A few concepts stood out to me in the first chapter reading. The first concept was portfolio. I never really understood what a portfolio was, nor did I know that it could be used just like a resume in certain cases. It seems to me that a portfolio is the best way for teachers to be able to communicate their skills with their future employer. I think that an individual’s portfolio is what will set a person apart from the others, and maybe give the employer the best possible impression of them. The portfolio will be able to show creativity and style of the future teacher.
The next concept that really interest me is the pay – for – performance concept. I know of many teachers with an opinion on this concept, and to a point I guess it could be a good thing but in other points it isn’t. I personally think that scores should not determine what someone’s pay should be. The biggest reason being that some children do not do well taking tests. I know personally that many students can make straight A’s all year and fail to pass the “determining test.” I personally would feel like I failed my students and myself if their scores were not up to a good standard.
Tenure is the other concept that stood out to me. I have had teachers that I felt were awful. I wondered why they were still teaching if me and my fellow classmates felt we were not getting anything from them. On the flip side I understand that teachers make mistakes and tenure can be their second chance, especially to new teachers who are just finding their own rhythm in the classroom. I hope to be a great teacher one day and that tenure will not be one of the only reasons that I get to keep my job.
This chapter gives a lot of insight on the basics of being a teacher. I was able to get a better view on how teachers are viewed and how they will make a difference in the classroom. I think it gives me a better idea of what to expect in the future of my profession.
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