Attitudes are Important

This past week I have been so frustrated with the University of South Alabama. I transferred here this past August, and I was able to register for 300 level English classes. I had already completed EH 102 and several literature classes. I did not have to take EH 101 because I made a 3 on the AP English Exam. The community college I transferred from accepted it, and everything was great. Until, I was told I could not apply for candidacy until I had taken EH 101 or taken the Clep test. My 3 was not enough, they will only accept a 4 or 5. Being the determined person I am, I would not accept this. I have passed all my English classes with an A, and I am currently in a 400 level course. I have also passed all the state examinations. Therefore, I contacted my English teacher, and he got the Head of Freshman Composition to write a letter on my behalf.

The State Board of Education does not require me to have both EH 101 and 102; however, South will still not accept my score or the request from the English Dept. I think this is absolutely ridiculous. How can a school let someone take 400 level English classes without EH 101? They should have realized this mistake when I first applied. This system is so corrupt, and it definitely does not make sense. Obviously, I am highly qualified in English, and I personally do not think I should have to retake a test to get out of it. Almost all universities accept a 3 on the AP English exam, and South accepts 3s for all AP exams except the English one. Although I am quite frustrated, I have quickly realized that my attitude is quite important, and the way I respond to certain situations can either help or hurt me. I think this is something to think about. As teachers, we are always going to find ourselves in difficult and unfair situations. We have to choose to keep a positive attitude and stay strong, even though we will be suffering under the system's corrupt bureaucracy.

Great Education Blogs: 2¢ Worth

I thought that one of the best ways for me to help out pre-service and new teachers would be share the blogs that I read. The first blog I recommend is 2¢ Worth by David Warlick. It was the first education blog I found and the one I read first. I chose this blog because it focuses on learning. A good reminder of what we are all about.

On another note, do you all have rss readers? If not I would suggest using my favorite Bloglines. It is easy to use (although you might Google Reader better for integration purposes.)

Get Ready, Get Set, Post!

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but
set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love,
in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

As you continue your educational journey (which you must continue throughout the rest of your life!) you have been given a rare opportunity. Believe it or not, shared professional blogs are not common. You are on the frontier of personal learning networks.

What makes a shared professional blog so powerful? I find At the Teacher's Desk a wonderful place to write something that I have been thinking about. It is a place where I know at least a few people will read it. There is nothing worse than writing in a vacuum.

Even though you are at the very beginning of your professional journey, you are not new to education. As a matter of fact, you are experts; experts at being students. You must constantly reflect on your student careers to help guide you in your teaching career. You remember the teachers that cared and the teachers that didn't You remember the classes that you learned a lot from and those that were a waste of time (college health? seriously?) You must learn your lessons from these experiences and use them in your own classroom.

Do not be afraid to be honest, share your experiences especially your failures. You will not only help everyone that reads the post, you will also prove yourself to be an honest, reflective teacher. When you are willing to share your experiences, everyone benefits (most of all your students!)

Finally, if you choose to write for this blog you need to commit to being supportive of the others that write here. Leave them comments. Tell them what you think. Share with them what you have learned.

From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother;
Shakespeare's HENRY V

Having a strong support system in place may be the difference between your success and failure as a teacher. Lean on each other, push each other, empathize with each other. Always remember, you have decided on a career that forces you to think of yourself second, the students must always come first.

Yay!!

Yay!! I accepted the invitation!!!

Happy Birthday EDM310 Alumni Blog!

Here it is! If you would like to be a writer or contributor, email edm310alumniblog@gmail.com