Inevitable/Optional by Akilah P

akilahpenny — 2024-09-17 02:23:05 UTC

There are a few ways that educators have the opportunity to grow. One way is through professional development that is offered through their district. PD allows educators to collaborate with others within their content areas as well as receiving any training that pertains to new concepts, practices and/or content.

Another way educators have the opportunity to grow is through a mentorship program. I remember my first two years as a new teacher, I was partnered with a mentor that taught the same content as I did.

My mentor would do class room observations and we would meet later to debrief. Feedback would be positive but at times would also provide "constructive insight" on what changes could be made to receive a more engaging outcome.

akilahpenny — 2024-09-18 01:30:15 UTC

I like how Ms. Basurto stated that she is life long learner, how professional development nurtures her both as a person and an educator and she models this for her students. I can say that the professional development that I receive I do not have the same sentiments. For my content (business/marketing), the professional development has and is a waste of time and at times I do not feel as if I am growing. However, listening to Ms. Basurto, she has ignited something in me to go and seek out PD's that I will be most useful in the future.

akilahpenny — 2024-09-18 01:48:16 UTC

There is always opportunity to grow whether professionally or personally. We have to be receptive to constructive feedback and understand it is not given to hurt us or make it seem like we don't know what we are doing, but instead to grow and improve in our career and help excel our students to the next level.

akilahpenny — 2024-09-18 01:51:36 UTC

Change can be hard for everyone. One moment you are happy and then all of a sudden, you either balling your eyes out or steam coming out your ears. Either way at some point you learn and adapt to what changes have taken place. This year I moved schools within the same district. At first I was a bit reluctant because I was "comfortable" at my old school. I knew that administration was not going to bother me, I knew when observations were going to happen and I knew that unfortunately I was not going to get much teaching done because I would have to deal with behaviors more than content. Where I am at now, I have embraced the change and I would not have it any other way. I now feel like a teacher and can have engaging and thought provoking dialogue with my students all while introducing and teaching the content.

My former students at the old school have accepted the change in me not being present in the building on a daily basis. Before the end of last school year, my students and I had many conversations about why I was not returning back this school year. A few of them, especially the rising seniors, felt like i was abandoning them because of the bonds and relationships that were formed. I had to reassure them that was not the case and that I was still in the same district and that I would still be in contact with them and still come to the school for visits. And so far this year, I have kept my word. The relationships that were established help make a difficult change, a little bit easier for everyone involved.

akilahpenny — 2024-09-19 20:26:32 UTC

This is an awesome video that I think every student should watch this during the first weeks of school. Students and teachers should know they have the mindset of a champion, they just have to change their words and thinking.

akilahpenny — 2024-09-19 22:09:16 UTC

I think this article was good because it talks about how leadership should ask three questions when considering change. What problem are we trying to solve? What is the intended outcome of this change? How will the change impact teachers? All of these are valid questions because at times I do not think leaders really know themselves what the root problem is so they say "lets change the whole curriculum" but only some parts not all need to be added or removed.

akilahpenny — 2024-09-20 01:55:40 UTC

The pandemic was the prime example of the most significant change that took place in everyone's life but changed how we to educate and learn. School went from learning in person to learning over the computer with NO camera on. Socialization in person went to on-line communication. Schools are still battling with the effects of the pandemic with students being below grade levels in reading and math.

This article talks about how a school in California dealt with students physical and mental wellbeing and behaviors once everyone returned back to in-person learning. I particularly liked how staff members connected with at least one student, after having a professional development session, to check on them and have a deeper relationship with that student.

akilahpenny — 2024-09-20 02:28:11 UTC

This is a good read because not only does it talk about about professional development but also about personal growth. In order go grow professionally you must have personal growth as an individual.

akilahpenny — 2024-09-22 22:50:38 UTC

It's so easy to get in that slump to where we want to give up and think that were are the worst person ever. When I decided to go back to school to get my masters' and teaching certification, I gave up so many times. Told myself that it was to hard, I couldn't work, go to school and raise my daughter. After talking to my family I realized that words really do have power. I had to get out of that negative mindset and start speaking life into myself, if I wanted to be better and make a better way of life for myself and daughter. Words truly do have power and we have to believe that we can and will grow.

The picture above is what I have at the front of my classroom to show them the difference between fixed and growth. When I hear my any of my students saying an assignment is hard, I have them look at the board to change that negative phrase into a positive phrase.