Working at a school district that is struggling has been very interesting. Many people have negative attitudes towards schools in our district, so I went into this school not knowing what to expect. Needless to say, I was very impressed and have noticed the efforts for positive change going on, and commend them for their success. I have talked to my mentor about what she thinks could be improved, and I agree with her on many issues.
Since this is one of the best schools, people around the town have transferred to McCarter, so there are now a LOT of students and not enough space for learning to be the best it can be. If the school could get another multipurpose room, for gym or other engagements, it could help quite a bit. As it is now, no PE can be taught during lunch or breakfast hours, so the kids are limited for PE time. My mentor sees 2/3 of the whole student body in one day, with no break in between classes, so she would highly benefit from another part time music teacher as well.
The one major thing that needs to be changed is that the kids do not have enough time to eat their lunches. I propose that another multi-purpose room be built so that the last block of PE classes can go into that room, that way kids can start lunch earlier, and the rotations can each have an extra 5 min. tacked on to their lunch.
I realize that having ideas for public schools, and having the funds the carry them out are two different things, but these are my ideas:)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Interview
I was able to interview my mentor today, a week late, since last week she was crazy busy with a 5th grade program (that actually took place this Tues.) I didnt even try to take any of her time, since I knew how busy she was. She is a music teacher of an elementary school with 436 students. She teaches every single one of them.
My first question was "What are your responsibilities?"
Her first response was:"To take the kids off the teachers hands for an hour, so they can have a break away from these naughty kids!" Then, after a laugh she said, "my responsibility is to give the kids a taste of what music can do for them. Some enjoy it, some don't, but ideally I want them to all feel safe and have a little break away from normal classroom setting."
Me: "What are the hardest parts of your job?"
Her: "Dealing with students who refuse to do what I ask them to do, so they take away from others enjoyment." The schedule is also very hard for her. She sees 2/3's of the 436 students every day. She doesnt have ANY breaks between classes (except for one 5 min. break), and barely has enough time with them to get anything done. Also, since there is no time between classes, she cant write down what she has done, or prepare for the next class. I have watched this madness, and I know how crazy it is for her to play 4-5 lesson plans in one day. I could never do it without help. It's a good thing she has been doing this for so long, and has all the stuff for it.
Me: "What are the best parts of your job?"
Her: "I have such great students, except for maybe 2 or 3. I really do enjoy them." "I also have a cooperative administrator and I am grateful for that, because I know they arent always cooperative with the music departments anymore. The collegue assosiation is great. I love the atmosphere at the school. Of course the best part is making a difference in the lives of the kids. Thats at least what I hope is being done."
Last of all I asked her if she had any suggestions for me. She said that she would tell me to start early and keep good records. She said "when you save it, know where it is saved! This will save you hours of work, if you do it correctly." She also suggested that anyone in a school setting become best friends with the janitor and the secretary staff.
All in all I learned a lot from this interview and I was glad to get to know her even better than I already did!
My first question was "What are your responsibilities?"
Her first response was:"To take the kids off the teachers hands for an hour, so they can have a break away from these naughty kids!" Then, after a laugh she said, "my responsibility is to give the kids a taste of what music can do for them. Some enjoy it, some don't, but ideally I want them to all feel safe and have a little break away from normal classroom setting."
Me: "What are the hardest parts of your job?"
Her: "Dealing with students who refuse to do what I ask them to do, so they take away from others enjoyment." The schedule is also very hard for her. She sees 2/3's of the 436 students every day. She doesnt have ANY breaks between classes (except for one 5 min. break), and barely has enough time with them to get anything done. Also, since there is no time between classes, she cant write down what she has done, or prepare for the next class. I have watched this madness, and I know how crazy it is for her to play 4-5 lesson plans in one day. I could never do it without help. It's a good thing she has been doing this for so long, and has all the stuff for it.
Me: "What are the best parts of your job?"
Her: "I have such great students, except for maybe 2 or 3. I really do enjoy them." "I also have a cooperative administrator and I am grateful for that, because I know they arent always cooperative with the music departments anymore. The collegue assosiation is great. I love the atmosphere at the school. Of course the best part is making a difference in the lives of the kids. Thats at least what I hope is being done."
Last of all I asked her if she had any suggestions for me. She said that she would tell me to start early and keep good records. She said "when you save it, know where it is saved! This will save you hours of work, if you do it correctly." She also suggested that anyone in a school setting become best friends with the janitor and the secretary staff.
All in all I learned a lot from this interview and I was glad to get to know her even better than I already did!
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