On episode 3 of the 5 Cs Podcast, we talk to an aspiring teacher, Miranda Mullins, who is about to graduate from The University of South Carolina Aiken. She is a social studies teacher who is eager to enter the field of education. We spoke to her about how prepared she believes she might be for the new year in her own classroom as how veteran teachers can help prepared and support new teachers in the beginning of their careers. She shares some insight on how the teacher preparation program can set realistic expectations and provide more training prior to the teachers being on their own. Here are a few simple ways that veteran teachers can help:
Episode 3 Community Conversations Betsey Devos, our Secretary of education, (in my opinion) has made several missteps this week with her budget proposal – first the cut federal funding in Special Olympics as well as other funding for special education that caused an uproar on the TV news and social media… as that died down elements of her testimony came to light in regards to stance on classroom size. Here’s the quote “There is no evidence that Federal taxpayers investments in existing professional development programs or class size reduction have meaningfully improved student outcomes. In fact, students may be better served by being in larger classes, if by hiring fewer teachers, a district or state can better compensate those who have demonstrated high ability and outstanding results.” This is where I’m going: Even economists measure the well being of a country by their access to knowledge and pupil to teacher ratio. The fewer the pupils a teacher has, the more likely that each student will receive instruction. We are a MDC or a more developed country and our education system cannot remain in the industrial revolution. We have to make sure class sizes are as small as possible and some have even recommended that we maintain a 15:1 ratio. This might seem like a joke, but it’s true. I don’t know anyone who has a 15:1 ratio in their classroom. It really seems like a dream, but the reality is we have less teachers in the profession and that is due in part to the pay that teachers receive. It is sad that students see the amount of work that we put in and THEY- THE STUDENTS say that they don’t understand why anyone would want to be a teacher. It’s really telling because a student said that to me the other day. The Bottom line… We need to keep class sizes small to make sure that students have a chance to succeed. An education secretary that has no experience in education should not be the education secretary. She should at least try to understand the classroom and practical ways that the education system works. Perhaps we need reforms in education. Perhaps we need better professional development. I can agree with that, but larger class sizes in exchange for higher pay is not the answer. Our profession is long past overdue for an overhaul in pay. We are a female dominated profession and our pay shows that disparity. We spend enormous amounts of time preparing for classes on the weekend and at night. Our summers are spend in professional development, seminars, conferences and more. We are preparing the society of tomorrow. We deserve more. Democratic candidate for president, Kamala Harris, wants to increase teacher pay from the federal level. I tend to agree because we are preparing the nation’s children and the nation will reap the benefits. We’ll see how this plays out and if it actually becomes policy in the next few years.
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Does the outside culture bleed over into the classroom? Is it enough to simply say that the school system can only influence what goes on inside of the classroom and school? Should we be doing more in the community to reach our students and influence their culture as educators? We discuss all of this and more on Episode 2 of the 5 Cs Podcast.
We speak with an educator, Mr. Andrae Walker, from a rural district in the South about how culture and community play a role in the education of our nation's children. Talk about on education issues by emailing [email protected] or call 706-925-7490. We'd love to hear from you. Thank you for listening and tell a friend! Starting a podcast dealing with education can be a daunting task, but I'm ready to take the bull by the horns and step out into the world of podcasting. The first episode of the 5Cs Podcast is ready to go and is currently live on Anchor.
Here is the link to the show The first episode features a discussion with Technology Integration Coordinator, Carla Jefferson. Carla was an absolute joy to speak with and has a wealth of knowledge on how to take a school district to the next level when it comes to integrating technology with the curriculum. Listen and learn about her journey. Teachers Talk Back We have a segment on the show called Conversations and Critical thinking where a question is posed based on a current event or policy in education. Educators are asked to provide their opinions. This episode's topic comes from an article on NEA Today.org entitled “Educators focus attention on glaring failures of merit pay.” According to the article, Merit Pay doesn’t work in education.. Here are some of the reasons that were given:
What do you think works for pay for educators? Should we have a bonus structure that is a nation wide standard? Has anyone gone through the National Certification process and does your state give you extra for completing it? I want to hear from all of you educators out there listening. Drop a VOICEMAIL at 706-925-7490 or email me at [email protected]. You may also leave a comment below. You might hear your opinion on the next show! |
AuthorBianca Woodard is an educator, podcaster, blogger, singer and more. ArchivesCategories |