Day+2+Opener

Describe the perfect teacher. Role etc. The perfect teacher would be knowledgable about the subject, interested in me as a student and a person, fun, interested in learning themselves, creative, flexible and humble. Their role would be a disciminator of information and a facilitator for the student to explore and come up with their own ideas and opinions.

A relaxed atmosphere with structure that will enable a student learn while being able to fee comfortable in the classroom. One that does not yell and meets the students at their learning level. Willing to answer questions that may sound silly and let the students know that all questions will be answered maybe not at the moment but eventually. One that provides ques of what they will be looking for on a test, a rubic for all projects or essays, and FIELD TRIPS. Out of the norm type of activities, like using cartoon characters in a powerpoint or ads that reflect the time.

Contract

1. command respect 2. respect: others, self, property, other's opinions, the learning process, goals, the content 3. Respect content above all - team effort - we're in this together

Shame/Blame Shame for disrespecting the team and content (Don't get into, "I'm the teacher, you're the student, therefore respect me." ) Blame for disrespect - leads to ...

In a team: speak the student's language / even the teacher is a team member

Know your school's culture! Push the envelope if you're allowed (or silently in your classroom). Rolling your eyes is acceptable. :) A rebel teacher is a the leader of a group of rebels. The enemy might be the administration, the teacher next door, or the rest of the school. Us vs. the world can take you a long way in Social Studies. Translate the rules to the students. Never put down another teacher and don't allow students to "dis" teachers. What are you rebelling against? Tool box context. What tool are you? Set your own rules for your class. 1st day homework: go home, create your own rules. Take as many of the trappings of authority out of your classroom; otherwise you'll have a power struggle. "You really have to know your students to PROPERLY tease them." Speak the student's language. //All of the above can get you in trouble.//
 * REBEL TEACHER** - goes against school culture DANGEROUS!!! - CYA

Discipline problems are a team responsibility. Send "talkers" to the hall. Academics happen in the classroom. "Kindergarden" rules apply in all grades. Positive peer pressure. Talkers are stealing someone else's education. "You are interrupting my learning." "Point to the talker." Never answer the question, "Why do we need to know this?" (often they ask the question because they're bored.)with: Because I said so. - Not a team member (teacher centered) Because it's on the test - learning has no intrensic value Because you'll need this in life - it might be a lie - Show students the relevancy. Don't forget that you have "teacher bias."

You should be the laziest person in the room. Make students do the work! When student's don't want to work. Simulate the absence of knowledge/resources. Play "I'm offended." Quit. Let student's teach. Give authority and responsibility to students. It's hard to blame a peer for content expectations. Emulate drama/music classes / students look to the side for information (peers), not just the front (teacher)

Give subs a video or something in which they don't have to be the expert in the subject. They will appreciate it!

CARE with all of the above....