Mitzi Witkins: How To Be An Effective Modern Day Teacher

Teaching is a profession that puts you in a position to impact many lives. The affect a teacher has on a child can be either positive, negative and in some cases both. Whatever the influence may be, it is certain that by the end of most students’ educational life, at least one teacher would have made a longtime impression on them. In fact an article written by William J. Bennett for CNN News states, a good teacher improves a child test scores in the classroom, and strengthens their chances of going to college. (William J. Bennett, 2012) Being able to teach and being effective in the practice is a talent. The ability to take a practice that is challenging and rigorous, and make it fun and engaging is a carefully crafted skill. Fiercely,

Therefore, being an effective modern day teacher, new teachers must remember to be charismatic, energetic, fun, loving, motivated and passionate for being with kids. (Ryan Evan, 2004) However, often times after the excitement of the job and profession wears off, one of the most ubiquitous struggles for new teachers is classroom management. (New Your Times, 2012) For some the adjustment is slow. The pressures can be more than overwhelming. Mitzi Witkins recounts her experiences as a new math teacher in New York City. After being observed presenting her first lesson she felt good about her performance. The lesson was engaging a called for a lot of note taking. But instead of taking notes, the students were getting involved. They were raising their hands. They were asking questions. The participation moved her, especially when a known school bully began to interact with the

No classroom can fully prepare a teacher for all realities of the profession. Most graduates take the walk, anticipating struggles with students and even some parents. But, dealing with lack of cohesion, and general respect from colleagues is breath taking. A study was done by the master program at Gallaudet University. They surveyed first time teachers and found them to say the following: programs should be implemented to address the environment new teachers are to face, to assist in developing advocacy skills and to pair them with experienced teachers. This process will help to take the edge off the intimidation and first time jitters. (MacGlauglin, Heidi, M; Donna Merkens,