Education Short List

This week I read an opinion/commentary from a student who is a graduate of the Class of 2009. The young woman talked about the gloomy career prospects, how dismissal and bleak all of the reports are for the recent graduates. Yet, instead of letting this bring her down and fret about her future, she sees it as an opportunity to have a life.

How very refreshing and, honestly, unexpected. I will admit that when I read of the title of her column, it wasn’t what I was thinking it was going to be. And that is really great. Furthermore, it wasn’t the outlook I had when I graduated in 2000 – the first year where jobs for undergrads started to dwindle. I was nervous, worried, scared, and confused. Here, these graduates are looking at this continuous change in the job market as a good thing.

Since all the employment and economic reports are forecasting dread for the Classes of 2009 and now, 2010 – the students have decided to, as Sinatra sang, ‘ Do It My Way’. The author talks about having several part-time jobs, taking on fun internships, starting an organic farm, taking art classes. How inspiring! I wondered, if all college students felt like this. So I asked my brother, who is graduating this spring (woohoo). He has creative plans as well. He wants to take time off, walk along the coast of the Pacific and make his way down to Mexico and volunteer with a group of Mexicans that he believes in. Then he plans to, as he puts it, “live in poverty while helping the poor through Americorps (hey that rhymes). The best part is, he couldn’t be happier. He’s glad that he doesn’t feel the pressure like I did, to get a high paying job in an office to start paying off his college loans. He would much rather do work that he is passionate about.

This got me to thinking. Maybe this isn’t something older sister and parents need to be terrified of. Not only is it not a bad thing that my brother, the article author, and others’ aren’t going to land a crappy entry-level job (which certainly was the case for me). Instead they can follow their passions or take time to discover what their passions are.

Yes, there will be bills to pay and student loans to repay. But I graduated ten years ago and I still have student loans; and I know plenty of other people that do too. Furthermore, I’m jealous of this open-minded attitude. It’s just now, in my 30s, that I am getting on track to have a career I like and the chance to follow my passions ( social justice education and theatre).

Perhaps it’s a good direction for the whole country. If a new surge is placed on creativity, finding a passion in a career – then new advancements can be made. Really, look at history, it is only when someone who wants to devote their time and energy to a project is able to make real changes – not the office secretary who is counting down the minutes until they can leave to go home.

I’m excited for my brother, and other younger siblings, and other graduates who will walk away with a degree and an open road map of opportunities

Anytime our President receives worldly acclaim and recognition that it should be given respect by all Americans. When that prize is the Nobel Prize for Peace, American should feel humbled and honored. One’s political affiliation shouldn’t overshadow the gift. Also, remember that President Obama is not the first United States President to receive the award; Presidents Carter, Woodrow Wilson, and Theodore Roosevelt are winners as well.

Now, moving past political brouhaha, how does an educator bring up this recent event and turn it into a creative learning opportunity? I’ve gathered a list of resources and lesson ideas to help facilitate the learning process.

It is my hope that having President Obama receive the Nobel Peace Prize will be a chance to bring current events creatively into your classroom or lecture hall.

http://nobelprize.org/

http://www.theweek.com/article/index/101693/Did_Obama_deserve_the_peace_prize

http://www.theweek.com/article/index/101712/The_Nobel_Peace_Prize_Why_did_Obama_win

http://www.theweek.com/article/index/101416/Obamas_Nobel_Peace_Prize

http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/

http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/peace/

http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/all_productions.php?sort=games

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/34360360#34360360President Obama\'s Acceptance Speech for the Nobel Peace Prize

It may not be the most PC thing to say, but here it is. Not everyone was meant to go to college. Some people are really happy not going to school or being in a big corporation. There are also lots of people who are self-made who never receive a high formal education. Unfortunately those percentages are decreasing, as the escalating pressure to receive an a degree (and now even an advanced degree) rises.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, that as society puts more demands on people to go to college for a Bachelor’s Degree, and a Master’s (even a Ph.D.) that the tuition for this amazing experience and education continues to rise as well. So, as more individuals feel the societal pressure to attend a university, there is an insurmountable pile of debt attached to that. Even though a person who goes to college may be doing so to increase their chances of getting a better paying job, it can be counteracted by the tens of thousands of dollars spent on their education. I am a perfect example of this, as I went to school for seven years to not be in education but to have the 90,000 debt associated with wanting to be an educator.

Here is an article I found that discusses the rising molehill of debt new graduates have to pay. And really, what do they have to show for it?

http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2009/12/student_loan_debt_climbs_to_re.html

I Have A Dream

Do you sit in a drab cubicle day after day, while co-workers shoot up the corporate ladder? If you are stuck on the same rung and a promotion seems impossible, here are some possible reasons and what you can do to earn your own corner office.

1. You don’t dress for success
Although you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, what you wear at work does send a subconscious message to others. Jeans and sneakers, facial piercings, visible tattoos — these don’t say promote me. If you want to give the impression of power and authority, analyze what successful people in your office are wearing. Whatever their style, you will want to follow along to some degree because it makes you more approachable and creates a sense of camaraderie.

2. You do the bare minimum
Doing an okay job may be enough to remain employed, but it won’t help you earn a promotion. If you want to advance in your career, you will need to exceed your employer’s expectations, and you can’t do that by being the first person out the door at quitting time. It’s not to say that you have to work twelve hours a day to be noticed; but allow yourself to have flexibility to the hours you keep at work.

3. You aren’t visible enough
Here you have to demonstrate to the ‘higher-ups’ that you have leadership potential and drive. If a project that you’ve been working on has gone well, send a memo to the other team members (and your boss) praising the team’s successful efforts. Contribute more to meeting, don’t just sit there and doodle. Also, volunteer to be a part of other projects – but only if you can handle the additional workload. It doesn’t help to finally draw attention to yourself – when it is as the person who can’t finish their work.

4. You aren’t likeable
While the workplace isn’t a popularity contest, it is important to be friendly and interact well with others. don’t isolate yourself, it can be misconstrued as arrogant or condescending. Be professional, trustworthy, and positive. Being anything but could have an impact on your promotion potential.

5. Your work is sloppy
Whenever you have to do a write-up, send a letter or email, take the time to ensure that your work is grammatically correct. It sends the message that you didn’t care enough to proof your work before sending it out – which hurts your chances for a promotion. This is especially true, now that there is grammar check and spell check in nearly every application. It’s very important to pay attention to the little details.

6. You have the wrong focus
Instead of thinking that your boss “owes” you a promotion, consider how moving to a position with more responsibility will benefit the company. Convince your employer that your efforts and ideas with aide the company, as a whole, in achieving their goals.

All of these points are targeted directly at those that are hoping for a promotion; but they can be applied to other employment situations as well. For example, in this current economy, for people to keep their jobs they have to do more than the bare minimum and not complain about it. Also, it’s a good point to make sure that you are more visible – so when your organization is making cuts, that you aren’t one of those. As for having the wrong focus, this relates directly to improving your resume. Sprucing up your skills, and realizing what you are doing at work is a great way to align yourself for a promotion and to ensure that your goals are directly matched up with those of the company that you work for.

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Here are additional sources

moneysmartlife.com/how-to-get-the-promotion-you-deserve/

www.career-success-for-newbies.com/how-to-get-promoted.html

All too often articles and the news talk about how teachers aren’t getting the job done. Here, CNN has a Money article about jobs that don’t pay well enough for what the profession calls for. Are you surprised to know that teaching is on there? I wasn’t either.

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/pf/0910/gallery.stressful_jobs/15.html

Okay, so you’ve gone through the whole process and now you are about to start your first day of subbing. Here are some pointers and tips to get you through the first day, as well as the others, without a snag.

1. Show up early
a. Most schools ask that you be there 30 minutes prior to the start of school. From my experience, it would be wise to be there at least 45 minutes early. You will appreciate that extra time to get settled. You also don’t know what surprises could be waiting for you (aka, morning duty) that would take away from your prep time.

2. Eat lunch in the teachers’ lounge
a. Although it may sound overwhelming to go into the ‘teachers’ lounge; it’s a smart move for your career as a substitute teacher. Here you will learn more about the teacher and class of students you are working with, You can ask questions, seek advice or assistance; but most importantly is this. By making yourself know to other educators and instructors – you will have a greater likelihood of getting on those teachers preferred substitute pick list.
b. If you are subbing in a school you are familiar with (live near, have children that go to school there, etc) make sure to keep all conversation on a professional course. You don’t want to engage in gossip; you never know who you could be talking to or about. Plus, you don’t want to ruin your chances of being asked to come back to the school.
c. Play Meet and Greet with all staff and faculty that you meet along the way. Make your presence known on the campus; these could be your future co-workers; but at least, for today, they are your guidance to a successful day.

3. Notes for you, Notes for the Teacher
a. This is the biggest portion for me, as an educator. By leaving detailed notes of what you accomplished and what happened today – you are helping me to then be able to flow seamlessly into the next day. But when I don’t know how the previous day went, I spend more time the next day, before each class, playing catch up.
b. Be sure to also take detailed notes for yourself. Mention the students you liked or didn’t; what you liked about the classroom, things that you would take away from the day and put into your own room. Make notes of the school environment, other teachers, principal and school staff. These are all valuable points to note, especially if you plan on being a teacher in the future.
c. On a side note, I spent 4 years substituting. So these pointers come from solid experience.

4. Remember It’s Not Your Room
a. Act like a guest in your best friend’s parent’s house. It may not be your taste, but it’s still someone’s home right now. Be respectful of the way it is laid out and set up. Realize too, that the teacher isn’t always aware of what you, as a new person, need in the room. Take your time to find books and paper; ask the students for assistance – or another teacher.

5. Bring some time filler activities
a. Find time during the day to play with the students, or offer free time
b. It’s been my experience that having a few extra activities that can fill empty time are always a plus. These activities have been successful for me. Play around the world with math flashcards, give extra recess, have quiet reading time, for younger kids read them a story, have them clean up the room for candy.
c. Teachers know that some lesson can run fast or be longer than they anticipated. But it’s easier for the classroom teacher to deal with that than it is for a substitute. For that reason, it’s good to have some time fillers.
d. You could use the ‘Caterpillar Game’ http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Caterpillar-Word-Game

6. Know Your Audience
a. These students sitting before you are excited to have you there; skeptical of what you are going to make the day like, and hoping to get away with things that their regular teacher wouldn’t let them.
b. Now to the reason why you are there – the students. Think back to when you were in school and how thrilled you were to have a substitute teacher. These students sitting in front of you are thinking exactly the same thing. Furthermore, these students’ main teacher knows exactly what their students are thinking too.
c. Keep in mind that you are there to teach, not to dictate. Don’t take an iron first approach; but don’t walk in wanting to be their best friend. If you want to make a career in education, or subbing, know that teacher recommendations – not student ones – are the ones that get you back in the classroom.

7. Bring Your Own Lunch
a. Kind of seems like a ‘duh’ but you would be surprised at how many people waste their lunch town scrambling to find something to eat. By already having your lunch, it allows to you eat and relax with the other educators. Plus you will have time to get prepared for the on-goings in the afternoon.

Remember to relax and breathe. It’s almost a guarantee that there will be a surprise the first day; and it’s almost as likely that no one but you will notice it. I really believe that subbing is a fantastic way to get into education. I learned more from my days as a sub on how to be a teacher than I did through the whole of my graduate school program.

Another blog that I like that discusses how to become a teacher and substitute teaching is Road to Teaching, http://roadtoteaching.com/

Bye Bye 2009. You had your moments but it’s time to move on.

Hello 2010 – or as all the cool kids are calling you 20-10.

I hear you’re going to be a fantastic year.

One of the first articles I published was about the steps families can talk to help their children be more successful at school. These steps were related to how families could make changes, at home, before going to look for a tutor.

The article from Parade Magazine, discusses the importance of sleep; in addition to how to help kids get more of it. I felt that this article was valuable because it re-emphasized points that I tell parents when they are concerned with their child’s progress at school. Plus, it gave more credibility to the fact that our children need to be more physically active.

http://www.parade.com/health/2009/09/13-how-to-help-kids-sleep-better.html

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Stay Healthy How To Help Kids Sleep Better by Dr. Ranit Mishori

A bit of parental wisdom known to most moms and dads: If you want to get a good night’s sleep yourself, just keep your kids running all day long. An early night and undisturbed sleep are almost guaranteed. But is it true?

New research says it is. A study in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood came to the following conclusion: Active children fall asleep faster and sleep longer than children who get less exercise.

The researchers followed nearly 600 New Zealand 7-year-olds. They had the parents answer a questionnaire on their children’s sleeping habits. They also had the kids wear monitors around their waists over one 24-hour period to measure their activity levels each minute of the day.

Here’s what the study found: It took an average of 26 minutes for a child to fall asleep. But for every hour a youngster was inactive during the day, it took three minutes longer. For active children, it worked the other way: The more activity, the less time it took to fall asleep.

Obviously, a child’s sleep pattern affects the parents too. A child who wakes up often during the night can wreak havoc on grown-ups’ need for rest. But there is also a significant impact on the child. Poor sleep habits have been associated with behavioral problems, low grades in school, and even an increased risk of being overweight.

According to the article, some 16% of parents of school-age children report that their kids have trouble falling asleep. The study, the authors noted, “emphasizes the importance of physical activity for children, not only for fitness, cardiovascular health, and weight control, but also for sleep.”

It seems logical that kids who run around all day are more tired and therefore sleep better. But consider: Perhaps it’s the other way around. Maybe children who get a lot of sleep have more energy to run around all the time. In fact, researchers are not sure what causes what in this chicken-egg scenario.

Still, we know exercise is good for kids, so encourage your children to be active—to run, play soccer, swim, hit a tennis ball, whatever will keep them moving. Even if it doesn’t knock them out at bedtime, they’ll be healthier, and that should let everyone in the household sleep easier.

Not all adults know the name of Jeff Kinney; but if you were to ask middle school and elementary aged boys – they would tell you who Mr. Kinney is. The author of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books has recently released the fourth installment of the series.

As an educator, I am glad for these series of books that are geared towards boys, and younger aged boys too. To me, it seems that boys, more than girls, have a hard time getting into reading or finding books of some depth that really relate to them. Yes, I will always be grateful to Captain Underpants; but I like to give my students something more — something in between Captain Underpants and Harry Potter. I feel that Diary of a Wimpy Kid fits there. There are two additional reasons I encourage my students to read the series.

One, I like the comic strips added into it. It tricks some students into thinking that a comic strip isn’t real reading. When in reality, any reading, is well — reading. And two, I like how it is set up for journaling. When I taught in the classroom I had my students journal every day for at least fifteen minutes. Journaling is a great activity for anyone, but especially students who are in the beginning stages of writing and creating longer written works. Once this series came to my attention, I made references to it. I would also show my students how writing in a journal is different for everyone, and that NO it didn’t have to be called a diary.

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If you haven’t gotten to know this series, I recommend that you do. Maybe give book one to a child you know during their December break from school.

www.theweek.com/article/index/101895/Author_of_the_week_Jeff_Kinney

www.wimpykid.com/

www.funbrain.com/journal/Journal.html?ThisJournalDay=1&ThisPage=1