Hi Again!

Let me start off by mentioning the surprise flowers I got from my boyfriend Drew when I returned home from school on Valentine's Day night. They are beautiful and I was so excited when I saw the surprise! I love that guy!
Last week's class discussion in "Why On Earth Would Anyone Want To Be A Teacher?" class was very interesting. We took a multicultural quiz and I found that I did not know the answers to many of the questions. I am not sure many of the questions had specific answers, but could be mainly opinion answers. One question was "at what age do Jewish parents and teachers teach children about the Holocaust?" How would I know that answer? I guessed 7. It seems young enough to hear a horrible truth, but not too young I guess. Here's another one..."when was the zenith of Greek civilization?" I'm sorry? What?? I guessed 1300BC. The questions went on and I didn't know the answers, but it made me realize that I don't know much outside of my own experiences and learning. I think MK was trying to get us all to read more, pay more attention to the world around us, and stop being so naive. I have been working on writing my education journey. I am enjoying this class. MK asked us at the end of class "Do you want to teach or not for sure, and why?" I think all my fellow classmates will know here in a few short weeks. I enjoy asking questions about the teaching profession and learning more about what the life of a teacher will really be like. My friend Jenny who teaches barely complains about her job and I believe she truly enjoys it, challenges and all. I can't wait to join her, even though my class is trying to scare me away. :)

Happy evening,
Melissa

Another Week Flies By!

Monday February 14th.
It's Valentine's Day! I got one valentine from my boss. So that's pretty cool.
This semester has been jam-packed full of school work and snow and ice. Campus was actually closed for a few days! I had an entire week away from IUPUI but was still at work every day and when I wasn't there, I was stuck at home. It was an unusual break, but necessary due to the constant raining of ice. I hate winter! We are finally melting out of it and we are back on track with school and life.
In class last Thursday we all discussed our opinions on several topics facing the education world today. I did not realize there was so much controversy about every topic that is education-related. People are up in arms about "vouchers". (coupons for low-income families to use for sending their children to private school. I didn't know what is was either.) People are all freaked out about evaluating teachers and basing their annual raise on that evaluation. (isn't that what happens at every job? an annual review? then a pay increase based on that review?) The list goes on...Should you be allowed to use the vouchers at private religious schools? Should you take money away from already struggling public schools? Should you send your child to a neighborhood charter school? Who is regulating these charter schools?
I did not realize before starting this class that there were so many difficult and stressful issues involved in the education world. I was looking forward to being a teacher, spending time with my students, and having a great time. I am starting to realize that may not be the case. I see now that it will be a daily challenge to keep my students engaged in learning. To keep them calm and quiet. To encourage them to keep trying when they struggle. To keep their parents happy. And on...and on...and on...
I do not regret my decision to enter the education world. I have wanted to be a teacher since I was 5 years old. I will not let some legislation and challenging behavior hold me back. I work with the public now and I haven't had any major issues just yet, although I do often think about telling some customers right where to go. I had 2 interactions with jerk customers just today at the bank, but I won't be a bank teller forever. I look forward to my days in the classroom, even if they are filled with new laws that are stupid and not in the best interest of the kids. My interest will be making sure my kids are learning. I will keep my students my top priority. Kids need teachers and I will be there for them.

Looking forward to the future (and SPRING!),
Melissa