1. Becoming a Teacher: Looking Forward and Backward at the Same Time
EDF Study Guide #1
Brittany Willis

2. Metaphors Being a teacher is like being a:
Being a Tour Guide: the teacher sets the itinerary & takes students through the lessons to many new places
Being a Sailor: the teacher changes course in midstream & he/she will determine the better direction
Being a Sculptor: teachers uncover the ideas emerging in the minds of their students
Climbing a Hill: every once in while stop & take a breather & continue on with the lesson

3. Philosophy of a Teaching Statement
state how you feel people learn most effectively
discuss the approaches you take to help students learn material & skills
explain goals toward which you are working
describe how you measure success in your classroom
illustrate what values you’d like to impart to your students

4. Attributes of a Good Teacher
Passion for teaching
Love of kids
Dedicated work ethic
Organization skills
Effective management style
Content knowledge
“Goodness of fit” is defined as the compatibility of a person’s temperament with their surrounding environment.
Naturally, there are temperaments and environments that seem to fit while others do not.
It’s vital that a teacher’s temperament fits with their environment (classroom) to give children an opportunity to learn and grow.

5. Attributes of a Good Teacher cont’d
I’d like to think that I posses some important qualities that will help me in my future career as a teacher. Being around children brings out the very best in me and when I’m around them, there is this light and spark. I’m passionate about teaching them and also learning from them. I believe I have the patience needed and also the organizational skills to put together effective lesson plans.
Some attributes I need to work on are content knowledge & an effective management style.

6. the National Education Association Code of Ethics
Principle I:
The Educator strives to help each student realize their true potential as a worthy and effective member of society.
Principle ll:
The quality of the services of the education profession directly influences the nation and other individuals rather than the student

7. What’s the Difference? student’s point of view of their environment
School Climate
School Culture
student’s point of view of their environment
how they feel
intimidated or comfortable?
school’s history & reputation
what are they known for?

8. Why should I make a teaching portfolio now?
A teaching portfolio is a record of specific accomplishments attained over an extended period of time including background and professional information.
An education student should prepare one now because there are opportunities out there such as volunteer work and internships that would serve as a great foundation to the portfolio.

9. Educational Autobiography
An educational autobiography summarizes and reflects upon the experiences and events in a person's life up to the present time. I first started school at 4 years old. There are specific memories I have of preschool such as holiday crafts/projects and certain stories and how they made me feel. I was always dropped off and didn’t start riding the bus until 4th grade. I really enjoyed my school, my teachers and my classmates. My elementary years were my favorite and very memorable. I did well and made honor roll frequently. I think a small part of the reason I want to be an elementary school teacher is partly due to my personal experience and memories of how much I loved school when I was little. Everything was exciting and new. I identify most with the picture on the top right. When I was in class, it felt interactive. We played in groups. We did projects in groups. We learned together. The teacher was not big and scary like the picture on the bottom right and we were not separated like the picture on the left.

10. Defining a Profession Every profession begins with a teacher.
Martin’s 3 criteria
Yes, it’s a profession!
Offers a unique, definite, & essential service
Places an emphasis on intellectual techniques
Requires a long period of specialized training
Every profession begins with a teacher.
Everyone has to learn and become educated about the career path of their choice.

11. NEA and AFT The National Education Association
Largest professional organization/labor union in the US
Represents those preparing to become teachers
American Federation of Teachers
Labor union
Primarily represents teachers

12. NEA and AFT Cont’d have to pay expensive fees
Controversies
Benefits
have to pay expensive fees
sometimes required by state
contrary views
can provide legal protection & advice
can join educational debates and topics that you feel strongly about
assistance with life insurance, benefits, etc.