New Years Resolutions for Teachers

As elementary school teachers, we are always striving to improve. Whether our goal is to make our lessons more engaging ​or to get to know our students on a higher level, we are always trying to take our teaching to the next level. The new year is a great time to take a closer look at how we run our classroom and to decide what we would like to improve. Self-reflection is an important part of our job, and this New Year is the perfect time to make some changes. Here are 10 New Years Resolutions for teachers to use as inspiration. 1. Get Your Classroom Organized This is usually on the top of the list for all teachers. While teachers are known for their organizational skills, teaching is a hectic job and its easy to let things get a little out of control. The best way to achieve this goal is to make a list and slowly check off each task as you complete them. Break up your goals into smaller tasks to make them easier to achieve. For example, week one, you might choose to organize all your paperwork, week two,  your desk, and so on.   2. Create a Flexible Classroom Flexible classrooms are all the rage right now, and if you havent yet incorporated this trend into your classroom, the new year is a great time to start. Begin by purchasing a few alternative seats and a bean bag chair. Then, move on to bigger items such as standing desks.   3. Go Paperless With educational technology tools, its really gotten even easier to commit to a  paperless classroom. If youre lucky enough to have access to iPads, you may even choose to have your students complete all of their work digitally. If not, visit Donorschoose.org and ask for donors to purchase them for your classroom. 4. Remember Your Passion for Teaching Sometimes the idea of a fresh new start (like the New Year) can help you remember your passion for teaching. Its easy to lose track of what initially motivated you to teach, especially when youve been at it for a long time. This new year, take some time to jot down some of the reasons why you became a teacher in the first place. Remembering your drive and passion for teaching will help you keep going. 5. Re-Think Your Teaching Style Every teacher has their own style of teaching  and what works for some may not work for others. However, the New Year may give you the opportunity to re-think the way that you teach  and to try something new that you have always wanted to try. You can start by asking yourself some questions, like Do I want a student-centered classroom? or Would I like to be more of a guide or a leader? These questions will help guide you in figuring out which teaching style you want for your classroom. 6. Get To Know Students Better Take some time in the new year to get to know your students on a more personal level. This means taking some time to get to know their passions, interests, and family outside of the classroom. The better connection that you have with each individual student, the stronger the  classroom community you can build. 7. Have Better Time Management Skills This new year, take some time to improve your time management skills. Learn to prioritize your tasks and take advantage of technology to really maximize your students learning time. Tech tools are known to keep students engaged in learning longer, so if you really want to maximize your students learning time use these tools every day.   8. Use More Tech Tools There are some great (and affordable!) educational tech tools that are on the market. This January,  make it your goal to try and utilize as many pieces of technology as you can. You can do this, by going to Donorschoose.org and creating a list of all of the items that your classroom needs along with the reasons why. Donors will read your inquiry and purchase the items for your classroom. Its that easy. 9.To Not Take Work Home with You Your goal is to not take your work home with you so that you can spend more time with your family doing things that you love. You would think that this seems like an impossible task, but by showing up for work thirty minutes early and leaving thirty minutes late, its very possible.   10. Spice Up Classroom Lesson Plans Every now and then, its fun to spice things up. This New Year,  change up your lessons and see how much fun you will have. Instead of writing everything on the chalkboard, use your interactive whiteboard. If your students are used to you always using textbooks for their lessons, turn the lesson into a game. Find a few ways to change up your normal way that you do things and you will see the spark being lit in your classroom once again.

Back Where I Come From Essay - 1107 Words

Back Where I Come From Where someone is born and raised holds a special place in their heart. In the song, â€Å"Back Where I Come From,† written by Kenny Chesney, he speaks from his heart about his hometown and attempts to share those feelings with his audience. He sings about specific experiences growing up, and this is his way of reflecting what the feeling of home means to him. The structure in which he has written this piece focuses a lot of attention on the author himself. His informality invites the audience to share his experiences with him. Chesney appeals to emotion through his anecdotes and creates an impression on the audience. Through the analysis of this song it is easy to identify the type of rhetorical appeal Kenny Chesney†¦show more content†¦The audience is also people that have known him throughout his life, and are listening to support him. It is people from the south who listen to country music. Though, with any artist or performer, the audience is the people who are lo yal because they like what they hear and they can identify the purpose of the music. In this particular song, Chesney’s purpose seems to be the release of his background and to reach out to those who can relate. He wants to be able relate his experiences to his overall feeling of where he is from, and in the same sense, he wants his audience to as well. He uses his artistic expression to provoke emotions in his listeners. Songs like this one recall a wide range of memories for anyone who listens. Although his memories are fond ones, depending on the listener taking a look back on where they come from could be completely different. He wants to bring out the positive memories and show that his listeners they should be proud of their background. Lyrics like, â€Å"I’m proud as anyone, that’s where I come from, â€Å"(â€Å"Kenny Chesney-Back†) explains his purpose for writing. Just as others use literature as an outlet, where some people write in a journal or write poetry, Kenny Chesney uses writing music as an outlet for his thoughts. Thro ugh performing what he has written, he is not just a voice, but he is a heart with a purpose. Chesney’s writing structure begins with a connotative word choice that highlights the words inShow MoreRelatedCinderella - Original Writing Of Cinderella975 Words   |  4 Pagesevery weekend she would go back to hostel to attend college. Cinderella mother and older brother would treat her very nicely as they would take care of her like a princess. 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Expository Essay Sara worst fear Free Essays

I have many fears but my worst fear is the dark. There are many things about the dark that scare me. It feels like all of sudden something is going to pop out of somewhere. We will write a custom essay sample on Expository Essay Sara worst fear or any similar topic only for you Order Now What if there’s a hole or something in front of me and fall. What if can’t see my way out and I’m trapped in the dark forever. One reason that am so afraid of the dark is that sometimes I feel like something is about to jump out somewhere. Don’t know if anything is really there because I can’t see. Something could be hiding behind something and I wouldn’t even know. When it’s dark I begin to wonder if ghosts are really real. If something were to jump out at me it could hurt me or just scare me really bad. I would want to get out of the dark alive. Another reason is that I’m afraid of not knowing where I am going. I would probably fall or bump into something. I might even run into something painful. If something bad happened to me wouldn’t know where to get help unless someone was with me. I am also afraid that I won’t be able to find my out of the darkness. I couldn’t see if I’m near the exit or not. Would probably go the wrong way. I definitely wouldn’t want to stay in the dark forever. I would get scared just sitting there. In conclusion, I can’t stay in the dark for more than 5 seconds. I start thinking about things jumping out from behind things, afraid that I’ll fall or bump into something, and not be able to find my way out. How to cite Expository Essay Sara worst fear, Essays

Prison System Essay Example For Students

Prison System Essay Prison SystemPrison inmates, are some of the most maladjusted people in society. Most of the inmates have had too little discipline or too much, come from broken homes, and have no self-esteem. They are very insecure and are at war with themselves as well as with society (Szumski 20). Most inmates did not learn moral values or learn to follow everyday norms. Also, when most lawbreakers are labeled criminals they enter the phase of secondary deviance. They will admit they are criminals or believe it when they enter the phase of secondary deviance (Doob 171). Next, some believe that if we want to rehabilitate criminals we must do more than just send them to prison. For instance, we could give them a chance to acquire job skills; which will improve the chances that inmates will become productive citizens upon release. The programs must aim to change those who want to change. Those who are taught to produce useful goods and to be productive are likely to develop the self-esteem essential to a normal, integrated personality (Szumski 21). This kind of program would provide skills and habits and replace the sense of hopelessness that many inmates have (Szumski 21). Moreover, another technique used to rehabilitate criminals is counseling. There is two types of counseling in general, individual and group counseling. Individual counseling is much more costly than group counseling. The aim of group counseling is to develop positive peer pressure that will influence its members. One idea in many sociology text is that group problem-solving has definite advantages over individual problem-solving. The idea is that a wider variety of solutions can be derived by drawing from the experience of several people with different backgrounds. Also one individuals problem might have already been solved by another group member and can be suggested. Often if a peer proposes a solution it carries more weight than if the counselor were to suggest it (Bennett 20-24). Further, in sociology, one of the major theories of delinquency is differential association (Cressey 1955). This means some people learned their ways from undesirable people who they were forced to be in association with and that this association warps their thinking and social attitudes. Group counseling, group interaction, and other kinds of group activities can provide a corrective, positive experience that might help to offset the earlier delinquent association (Bennett 25). However, it is said that group counseling can do little to destroy the power of labeling (Bennett 26). The differential-association theory emphasizes that a person is more likely to become a criminal if the people who have the greatest influence upon them are criminals (Doob 169). Most of todays correctional institutions lack the ability and programs to rehabilitate the criminals of America. One can predict that a prisoner held for two, four, eight or ten years, then released , still with no education or vocational skills will likely return to a life of crime. Often their life in crime will resume in weeks after their release. Although the best prisons and programs in the world will not cure the problem totally, improvements still must be made (Szumski 20). Prison inmates, are some of the most maladjusted people in society. Most of the inmates have had too little discipline or too much, come from broken homes, and have no self-esteem. They are very insecure and are at war with themselves as well as with society (Szumski 20). Most inmates did not learn moral values or learn to follow everyday norms. Also, when most lawbreakers are labeled criminals they enter the phase of secondary deviance. They will admit they are criminals or believe it when they enter the p hase of secondary deviance (Doob 171). .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d , .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d .postImageUrl , .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d , .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d:hover , .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d:visited , .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d:active { border:0!important; } .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d:active , .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ubb45988937dcfb3757e421839c20da2d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Why It Is Important to Respect an Nco EssayNext, some believe that if we want to rehabilitate criminals we must do more than just send them to prison. For instance, we could give them a chance to acquire job skills; which will improve the chances that inmates will become productive citizens upon release. The programs must aim to change those who want to change. Those who are taught to produce useful goods and to be productive are likely to develop the self-esteem essential to a normal, integrated personality (Szumski 21). This kind of program would provide skills and habits and replace the sense of hopelessness that many inmates have (Szumski 21). Moreover, another technique used to rehabilitate criminals is counseling. There is two types of counseling in general, individual and group counseling. Individual counseling is much more costly than group counseling. The aim of group counseling is to develop positive peer pressure that will influence its members. One idea in many sociology text is that group problem-solving has definite advantages over individual problem-solving. The idea is that a wider variety of solutions can be derived by drawing from the experience of several people with different backgrounds. Also one individuals problem might have already been solved by another group member and can be suggested. Often if a peer proposes a solution it carries more weight than if the counselor were to suggest it (Bennett 20-24). Further, in sociology, one of the major theories of delinquency is differential association (Cressey 1955). This means some people learned their ways from undesirable people who they were forced to be in association with and that this association warps their thinking and social attitudes. Group counseling, group interaction, and other kinds of group activities can provide a corrective, positive experience that might help to offset the earlier delinquent association (Bennett 25). However, it is said that group counseling can do little to destroy the power of labeling (Bennett 26). The differential-association theory emphasizes that a person is more likely to become a criminal if the people who have the greatest influence upon them are criminals (Doob 169). Most of todays correctional institutions lack the ability and programs to rehabilitate the criminals of America. One can predict that a prisoner held for two, four, eight or ten years, then released , still with no educationling, there is disadvantages. For instance, members of the group might not be as open or show emotion because they want to appear tough. Also the members might not express their opinions openly because the others might see it as snitching. For the group to work it takes a dedicated counselor (Bennett 22-23). Another type of correctional center used for rehabilitation is halfway houses. Halfway houses are usually located in residential communities and are aimed to keep offenders in the community. The name comes from the fact that they are halfway between the community and the prison (Fox 60). The rationale behind halfway houses is that criminal activity originates in the community, so the community has a responsibility to try to correct it. Also, sending a person w ho has deviant behavior and who has been associated with criminal influences, to prison would just make the problem worse (Fox 61). The best place for treatment is in the community; this prevents the breaking of all constructive social ties (Fox 61). Programs in halfway houses usually involve work release or study release and group sessions for therapy and counseling. Most programs vary greatly depending on the administrator. Generally, the purpose is to reintegrate members back into the community. There are three systems generally used in programs and in the process: change by compliance, client-centered change, and change by credibility in that it makes sense. (Fox 73). The compliance model is designed to make good work habits. The client-centered model focuses on a high understanding of the person. The credibility model emphasizes making decisions and getting back into the community. These programs are made to avoid institutions as much as possible (Fox 73). On the other hand, many inmates think the government does not want to rehabilitate criminals. The reason behind this thinking is that prisons supply thousands of jobs to the economy. Also the construction of new prisons brings millions of dollars into the economy each year and if there were no new prisons needed it would mean the loss of thousands of jobs (Szumski 24-26). Henry Abernathy and inmate in Texas said just think what a catastrophe it would cause if all cons across the country decided never to commit another crime. Richard Cepulonis, an inmate in Massachusetts said just the title Department of Corrections is a misnomer he said they dont correct anything. In conclusion, things need to be done to improve rehabilitation in America. Improvements in job training, counseling, and halfway houses for rehabilitation must be brought to the forefront by citizens. If we do not get involved and try to make changes, our crime problem could worsen beyond control.