Ask an urban teacher anything

[MeachTheMonster]

What is the single thing that you think would/could improve the educational success of inner-city kids?

 

[Azul]

Thanks for the questions, I'll answer the rest when I get home

 

[Azul]

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.

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.

I came into the game through alternative certification so I can't shyt on TFA all the way. However, they WILL spew a whole lot of mumbo jumbo. Despite what anyone tells you, good teaching 99 percent of the time comes with time. TFA imo doesn't stress that. In fact, they dismiss it. A lot of them bounce after two yrs, taking jobs away from ppl who really have a passion for it.

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?

Unfortunately it is hard to find jobs in Social studies. Do you have enough credits in history? With math it is much easier. I'm not familiar with troops to teachers, but if it provides financial assistance to obtain a teaching degree, I'd say go for it.

I've never been to Kentucky so I can go into detail about that. However, it does appear that they are a union state so that is a plus.

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

Academic? Not really. Behavior? Quite often.

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?

Our education system was created at a time where most ppl were farmers. It is outdated overall. However, Technology is good in some ways, but VERY bad in others. I think technology is responsible for the breakdown of language in some ways. I think smartboards and projectors are great for history, but its a bit of a disservice because if students become dependent on it, they have culture shock when they get to college.

If that student is advanced, I see no problem with going at your pace. However, what if that students is a bit slower than others?

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.

My license is in Special Ed. The chances of getting into the NYC system with that license is good. The only bad thing is that elementary school jobs are hard to come by. I wouldn't teach in Far Rock though

What is the single thing that you think would/could improve the educational success of inner-city kids?

Their mentality. Too many inner city kids don't think about the importance of tomorrow, meaning the future is closer than you think. Their sense of consequence is wayyyyyyyy off. The need for instant gratification impacts them more than one would think.

 

[theworldismine13]

Their mentality. Too many inner city kids don't think about the importance of tomorrow, meaning the future is closer than you think. Their sense of consequence is wayyyyyyyy off. The need for instant gratification impacts them more than one would think.

ohhh so you mean the most important thing to do is to address the culture and attitude they have toward education?

 

[Serious]

do you believe ontogenetics plays a critical for success in a classroom setting?

 

[MeachTheMonster]

Their mentality. Too many inner city kids don't think about the importance of tomorrow, meaning the future is closer than you think. Their sense of consequence is wayyyyyyyy off. The need for instant gratification impacts them more than one would think.

I understand that's the problem. My question is, what can the school system do to fix or at least address this problem?

 

[valet]

What do you think about having separate classrooms for boys and girls? Do you think that would help the school environment, less distractions (unless of course, you're gay or bisexual).