Openers

In two of the classes that I am responsible for teaching, I have been using brain teaser openers for the students. When they come into the classroom, they are to get to work on the brain teasers on the board. So far, it has worked pretty well and the students are enjoying them, while I am enjoying them being busy while I can get role and wait for the morning announcements. But, the brain teasers really aren't related to business or keyboarding, which are the topics of the two classes. Does anyone have any ideas of things I can do at the beginning of class that are related to business and keyboarding???

Parents....

Well, today, I had to meet with a parent about one of my students. It was not a fun experience. I know this is supposed to be about teaching strategies but I really can't help but vent just a little. I just couldn't believe that the parent refused to have her student take responsibility for his behavior. I know that the student is capable of doing the work, but he refuses to do so. I have tried everything I can think of to get him involved with his studies, and yet it is his choice not to do the work! Aaaaaahhhhhh! But then again, "Teacher's are never wrong." That one is a direct quote! Well, I think I got it all out, and I hope that the student will be able to take responsibility for his behavior in the future!

First Timer

Well, this is my first blogging experience, so I will have to get used to doing this! Basically this blog will be about my successes, failures, and aspirations in using new teaching strategies.

Just a little about me:
I am a Master's in Teacher Education student at Eastern Oregon University. I am currently student teaching at Joseph Middle/High School in Joseph, OR. I have been placed there since the beginning of the school year, and will stay there until school is out this spring.

The town of Joseph has a population of about 1,100. Currently, there are about 90 students that attend Joseph High School and the population of the junior high (grades 5-8) is 68 students. I actually graduated from Joseph High School in 2002, and had many of the teachers that I teach with now as teachers myself. I am enjoying my experience at JHS tremendously, and hope to eventually get a job in this district.