Response to chapters 4,5,6 Queen of Education

Hi Everyone from Lisa K.
Ok, I'm a blog virgin. This is my first time ever contributing to a blog.

I am responding to the reading because I will be leaving at noon tomorrow to bring my husband to the airport and I have no one to care for my son. I guess you didn't need the details, but I gave them anyway.

As I read I jotted notes or highlighted what I was either surprised by or agreed with in chapters 4-6. 25% of new teachers quit after their 1st 3 years. Wow! I was shocked. After subbing for almost 9 years I could never imagine quitting. I guess I'm in the right profession. I worked so hard to achieve my own classroom and tenured status, I would never just quit and give it all away...unless I won the lottery. Well, then I'd stay at home and hang out with my boys.

But back to the book... Having a mentor for new teachers seems to be essential to their success, but how many of us had mentors? I didn't get one because after subbing for so long administration figured I was familiar enough with the district and needed one least of all the people they hired that year. So, consequently I was the only new teacher that year to go it alone without a mentor. I have to admit I kind of felt like a mentor to one of the teachers that had made a drastic grade level change and felt pretty confident in my abilities that first year. In retrospect I'm sure I would have benefited from a mentor.

Johnson also makes reference to the importance of establishing a good rapport with students. I have always been a big proponent of that. In fact I feel it is the most important thing to do the first couple weeks of school and I always smile and even joke on the first day. I never understood the "Don't smile until Christmas" mentality. You need to get to know your students, understand where they are coming from and care for them. When you estbalish a nurturing atmosphere they like coming to school and respect you.

In past years when I've been observed by our ever changing principals one thing stood out in my teaching. They always commented that my classroom management was strong and I had a good rapport with my students. I really relate to the comments Miss J. states regarding respecting your students, getting to know them and liking them.

I am humble enough to admit I have many flaws and am still not the best teacher I can be. I have lots more to learn, but I do feel I have a natural ability to relate to my students and make the classroom a safe haven. My best compliment I've ever gotten teaching didn't come from a colleague or principal, but from my numerous students over the years. It is the countless times they didn't want to break for a holiday, vacation or summer recess and when my students this past year told me they didn't want school to end. That is my best and most rewarding compliment.

Anyway, I was long winded so thanks to anyone who took the time to read.
Lisa K.