The End? Or the Beginning...
by Scot Acre (2011)
As I near the end of my Master's program, I am struck by a startling thought, "So now what?" Do I treat myself to a nice vactation? How about new iPhone? I really should do something for myself, after all, the past four years of my life have been spent taking classes while teaching them. Grading homework, while completing it. I feel as if I have become some sort of ketsup bottle squeezing time out to devote to being a teacher, student, and family man. Perhaps a trip to to Vegas? What will I do with the extra time on my hands? Very soon things will be simplified, as I'll have one less hat to wear... or will I?
While I am pleased to say that I will have earned a graduate degree from Michigan State University, and that a nice pay raise is in my future, I am most proud to say that as a result of the MAET program, I have reaffirmed the fact that I enjoy the process of teaching and learning. There is nothing quite like it for me. You see, I did't get into education until I turned thirty. So even though it took some time for me to figure it out, I have come to realize that there is something beautiful about knowledge and the numerous ways that it can be transferred. As a teacher, I get the opportunity to impart a great deal of knowledge to my students. As I near the end of the MAET program, I have found that my students have a great deal to offer me as well. In fact, the best thing that I can do for them is to get out of their way and let them play. In essence, I have become the guide on the side in my community of learners.
While I am pleased to say that I will have earned a graduate degree from Michigan State University, and that a nice pay raise is in my future, I am most proud to say that as a result of the MAET program, I have reaffirmed the fact that I enjoy the process of teaching and learning. There is nothing quite like it for me. You see, I did't get into education until I turned thirty. So even though it took some time for me to figure it out, I have come to realize that there is something beautiful about knowledge and the numerous ways that it can be transferred. As a teacher, I get the opportunity to impart a great deal of knowledge to my students. As I near the end of the MAET program, I have found that my students have a great deal to offer me as well. In fact, the best thing that I can do for them is to get out of their way and let them play. In essence, I have become the guide on the side in my community of learners.
Team T-Pack, edited with iPhone app
It is funny because when I first heard that term in my CEP 810 class, I think that I might have rolled my eyes. (Thank goodness classes are online so nobody could see.) Having said that, I am now THAT teacher! In fact, my motto is to never say to a student what they can say for themselves! I would guess that if you polled my current roster, they would wish that I would talk more; give more examples; make them think a bit less. I can’t see that happening anytime soon.
In addition, it has become obvious that I still have SO much to learn. That's the funny part about teaching students... with technology. The moment that you think that you have it all figured out, new operating systems come along. New administrators with new visions come along. New students with new learning strengths come along. Really the moment that I realize that I have it all figured out is probably the moment that I should leave this profession.
Returning to the role of student in the MAET program has opened my eyes to this basic concept: The transfer of knowledge really is the currency of education. Without wonder and discovey, this currency is difficult to obtain. It is my job as a teacher to give my students opportunities to wonder and discover.
Another thing that I have realized is that school isn't always easy. In fact, it shouldn't be. I realize that the MAET program purposefully puts students in uncomfortably situations, not simply to watch their pain, but rather to hold their hands through it. To guide them from discomfort to success. To remind teachers that struggling IS a part of the learning process. Working collaboratively IS a part of the learning process. Going forward, I plan on helping my students achieve to their highest potential, while working together, rather than asking them to regurgitate what I said and did in class.
Due to the dynamic nature of our education system, there will always be issues and changes that need to be made. At the forefront of this is the technology being used. I look at it like this: I can either be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. As a teacher of mathematics, I like solutions. This means that I must stay current on best practices. Gone are the days of "sit in rows, be quiet and do as you are told" as a form of best practice in education Today's students are social. I will use continue to use Facebook, Skype, Twitter, or whatever the "next" social media technology is to aid in the transfer of knowledge.
My students are digital natives that relish the usage of technology. I can give students a math problem and ask them to solve it. They will. But when I turn on my interactive whiteboard and voting mechanisms... these students come ALIVE! A sense of urgency to be the first to vote fills the room. This is because technology IS their language. My students ask around 20 questions a night on my Facebook group page. I rarely have to answer any of those questions. In fact, I can use their discussions to find out what they actually know... their questions and answers ARE a formative assessment!
As a result, I will continue seeking out professional development. (I write this after taking a 16 hour training session for Solidworks this weekend, which is an engineering program that I will be teaching for the first time in January.) I will continue staying current on our state standards, which appears to be "The Common Core." I will change how and what I teach based on these standards. I will continue to research best practices, in particular as they pertain to using technology. I will continue to make the material relevant to the world we all live in. In short, I will continue to grow and develop as a teacher and a learner.
Another thing that I have realized is that I cannot sit back and watch education happen, rather I must get involved. The MAET program has made me realize that I need to be a leader in my community. As a result, I am on the board of directors for the Detroit Area Council for Teachers of Mathematics, serving as the Vice-President of High School for the upcoming year. In addition, I am the publicity chairperson for the fall conference that we put on in conjunction with the Metropolitan Detriot Science Teachers Association. Last year, we had almost 700 educators attend our joint math and science conference! I have begun speaking at conferences as well. I plan to continue this practice going forward in my role as a life-long learner. After all, how else will I get my ideas across, if I don't use my own voice?
In addition, it has become obvious that I still have SO much to learn. That's the funny part about teaching students... with technology. The moment that you think that you have it all figured out, new operating systems come along. New administrators with new visions come along. New students with new learning strengths come along. Really the moment that I realize that I have it all figured out is probably the moment that I should leave this profession.
Returning to the role of student in the MAET program has opened my eyes to this basic concept: The transfer of knowledge really is the currency of education. Without wonder and discovey, this currency is difficult to obtain. It is my job as a teacher to give my students opportunities to wonder and discover.
Another thing that I have realized is that school isn't always easy. In fact, it shouldn't be. I realize that the MAET program purposefully puts students in uncomfortably situations, not simply to watch their pain, but rather to hold their hands through it. To guide them from discomfort to success. To remind teachers that struggling IS a part of the learning process. Working collaboratively IS a part of the learning process. Going forward, I plan on helping my students achieve to their highest potential, while working together, rather than asking them to regurgitate what I said and did in class.
Due to the dynamic nature of our education system, there will always be issues and changes that need to be made. At the forefront of this is the technology being used. I look at it like this: I can either be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. As a teacher of mathematics, I like solutions. This means that I must stay current on best practices. Gone are the days of "sit in rows, be quiet and do as you are told" as a form of best practice in education Today's students are social. I will use continue to use Facebook, Skype, Twitter, or whatever the "next" social media technology is to aid in the transfer of knowledge.
My students are digital natives that relish the usage of technology. I can give students a math problem and ask them to solve it. They will. But when I turn on my interactive whiteboard and voting mechanisms... these students come ALIVE! A sense of urgency to be the first to vote fills the room. This is because technology IS their language. My students ask around 20 questions a night on my Facebook group page. I rarely have to answer any of those questions. In fact, I can use their discussions to find out what they actually know... their questions and answers ARE a formative assessment!
As a result, I will continue seeking out professional development. (I write this after taking a 16 hour training session for Solidworks this weekend, which is an engineering program that I will be teaching for the first time in January.) I will continue staying current on our state standards, which appears to be "The Common Core." I will change how and what I teach based on these standards. I will continue to research best practices, in particular as they pertain to using technology. I will continue to make the material relevant to the world we all live in. In short, I will continue to grow and develop as a teacher and a learner.
Another thing that I have realized is that I cannot sit back and watch education happen, rather I must get involved. The MAET program has made me realize that I need to be a leader in my community. As a result, I am on the board of directors for the Detroit Area Council for Teachers of Mathematics, serving as the Vice-President of High School for the upcoming year. In addition, I am the publicity chairperson for the fall conference that we put on in conjunction with the Metropolitan Detriot Science Teachers Association. Last year, we had almost 700 educators attend our joint math and science conference! I have begun speaking at conferences as well. I plan to continue this practice going forward in my role as a life-long learner. After all, how else will I get my ideas across, if I don't use my own voice?
image URL: www.dactm.org
Speaking of voices, the MAET program has taught me that there is a large online community of educators just like me. While attending a MACUL conference is great, I MUST do a better job of joining listservs, attending webinars, and blogging about my own ideas. This is perhaps an arena in which I could stand to focus more of my attention. Therefore, I must listen and learn more from my students about the power and effectiveness of this form of communication, as they are already masters at it. In addition, I must continue to teach my students about the importance of "proper" online communication.
So what does the future hold? Hopefully a respite at a warm weather destination with an infinity edge pool, view of the ocean, beach volley, and a wristband entitling its owner to unlimited food and drink. After that, I am not certain as to the destination, as my future lies in the journey. In fact, I'd be happy if I didn't ever "get there." I must say, I do feel as if I am on the right path.
So what does the future hold? Hopefully a respite at a warm weather destination with an infinity edge pool, view of the ocean, beach volley, and a wristband entitling its owner to unlimited food and drink. After that, I am not certain as to the destination, as my future lies in the journey. In fact, I'd be happy if I didn't ever "get there." I must say, I do feel as if I am on the right path.