student focused classroom, it talks more on what the teacher can do to help stimulate this way of learning. It is mentioned that teachers should teach and evaluate through the asking of questions and student led discussions. I think that this is a great way, especially in secondary education, to help students transition from the typical teacher-holding-your-hand elementary style learning to more self and peer lead learning that you see in high schools and other higher level learning.