1. This experience has taught me the importance of adopting and demonstrating an empathetic attitude. Empathy is the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another. Empathy also involves an active response, which makes it distinct from sympathy. Sheila Cook uses words such as “emotional connection”, “a sense of shared humanity”, “a moving, open, connecting response, devoid of judging” to express the meaning of empathy. It is vital that educators approach students with an empathetic attitude, as this allows them to gain access to the roots of problems and guides them to truly help students overcome challenges. It is important for educators to have the ability to recognize different, challenging predicaments. It is crucial for them to understand why students become distressed in problematic situations and take the time to address the root of the issue. Overcoming marginalization is an amazing accomplishment, and witnessing this particular case has inspired me to always be sensitive to those with disadvantages. It is important to be conscious of marginalization, and to identify it right away. Once youth are identified with a disadvantage, it will be my job as an educator to turn that disadvantage into an advantage with my accessible resources. It is also important for teachers to truly show an empathetic attitude, and develop approaches based on that outlook.
2. Web Observations
2.1. Friendly & Welcoming
2.2. News Letters
2.3. Community Events
2.4. Catholic Roots
2.5. Pictures of Students & Staff
2.6. School Mission: The community of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Elementary School believes Sacred Heart students will have the opportunity to realize the fullness of humanity - spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally when: - Gospel values and the teachings of the Catholic Church are modelled by all - the learning environment promotes academic excellence based on individual needs - a positive relationship is developed among all partners: the child, home, school, and parish - support is provided by parents, parish, community, and educators - each person feels welcomed, safe, and a valued member of the Sacred Heart Community
2.7. School Vision:The Sacred Heart of Jesus student will demonstrate: - knowledge and practice of their Catholic faith - independence, critical thinking, and effective problem solving - the ability to influence society for the greater good, reflective of the social teachings of the Church
3. Physical Attributes of School
3.1. Student's Artwork on Walls
3.2. Office Staff Welcomes Visitors
3.3. School Mascott
3.4. Pictures of Student Winners of the Weekly Awards
3.5. Computer Lab & Laptops
3.6. Older School, but Well Maintained
3.7. Small Building (150 Students)
3.8. Mixed Demographics
3.9. Located Beside the Parish Church
3.10. Each Classroom Door is Decorated
3.11. When I arrived at the school they announced what I was doing on the daily announcements and took pictures of me with my class. WHAT A WAY TO WELCOME YOU!!!
4. Big Ideas I Learned
4.1. Through my field placement experience I have developed a whole understanding of the importance of inclusivity. Inclusion is a growing movement in our society, and thus should be embodied in the education system. Inclusion is an essential part of the education system, as it involves celebrating diversity and using each student’s uniqueness as a catalyst to guide the educational process while incorporating differentiation into teaching. It is essential for teachers to identify exclusion, discrimination and other blockades to success for students and replace them with inclusive and equitable opportunities for success for all students. Teachers have the responsibility to research and identify exceptionalities of their students in order to include them appropriately in academic instruction. When teachers understand how to academically include all students regardless of ability, they make the learning environment a more positive one for everyone. Throughout this placement I have been made aware of the importance of inclusive education and the positive opportunities it provides to all students and teachers.
5. Further Questions
5.1. Initial Question: How do you foster a positive and safe learning environment for all types of students for the entire school community and for a more intimate classroom setting?
5.2. Final Question: How do I as a teacher learn how every student learns? Every student learns differently, so they need to be instructed in multiple way, and they need a variety of diverse opportunities to demonstrate their learning. How do I determine how each student learns? Tt begins with active listening and good communication, but what next?
6. Strategies for the Future
6.1. Always acknowledge and respect each individual's gifts and talents.
6.2. Be aware of the support and resources you have access to.
6.3. Being equitable does not always mean being equal.
6.4. Be conscious of those who are facing discrimination or a disability- always provide them with the support and help they need to succeed.
6.5. Be empathetic, kind, caring, patient & understanding.
6.6. Make sure you are always focused on the students. Create multiple opportunities for them to succeed.
7. Questions & Answers
7.1. Can you give me one piece of wisdom as a future teacher?
7.1.1. Find a good and reliable mentor, and observe them. Find out how other teachers establish routine and how they foster a positive learning environment.
7.1.2. Patience- Always try to be understanding
7.1.3. Flexibility
7.2. What are some challenges new teachers face?
7.2.1. Classroom Management- how to establish authority and how to create a set of rules and enforce a regular routine
7.2.2. Time Management- how to balance personal life with work life at school
7.3. What strategies do you use to create a positive learning environment where students are optimally engaged?
7.3.1. Positive language
7.3.2. Constructive feedback
7.3.3. Respect & Honesty
7.3.4. Develop classroom rules together
7.3.5. Be empathetic
7.3.6. Create multiple opportunities for every child to succeed
7.4. How do you deal with different behavioural situations?
7.4.1. Fairness does not mean sameness
7.4.2. Every child is unique, so you need to figure out what works best for them
7.4.3. Start with good communication
7.4.4. Reinforce good behaviour
7.4.5. Do not ignore the other students
7.4.6. Be consistent
7.5. How can we as teachers reach every student?
7.5.1. Try your best- it might not always happen
7.5.2. Give everyone a chance to speak
7.5.3. Different strategies- small group, large group, activities
7.5.4. Give multiple opportunities for each student
7.6. How might we infuse Christian values in all subjects?
7.6.1. Intention Book
7.6.2. Always model the values
7.6.3. Through prayer
7.7. How do you incorporate technology in your classroom?
7.7.1. SmartBoard
7.7.2. Computer Lab
7.7.3. Rent the Laptops
7.7.4. Projector
7.7.5. Overhead
7.7.6. Online Submissions
7.8. What are your primary concerns about teacher now?
7.8.1. Everything is too micro-managed
7.8.2. Lessons are too standard and testing is too standard
7.8.3. There is no room for creativity with the curriculum
7.8.4. Rigid Education
7.9. Where do you find the best support?
7.9.1. Colleagues
7.9.2. Internet- Many teaching Websites
7.9.3. Educational Assistants
7.9.4. The Hamilton School Board
7.9.5. Educational & Instructional Books
7.10. How do you maintain a balance with your personal life and with work?
7.10.1. You need to prioritize
7.10.2. Work with your colleagues to develop resources and lesson plans- it lessens the load
7.11. What common challenges do students face today in the educational system?
7.11.1. Standardization
7.11.2. Generic Assessments
7.11.3. Everything is the same for every student
7.11.4. Lacks creativity
7.11.5. Teaching does not meet the needs for every student
7.11.6. Success is seen as static, but success should be viewed as something that grows and something that can change and evolve
7.12. How do you approach parent-teacher interviews?
7.12.1. Honestly
7.12.2. Always keep a file on each student so that if a parent asks why a student is doing a certain way you can show them their work and assessments
7.13. What do you think of differentiated instruction?
7.13.1. You need to reach every student, so it is essential to learn how your students learn and react accordingly
7.14. How do you create a positive school environment?
7.14.1. Be an active listener and always aim for good communication
7.14.2. Always offer support to those that need help
7.14.3. Through the announcements
7.14.4. Smiling, positive body language and a happy and helpful attitude
7.14.5. Always acknowledge and respect others' gifts and talents
7.14.6. Courageous Conversation
7.15. Why did you become a principal?
7.15.1. To have a greater impact on the students- it allows me to interact with students, teachers, parents, the parish, and the community
7.16. How do you maintain a safe environment?
7.16.1. Standard checks around the school every day (inside and outside)
7.16.2. Listen to the news and weather
7.16.3. Maintain the building
7.16.4. Always go over safety protocols
7.16.5. Always maintain good communication with the community, the church, the parents, the staff and the students
7.17. What issues do you deal with on a daily basis?
7.17.1. Parental concerns
7.17.2. Day to Day Running of the school- maintenance, safety checks
7.17.3. Making sure school is focused on the children's learning
7.18. What do you look for in teacher candidates when considering them to work for you?
7.18.1. They must love children- Of course new teachers do not know everything, they are going to make mistakes, and they are going to learn, but one thing that teachers can never change, is whether or not they have a genuine love for children.
7.18.2. They must understand that children are the priority