Ask an urban teacher anything

[Azul]

@AgentT

I teach high school social studies in the burbs...we're about to adopt common core.

It seems that content takes a back seat to literacy skills. In other words, they're not as concerned with what your teaching as long as its heavily focused on reading for information, and writing skills.

I don't have the full picture yet, though.

True.

There is an increased focus on document based work and primary sources. This is fine, but what about when these students go to college and struggle to write a paper? The "writing skills" are primarily short answer questions.

I think English will suffer the most, it will force teachers to move away from teaching classic fiction.

How are schools in the burbs?

 

[Towlie]

The achievement gap can be based on structural as well as cultural differences. Therefore income is a factor. I don't think race is the defining factor in whether or not a student does well.

Not sure you'd be satisfied with whatever answer I give you.

I didn't say income is not a factor

and of course race is not the defining factor if kids do well

but facts are facts and in each income bracket blacks and latinos perform the worse

you haven't given me an answer, we're defining the achievement gap

 

[Shogun]

True.

There is an increased focus on document based work and primary sources. This is fine, but what about when these students go to college and struggle to write a paper? The "writing skills" are primarily short answer questions.

I think English will suffer the most, it will force teachers to move away from teaching classic fiction.

How are schools in the burbs?

Can't complain. No shortage of resources, computers, etc. The challenge we face is the parents tend to be somewhat entitled. If they lean on the administration hard enough they can pretty much dictate their kid's grades. Its a small percentage of the kids, but enough to be frustrating.

Im sure you face a lot more challenges in the city. I did my student teaching in a city way back when, and it was a trip. Much different job.

 

[Orbital-Fetus]

my mom taught elementary schools in the Bronx in the late 80's early 90's...the stories she told were crazy.

one day a 3rd grader through a 2nd grader out of a 2nd story window.

i went to school in the Bronx from K-10 and it was interesting.

later in life i applied for Teach for America and got to the part where i went to a school in Brooklyn and took a written test and had a face to face interview...got a rejection letter a few weeks later.

respond to whatever you want in my post.

 

[Azul]

Can't complain. No shortage of resources, computers, etc. The challenge we face is the parents tend to be somewhat entitled. If they lean on the administration hard enough they can pretty much dictate their kid's grades.Its a small percentage of the kids, but enough to be frustrating.

Im sure you face a lot more challenges in the city. I did my student teaching in a city way back when, and it was a trip. Much different job.

I figured that much.

So with the achievement gap. All I can do as an individual teacher is try to make my lessons as engaging as possible, keep it real with parents about what their kids need, and provide extra help.

I like to talk to them about life and choices. Closing the gap is a collaborative effort between schools, parents, and the community.

 

[Azul]

my mom taught elementary schools in the Bronx in the late 80's early 90's...the stories she told were crazy.

one day a 3rd grader through a 2nd grader out of a 2nd story window.

i went to school in the Bronx from K-10 and it was interesting.

later in life i applied for Teach for America and got to the part where i went to a school in Brooklyn and took a written test and had a face to face interview...got a rejection letter a few weeks later.

respond to whatever you want in my post.

Wow.

I have my own thoughts on Teach for America. I know some who have become excellent teachers. While others just like with the traditional pathway.

 

[Azul]

are inner city schools broken and if so how do we fix them?

I believe most of them are. We have to fix the communities first to see widespread change.

The conspiracy theorist in me believes that there are those who wish to keep things the way they are.

People like Eva Markowitz profit from the broken city school system.

 

[Blackking]

Nope...never seen a dad that made me go and even if I did, that is a no go.
It some ways, common core ain't all that bad particularly in social studies. I think they need to revamp the English because it takes away the importance of literature. All in all, poorly planned and currently being rolled out poorly too.

So you're gonna just say that like that's what I expected as an option, lol. But I feel you, you wouldn't want to risk your career over sexual urges.

I feel that common core won't change anything for the poor communities- they need something different than what everyone else is getting..

 

[88m3]

I believe most of them are. We have to fix the communities first to see widespread change.

The conspiracy theorist in me believes that there are those who wish to keep things the way they are.

People like Eva Markowitz profit from the broken city school system.

You speak of change, but are you willing to change, and become a slave to Allah.

 

[Gus Money]

I was originally going to write a damn near essay on the positives (and many negatives) of urban public schools, but I figured it would be easier to just take questions and answer them as truthfully (with as little bias as possible).

When I get home I'll be happy to answer

No trollin' ass questions like "have you ever had sex with a student?" either

Great thread. I'm currently taking steps to get into the educational field too (small steps, but still). You should definitely write an in-depth response about the positives and negatives of teaching. I would be interested in reading it for sure, and I'll bet others would too.

Wow.

I have my own thoughts on Teach for America. I know some who have become excellent teachers. While others just like with the traditional pathway.

I would also be interested in your full views on TFA. I know many educators approve but a lot of teachers/professors have spoken out against it. A few TFA alumni have criticized the org as well and reading their thoughts is always intriguing. I almost joined last year but decided to stay at my current job. I've been thinking a lot about reapplying but we'll see what happens.

 

[Nasty_Nate]

I am wanting to teach high school history or govt., but I have to wait until my contract ends (I'm in the military). Have you ever worked with anyone that used Troops to Teachers as a pathway to become an educator? If so, what's your opinion of them and/or the program.
I have a bachelor's in political science, but I was told by a grad program advisor that those who want to teach social studies usually have a hard time finding a job. Is that true? If so, I was thinking of going back to school a little longer in order to be certified to teach math. I would like to teach in the Louisville, KY area. Any advice?

 

[valet]

Do you see a difference in kids who have fathers who live with them and those who don't behavior, academic wise?

 

[Field Marshall Bradley]

Do you feel that the current methodology of teaching is outdated and that the digital age requires a new method as opposed to the industrial age

For example, should there be more focus on critical thinking skills and should kids be allowed to progress through the school at their own pace?

 

[Tommy Fits]

My girlfriend is currently working as a special ed teacher in a headstart program in Far Rockaway, shes special ed certified from K-2nd grade, if she were to apply for NYC is there any chance of her being hired considering the economy and from what I've heard there are pretty much no teaching jobs available in the area.

 

[88m3]

My girlfriend is currently working as a special ed teacher in a headstart program in Far Rockaway, shes special ed certified from K-2nd grade, if she were to apply for NYC is there any chance of her being hired considering the economy and from what I've heard there are pretty much no teaching jobs available in the area.

There's plenty of jobs, its just getting hired at a "decent school".