The only structural issues I have in my Library classes comes when I have another class using the computer lab in my room. The two areas are separated by a bookshelf row, but it is not very tall. I love to see my Library being used, so I will never "close" the lab. I just have to really monitor what I am doing that day with my own classes and where my students are focusing at all times.
Human Relations Problems
Because I see the entire 5th and 6th grade (about 400-500 students) throughout a school year, I see a lot of students with IEPs. Sometimes it becomes difficult to accommodate to everyone, but I always try my very best to do so. Another issue is that sometimes the IEP does not specify anything for specialists, but I know the student is not able to work at the same level my other students are. In these cases, I simply adjust my lessons to what I think will be plausible for these students.
Political Problems
I have one of my nieces in class, and while she is a pretty good student, she is still a 5th grade girl, and she gets ornery at times. I have such a hard time disciplining her because she is my brother's child. I know this is awful, and I have to treat her like everyone else, but it can be a struggle.
Symbolic Problems
I honestly thought and thought about this one, and I could not think of anything...I am stumped. We do not have a hat issue in any of my classes, and I cannot think of an instance where something triggered a memory. I do know that every once in a while, I will be teaching a lesson and I will have a student think of something that happened to them and they want to share the story, but that is all I can think of.
Oh, the lessons I have learned from books...
I have learned so many valuable things from reading, and a multitude of my knowledge comes from Harry Potter books. I think the greatest lesson I gained from an Albus Dumbledore quote is:
It is our choices that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities."
My School Days
My story actually travels from high school into college. I had an extremely tough English teacher in high school, but I loved the class and the teacher. I was the only one who ever seemed to ask a question in our class, and she sort of scared me. Anyway, 2 years after I graduated, I came back to visit her. She was asking me about my classes in college, and I told her I was nervous for my upcoming Chemistry class. Science was just never my thing...it actually made me want to cry several times. She looked at me and said, "Jessie, you are a good reader, so therefore, you can make it through anything." From that moment on, I never felt intimidated about a class because I always go into it thinking, "I am a good reader, so I can get myself through this."
Right now, I teach Library, but I want more than anything to be an English teacher.
I have always wanted to be an English teacher, and while the pressure attached makes me a little apprehensive, I know I want the challenge, and that I am ready!
I really enjoyed reading your thoughts and experiences on these issues. You should check out the Praxis for English 5-Adult. You can get certified in English without coursework if you score adequately on the Praxis. Ironically, I am considering doing the Library Media Specialist Praxis because that's where I originally wanted to be! Back when I started, you couldn't get certified without coursework.
ReplyDeletep.s. <3 Dumbledore
I am almost finished with the third Harry Potter book and I pretty sure I heard that line (I listen to audiobooks) and it struck me as well.
ReplyDeleteOne of my predecessors was in the military and her husband was often deployed. She did not allow hats in her classroom because she felt it was a sign of respect to not wear hats indoors.
That is a really awesome story about your former teacher! I always seem to have the best experience (looking back anyway) with my toughest teachers. I remember one of them giving me advice about teaching. I told him how much I hated 'giving students low grades' and he said, "You do not give them grades, they earn their grades." Of course this should go without saying but, as a new teacher it was something that I needed to hear.