Education

I had the great pleasure of being able to listen to Ron Clark speak yesterday. Let me tell you if you want to be on fire about education this is the man to listen to. He made some great points and yes he does teach in the worlds greatest teaching environment however I learned a couple of concepts that can be applied to the everyday life...

1. I feel that the best thing we are teachers can do is teach our children how to be successful in the world. I feel that it isn't our calling to be "parents" to these children. But if nobody is going to teach them how to be successful we must do it. It can be developed in today the every day curriculum. For example, Ron suggest that the children should learn a proper handshake/introduction. Why not have your students shake your hand everyday the enter the classroom? Why not get people in the cooperate work in the community come to your classroom? There is so much that we can do individual to assure that our children are getting the best education they can receive.

2. Keep parents updates and be positive.. Have food at meetings to make it fun and high energy. I feel that many times are teachers, we tend to only tell the negative. How about a phone call to a parent to tell them how well their student did in the classroom. Or if they have behavior problems how  they have continued to improve. This is just a small thing and just think you could call all your parents once a month. Take five minutes out of each day to call several parents. This way the next month you just start over. How about all the positive support you will be receiving?

3. I feel that is the most important. Often times in the workforce we don't want others to do better than us. We don't want them to outshine us! How about if all the teachers work together. Ron used an example of a science teacher when he was working in North Caroline. The teacher across the hall didn't like Mr. Clark because he was fun and adventurous and all the students want to be in his class. However, one day he asked her to help with a science project. From there on out the two work together to achieve the highest level of learning for both classes involved. I feel that many times we forget why we went into education. We don't go into it for the pay or the glory.. we go into education for the students. So why not make it all about the students?

These are just a couple of things I learned from Ron Clark. I hope to one day be able to visit the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia!

Random Thoughts...

I am writing this after a long day of thinking. I am currently at MECA, in which I present tomorrow, and I have run into a number of old friends, family friends, co-workers of my parents, college roommate of my mother, and a number of other people it was good to see. I have had time to think about education and what an impact we make on children and the lives of many individuals. I have time to observe people, and time to think about Jonathan sick at home with the flu. I have had time to think about my presentation and time to think about those people who will always be there for me. And in those words here are some thoughts.

I love my friends. I love everybody that has done and gone above and beyond for me but in that statement I have to say if you get mad at people don't say anything if you are doing the same thing. I have learned a lot in my life but I know you can't please everybody. People come and go and I have reached a point in my life where I know this. This has been a tough adjustment for me but Jonathan and I are become one. We have to depend on each other and have to lean on each other if we are going to be successful. I have seen and talked to a good amount of people and this is the one piece of advice I had gathered from everybody.

Secondly.. I love education. I have had the best opportunities in the world. I loved my time in Athletic Academics they taught me so much and taught me how to work for people but I now know that atmosphore is not for me. I love being out in the world. I want to be able to provide for these young adults. The only thing in this world that you can give a student is your care and guidance as they enter the public education system. I have a love for children. I believe that this love is given by GOD... That I gathered it through the years that my parents were in education and I am thankful to have the opportunity to be able to give back to the wonderful education that the Mississippi Public Education System gave to me. I want to be able to give back to the teachers that gave their time to me. I feel that this is my calling in the world.

On this note... I am at MECA and I have seen so much wonderful technology.

This is a MOBI and I told Jonathan went I got home from MECA I HAD TO HAVE ONE!!!! Even teaching at the college level I see so many opportunities to enhance instruction on it. Our booth at MECA was actually set up next to the einstruction group and I got one fun filled professional development session on this! At $399 it is a great alternative to the SMARTboards... einstruction should really hire me to be in the sales division. I could sell the heck out of these boards. 

On a fourth note... We have wedding showers and festivities coming up. It is almost to much to handle with school but I will do the best through it.. 

And last.. I had to put a fashion tip because I have been through so many business meetings lately (and this is for all those lovely college girls that read this blog). You never know who is looking. It is not professional to wear a "dress" that barely covers you butt with leggings. Leggings do not quality for pants so please wear something longer. I don't want to see you butt and I know that professional employee on campus could also careless. Take my advise and trust me.. Just a little of my thoughts. 

-Court