The right thing to do

I'm glad that I referred and convinced my student to go talk to the guidance counsellor today. I went with her to give her courage and to support her. I can't imagine how tough it must be to go through what she does, but I think she's so strong for being able to face it. When a teacher is told something by a student in confidence, it becomes the teacher's responsibility to really look out for and protect the student by talking the student into speaking to a more experienced person in the school, such as the guidance counsellor. Few days ago, I really didn't know what I should do and what is the best thing to do, but I think after talking to someone with more expertise in this field, I feel much better that at least someone else knows in the school, and that this student doesn't have to feel alone. Today I realized how tough it is to be a teenager. It feels like distant memory away.


My student put a lot of trust in me and told me her secret that she has been hiding for months. She wanted me to say nothing to no one, but being an educator I couldn't. I couldn't risk the chance. Silence is not the way to go in these situation. Next week is bullying awareness week. Let's take a stand, and empower our children. Do we want future of passive citizens or active members who will fight for what's right?

Confidentiality

What do you do when a student confides with you, and you feel like you're not fit to give him or her the right answer or support? Today was that day when I felt unprepared and being so new to this profession, I felt like I was caught off-guard. It was a serious matter and I care about the well-being of this student, but I wasn't sure what the "right" answer was. I try to calm her down, to make her feel safe, but I honestly had to tell her that the expertise of the guidance counsellor would be beneficial and that I would go with her to support her.

I'm just so angry that one human being is capable of hurting another human being in so many ways. If there is one thing missing from education, it is that students need to be taught to be empowered. Students really need to taught to stand up for what's wrong and to really think for themselves.



I realized that being a teacher is not just teaching, it's about guiding the students into the right paths as well. For the first time in my life, I really felt the heavy responsibility of teaching. I'm even more impressed by the dedication of teachers, and I only hope to be the very best teacher that I can be, and better. When I'm faced with tough students, they make me want to become an even better teacher, an effective teacher.

I get it now

Almost four month after graduation from the teacher's college, I finally get it. Once you really start to study for the interview, you find better understanding and connection between many philosophy of teaching. I finally get what Differentiated Instruction is and how it is so closely related to Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development. Before, they were just terminology that I struggled to define, and now I'm able to connect the dot, and more importantly, see it's relevance. I get Literacy better now. I now know what I need to do and I have a better mental picture of what a successful literacy program looks like. 

I just wish I knew all this one year ago. This time last year I was just beginning my first practicum, and I felt that I knew a lot about teaching (back then), but I was only dipping my toe-in in reality. Gosh, it's really true what they say- you never stop learning. 

I'm counting my blessings and I feel so privileged to be a member of this profession. Here is to a hopeful successful interview today! Fighting!