LEARNING TEAM 2

ADMINISTRATION

WHAT AMOUNT OF EDUCATION?

Our administrators ranged from BA degree to Education Specialist degree in School Administration.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

From first year principal or secretary to 12+ years

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST YEARS BEING IN AN URBAN SETTING? FEELINGS?

Excited about being able to go back to their roots. Difficult but with the value of learning something new everyday.

WHY DID YOU CHOSE AN URBAN SETTING?

A passion for working with urban students who have many challenges to overcome but who have the same desires to learn and be successful students as students from more non-urban schools. Being able to give back to the community.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN AN NON-URBAN SETTING? IF SO, DIFFERENCES?

No, have all worked in urban areas

HOW DO YOU HANDLE BEHAVIOR SITUATIONS? BEST METHODS?

Every behavior situation is different therefore you handle it is different. In each case a child must know there are consequences for their behavior and restitution needs to be made.

Responsive Classroom is used. The school system has to be structured in a

way that sets clear boundaries and expectations for students and to allow them to take the responsibilities for their actions

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF AN URBAN SETTING?

Poverty, high mobility, English as their second language, and school budgets

WHAT ARE THE REWARDS?

There are many rewards. Watching children succeed both academically, socially and emotionally is an amazing experience. Seeing the children's personal growth as well as the teachers.

WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR AN INSPIRING TEACHER?

Realize that you are entering a very highly stressful job. You need to be organized and on top of all district curriculum. Don’t let this discourage you, you are obviously entering teaching because you love children and you feel you can make a difference in a child’s life Never make excuses or use the words "it can't be done".  Know that every student wants to make the right choice and learn.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE FUTURE?

Retiring soon, focusing on building up as a first year principal.

TEACHERS

WHAT AMOUNT OF EDUCATION DO YOU HAVE?

• Degree in Elementary Education to a master equivalency, masters in curriculum and instruction

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

34 years, 22 years (TOSA), 13 years 6 years

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE ABOUT YOUR FIRST YEAR IN AN URBAN SETTING? FEELINGS

Challenging, stressful, frustrated, felt like I had wasted four years in undergrad-Did not prepare for urban teaching

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE AN URBAN SETTING?

Love the diversity of the belief system, backgrounds, experiences, languages, talents and interests. The need for qualified teachers.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN A NON-URBAN SETTING? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?

• Yes and no, but along with urban schools non-urban also has its challenges.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE BEHAVIORAL SITUATIONS? WHAT THE BEST METHOD?

• Behavior is best understood as a manifestation of academic frustration. Building strong relationships with the students and families, and being proactive.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF AN URBAN SETTING?

Children coming to school with no prior educational skills, some may not be able to read, write or even speak English. Dealing with issues of poverty and race.

WHAT ARE THE REWARDS?

• Seeing a child’s face light up when they suddenly understand. Positive, long lasting relationships, making a difference in someones life.

WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR AN INSPIRING TEACHER?

Know exactly why you want to work with kids…urban kids. Have a mentor, speak with other colleges. Try to put yourself in their community ( Boy’s and girl’s clubs, after school activities).

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE FUTURE?

Teaching, inspiring future teachers.

Weiner (2006) states, “At its best, teaching in city schools is exhausting, exhilarating, frustrating, and fulfilling.  In my experience, city teachers work under the most frustrating conditions and yet they have the greatest responsibility for changing and saving lives. (p.3.)