A Moral Endeavor

What are the Moral Dimensions of Teaching?

Today in class we watched video clips from teaching movies
Freedom Writers, The Great Debaters, Akeelah and the Bee, ect. 

I felt so much inspiration today to become the best teacher I can, to give everything to my students, and to stand for right. 

"The modeling of virtues is necessary by teachers for students.. We must judge acts as good or bad, right or wrong."

Education is the vehicle to pass moral values from generation to generation.

Our teacher Geoff said today, "It doesn't matter to me what I teach." 
I hope I feel this way one day. 
There are many things that I wouldn't want to teach.
When he said this I felt this is what a teacher should be.
Some teach what they are passionate about,
And some are passionate about teaching.

Learning Styles: God Loves Variety

There are so many people
We are all so different 
Heavenly Father loves each the same.

God has given each of us something special
talents and gifts and pieces of Him.

God has given me so much
I have a lot
I see the other gifts and see that they are good 
but the ones he has given me are perfect for me, 
what I like, and what is important to me.

I have so much potential that I am not using 
I have gifts that I want to share 

When we get to know our Heavenly Father's children, 
This is one way we can get to know Him. 

I will be aware of my gifts, learning and teaching styles and personality 
in order to avoid catering to myself instead of my students.

I will make an active effort to discover the learning styles of each of my students 
to get to know each one in order to connect to them and inspire them.

We Pay for Feedback

We were given the assignment to teach something in 5 minutes. I learned how to draw a puffer fish, fold paper origami, make peanut butter cookies and many more significant and insignificant things. What I am reflecting on after this is not my new learned skills but rather the feedback period in between each teacher. 

Our natural reaction when receiving feedback is to defend, to rationalize and to justify. 

Receive feedback with humility and an open mind. 

Feedback is a valuable tool. We pay for feedback. 

A good teacher receives and applies feedback.

To give constructive and effective feedback and to receive and apply it after it is given.

This will be invaluable throughout our teaching careers. 

I will apply the feedback that I received today about my teaching and I will ask and seek for feedback from my Heavenly Father. 

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,
Hebrews 12:6

11 Habits

11 Habits of an Effective Teacher 

http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/11-habits-effective-teacher

Summary:

1. ENJOYS TEACHING. - your students wont have fun if you're not having fun

2. MAKES A DIFFERENCE. -you don't know your students conditions outside of the classroom so make it count while you are with them.

3. SPREADS POSITIVITY. - whatever is going on in your life leave it behind when you enter the classroom, forget about yourself and serve your students

4. GETS PERSONAL. - know your students so that you can connect with them

5. GIVES 100%. - do it out of love not obligation 

6. STAYS ORGANIZED. - never fall behind

7. IS OPEN-MINDED. - apply feedback, we pay for feedback

8. HAS STANDARDS. - give a lot and expect a lot

9. FINDS INSPIRATION. - use as many resources as you can 

10. EMBRACES CHANGE. -be flexible and count your blessings

11. CREATES REFLECTIONS. - learn from my failures 

Teaching is Two Way

Christ was the best teacher and still the people did not accept him.

Teaching is two way.

Some of the burden of teaching rests on the student.

Not all my students will accept me and like me. 

The students must be willing to learn.

There is only so much I can do. 

I will always try my best when I teach and realize that I do not have complete control over the success of my students.

I will make sure I am doing my part as the student in my education and in my relationship with my Heavenly Father. 

Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
Proverbs 4:13