Graduate Teachers (Independent Teachers' Union Meeting)

Recently I was invited to address a meeting of graduate teachers . As I looked around at all the eager faces I reflected how I felt at this same stage in my life journey. How I was so eager to hear anything that would support my understanding of what this brave new world of education was going to be like. However, the truth for this group is that not all would walk straight in to full time employment.

Yes, I know it would be a pretty bitter pill to swallow after all that blood ,sweat and tears that had gone into study! Unfortunately this is reality . However, it is not the only way to see the journey and for many reasons I really believe that some things that you thought would be so negative can turn out to be a real positive. This is exactly my message to people in regards to the benefits that relief /supply teaching can be to the young professional starting out on their career journey .The benefits come in a hidden but most interesting way if only you are prepared to work at this role in the same way you would in your first full time position. Today my objective was to "enlighten" the listeners to this possibility.......

Allow me to share the introduction of my lecture at the Independent Teachers' Union .....


PART 1

My pleasure to be here today, to be part of your journey....your career journey.
The metaphor that life is a journey is one that everyone would agree with. However, I like the extended version......

"Life is a journey -not a destination!"

And while it is good to have an end to journey towards;

but it is the journey that matters, in the end.

Today I would like to congratulate you all on having clear goals about where you are journeying to in life. You are indeed a life traveller who has dedicated much time, research, preparation and effort in expectation for this amazing journey into the professional world of education. You have every right to feel pride in your achievements thus far on your chosen career path.
Like every good traveller, you are constantly checking on your travel plans and today’s conference will provide you with more important understandings. Unlike this image .......everyone’s path will be different and the way will not always be as you have planned it to be.

Life is like that! (Only on reflection can all the positives of an unforeseen diversion to the path you planned to take become evident.)

Image a traveller’s shock to be told at the last minute that the country of origin that he had been planning, dreaming and saving to live in was inaccessible at this current time and it is suggested that instead he visits a nearby country. Of course he is dismayed, outraged in fact! This was not part of the plans..... However as he calms and his emotions subside, he is drawn to the facts that the suggested “new” country has exactly the same political, social and cultural environments that he had been researching. (Why the occupants even speak the same language!) It is not that he can’t ever visit he desired country of choice, it is just that he is not able to gain full entry at this present time. There is only one condition he was not really mentally ready for....he will have to visit as a back packer! Not quite what was on his agenda but he prides himself on being a possibility thinker!

What if you were that traveller?

Would you open to the possibilities?

Would you have the personal and professional skills to look at things in a new way if the journey takes directions you were not planning?

I join you today as a backpacker of the teaching world...that’s right....a relief teacher, a supply teacher, a casual teacher or as the American’s say a substitute teacher. Originally, I did initially enter the wonderful world of education on a full time basis, taking on a number of administration roles throughout that time. As my life path twisted and turned I made adjustments that honoured my life’s journey’s priorities. Over the past ten years I have travelled through this land gaining more and more understandings into the complexities and diverse skills that are required to successfully fulfil this essential role in our schools today.

So over the remaining time, allow me to open your mind to the advantages this role may have to offer should your career journey take this path.

If not for yourself, then a better understanding into the respect the role deserves, when you are

in full management of a class and another professional assumes this role for you.

To be continued.....

Live, laugh and learn,

Blessings for the journey.

Carmel

Happy World Teachers' Day!

I think this well know little reflection speaks for itself .

Please.....make a coffee and enjoy the read!

I believe we all need to live in moments. No matter full time or part time teaching we are all star polishers, all playing our part in the universe.

Thought for today: Make a Star Polisher's Journal.

In it you keep all those little notes, drawings, moments , letters from parents, photos and affirmations from the children whose life you have "polished" In the darker moments of when you are wondering why you are doing all this, has it been worth it?....reach for the book, open the book and remember......there is no greater calling than to the profession of teaching.

I love mine and I hope you do too!

The Star Polisher

I have a great job in the universe of occupations. What do I do? I'm a "star polisher."I have a very important job. If you want to know how important, just go out at night and look at the stars twinkling and sparkling.You see, I'm a teacher. The stars are the children in my class. My job is to take them in-- in whatever shape they come-- and shine and buff them and then send them out to take their places as bright little twinkling beacons in the sky.They come into my room in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they're bent, tarnished, dirty, crinkly and broken. Some stars are cuddly, soft and sweet. Some stars are prickly and thorny.As I buff, polish, train and teach my little stars, I tell them that the world cannot do without them. I tell them they can do anything they set their minds to do. I tell them they can be the brightest, shiniest stars in the sky and the world will be a better place because of them. Each night as I look at the sky, I'm reminded of my very important job and awesome responsibility. I go and get my soft buffing cloth and my bottle of polish in preparation for tomorrow and for my class of little stars.
~ Leah Becks ~

Happy World Teachers' Day

Live laugh and learn....

Carmel

Be Professional..Leave a note!

Yesterday, my relief day was what I call, "Round the World." By this I mean that I was asked to relieve teachers in 40minute blocks so they could meet with a specialist teacher regards the term ahead. I literally worked with every teacher and year level in that one day. While the teaching focus was already preplanned by the class teacher, I needed to be able to adjust the the new age group and the learning very quickly so as to hold the attention and momentum of the day. This is what I would call the "Tricks of the Trade" as well a splash of profession experience!

I actually the challenge of the pace of the day! I also enjoy trying out new strategies that may enhance the learning environment especially when you don't know the children's names and learning styles.

However, yesterday the one thing that I received the most positive feedback about was the appreciation of a concise note detailing the work covered and any other information of note e.g students who had to attend another specialist lesson at the same time, parent collecting a child from the room and at what time, work that had been collected and students that require follow up to name a few examples.

This note was not just written on the back of a scrap piece of paper but presented professionally and placed with any other collected work on the desk. The affirmation of this system tells me that this is appreciated but it also sends a message that I respect my role in the smooth functioning of a school day and see my contribution as valuable. Teaching is all about being professional in all that we do and say.

Actions do speak louder than words though don't they!

Live, laugh and learn every day...

Carmel

Substitute, Supply or Relief Teachers.... we are all in this together!

“Unless you try something beyond what you have already

mastered, you will never grow.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

No matter what your teaching experience, if you are reading this blog you are preparing to move into a distinctly unique aspect of the education profession known as substitute ,relief or supply teaching.

Congratulations on being prepared to grow. Growth takes courage and on occasions so does substitute teaching! Every day you face a new set of children, a new grade level, a new set of individual needs, a new classroom environment and a new set of ground rules. Don’t be put off by the challenges, consider the positives. Every day is a fresh beginning with the opportunity to do it better and make a difference. One day, one kind word, one learning experience can stay with a child for a lifetime. I am always humbled when a child (sometimes years later) can remind me of a moment when I touched their life or anchored a specific learning concept firmly in their mind. These tiny moments cannot be undervalued. You must never underestimate the power of the moment and how God may choose to work through you in this important role of relief teaching.

Without the team of dedicated professionals providing this service our schools would not function as efficiently and smoothly as they do. However, you must be aware that you are responsible for your own professional growth and development. In the context of the role, you must be proactive in seeking out in-services that may suit your needs, colleges who form part of your mentoring team and resources that inspire you to journey on in your chosen career path.

If you live in the Brisbane , Australia area, I am conducting another workshop for Supply Teachers on Saturday the 31st of July. (More details in following blog) This workshop goes hand in hand with my workbook and many participants give feedback that the three hours of professional fun and learning really make the ideas come alive! The other benefit of this workshop is that you can add these three hours to your QTC professional development log requirements for 2010. Yeah! You also gain the added advantage of networking with other like minded professionals who are experiencing all the same things. It really does help to know you are not alone!

If you are not local, so to speak, don't worry...this is exactly why I was encouraged to start this blog...so you could find me and access the workbook on line. You are downloading the same book with the added advantage of being able to slide it into a display book for longevity and additional pages for ever-increasing ideas you will gain along the way! Should you choose to do this you will find it on the left at the top of the blog page. Simply click on the picture icon the open the link.

Can't wait to read your feedback. Sharing is a wonderful gift...thank you.

The book was primarily generated to give the reader “insight” into some of the key aspects of the relief teaching day. There are already many fantastic resources for lesson content. These humble ideas are meant to be the glue that can hold your teaching day together; the strategies that teachers develop over a lifetime of constant refinement and re-evaluation. As a fellow traveller, it is my hope that some of the strategies and suggestions contained in these pages (and workshop ) do exactly that…..inspire you to move forward, doing more and being more for the betterment and enrichment of the students in your care.

Live,laugh and learn every day!

Carmel Kuhr

“Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid of standing still.”

Chinese Proverb

Spice It Up...Brain Challengers

As the term draws to a very rapid conclusion here in Brisbane, I find the children (teachers as well) are also very tired and ready for a well deserved break. This is the very time we Relief Teachers have to be at the top of our game with teaching strategies that engage all learning styles and maximize interest.

The following are four examples of games that are far from fillers. The content you use and the objectives you desire to be obtained can really made interesting with these games as a template.
Most importantly have fun.....on a personal note, I have used Vote with Your Feet as an interesting introduction to a rather dull history lesson. Human Noughts and Crosses as the focus on the non verbal communication skills, Celebrity Heads was a lot of fun at the conclusion of a novel study when the celebrities became characters from the novel, and Hot Seat is a great way to evaluate the retention of a lesson filled with lots of facts or general knowledge like collective nouns or proverbs etc.

Love to read of any other games you find a useful learning tool. I do have lots more in my book but these are just a taste! I am sure you know loads more than I do!

The fun is in the experimentation...


Vote With Your Feet:
This is a strategy for getting all the class involved and
thinking about the discussion at hand. It challenges everyone to have an opinion and
reason why. Application is very broad. Basic concept: All children stand. Explain
that we are going to vote with our feet after I make a general statement. Should you
strongly agree with the statement move to this side of the room, not sure in the centre
of the room and strongly disagree to the opposite side of the room. The wonderful part
comes when you seek the reason why they are of that opinion. Use the Koosh ball and
watch in the interactions heat up. This concept also works well in the lower grades for
the true/false statements. I have also used it to heighten interest in a rather dull
history lesson. Instead of an opinion the class had to vote with their feet on which of
the two outcomes they thought was realistic. They had fun voting with their feet and I
had fun thinking on my feet! Anything that gets children active learners is a winner for
me!
Human Noughts And Crosses:
Only resources necessary are nine chairs in the array of three and the
class divided in two equal groups. If you would like to
highlight the importance of good communication in teamwork then insist that for the
first two games no communication/speaking is allowed at all. The game is played just
like the paper version. The crosses team cross their arms across their chest and play
one person at a time. The noughts must have their hands on their heads to indicate a
circle. Boys verses girls works well too. Three in a row are the winners. For the next
two games talking is allowed. Discuss your observations? What was the difference
and why? The other version is to divide into two teams. The chair arrangement is in
the centre of the room. Issue a mathematical based problem to one team, if they are
correct they may take a seat on the array. Continue taking turns and first in a row of
three are the champions! Fun too!

Celebrity Heads: It is worthwhile giving this game some thought as to how you
can best use its structure. I always have my picture cards in my Bag of Tricks so the
little ones can have a visual link. The older children respond well to links with the
literature they are currently reading or the topic they are studying. No resources are
required if the players sit in front of the board and their character is displayed above
their heads and line of sight. Consider reverse Celebrity Heads where the three
contestants know who or what they are; however, it is the class who has to formulate
the questions.

Hot Seat: This game could be adapted to be used in any application where you are
requiring children to answer quick short answer questions. I mainly use it for
vocabulary and or language based questions, like finish the proverb, names for
collective nouns or antonyms. It is also a great revision tool. Form the class into a
circle. Place a chair “The Hot Seat” at the top of the circle like the throne. The first
‘victim’, I mean, student sits in the seat. I ‘fire off’ a question. The child stays in the hot
seat until they are incorrect or say pass. Be very mindful of how any class game can
place a lot of stress on the learner. I would never say “wrong” when a child attempts
an answer or even chooses pass. I do have a funny buzzer noise I say like “Nar!”
then I add “Thank you for playing.” Personally I think this helps to reinforce that this
is playing and I thank them for choosing to play. I will also make the ultimate winner
thank the class for playing, as without them he/she would not be a winner.

Live, laugh and learn and don't forget to post a comment with you great ideas...we are all learners together!
Carmel

Professionalism Part 2

Much of what is written here is what you may call "common sense" ; however, it is surprising what we sometimes need reminding of in order to stay completely professional.

Professional respect can only be earned by your repetitive display of appropriate behaviour not only to fellow teaching professionals but to the parents and children in our circle of influence.

The following tips are the conclusion of the two part series:


· Record all communication in professional tone and format.

· Display diligent supervision while on playground duty.

· Display initiative in a challenging situation.

· Always follow up on significant incidents either in the playground or in the classroom.

· Be aware of appropriate teacher-pupil interactions at all times.

· Develop a keen interest in on-going personal and professional development.

· Join a professional group, or subscription, as a means to expand current understanding and embrace change!

· Actively seek out an experienced mentor.

· As a life long learner, practice and refine your skills of reflective thinking everyday.


Live,laugh and learn....
Carmel

Professionalism Part 1

We all know the true heart of a teacher is a gift and calling. In order to enhance this natural ability one must strive to be a serious student of life.

“To know the road ahead, ask those who are coming back.”
(Chinese Proverb)

Certain attributes and behaviours will send this clear message to the world of your commitment to this wonderful profession. Here are a few, I would humbly suggest for your reflection…..

· Arrive to work in a timely manner.

· Be impeccable with your words, greeting and speaking to fellow teachers and students respectfully.

· Dress appropriately. Always identifying your role through the use of a badge. (In keeping with the tone of the school.)

· Communicate effectively with parents, mindful of other children’s privacy and rights.

· Show prudent and correct use of the school resources.

· Don’t make assumptions. Clarify and ask questions.

· Record all communication in professional tone and format.

Before I close the workshop on Saturday the 15Th of May in Brisbane, quickly reached capacity.

If you are interested in the June/July workshop please drop me a post and I can add you to the list. The workshops are a lot of fun and everyone who attends bonds together as life long learners beautifully! I am always very chuffed to facilitate the workshop.

Live, laugh and learn!

Carmel