Just Average

First off, I would like to thank those that took the time to answer my blog post; I really appreciate it! After reading your responses, I thought of an experience I had. A few months ago, I was standing in front of a classroom, when the teacher, whom I had just met, asked me: "Why should I try when I can just be average?" When I went to answer with my usual, sarcastic remarks, I realized that this was a great question. This is an ethical dilemma many students struggle with on a daily basis, especially towards the end of their academic careers. Based on your feedback, there seems to be a consensus that going out of our way to do things for others is rewarding and gives us a sense of well-being and self-worth. Now if only I could figure out how to convince my students that!!!

Life as a Future Teacher

As promised in my welcome message, this post is less about running, and more about going the extra mile. As a senior at WCU, I realize my days on campus are slowly dwindling. As I anticipate my December graduation, I am anxiously awaiting my student teaching placement. Currently, I am working at Kennett High School in their mentoring program,"Writing Zones". This program helps students develop their writing and research skills. Not only does this program benefit high school students, but it also provides WCU students the experience necessary to transition smoothly into student teaching.

Last Friday, I was in a classroom full of 10th graders. Prior to class, the teacher pulled me aside and asked me to work closely with a student with an IEP. For those of you who don't know, IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan. This usually means a student needs adaptations/accommodations to help them learn.This is NOT unusual; however, it was my first experience working closely with a student that needed accommodations.

 When I was first introduced to his research topic, graphics novels in the classroom, I was overjoyed. Last fall, I spent an entire semester defending the literary value of graphic novels in the classroom. After spending the period hopelessly looking through his articles, I realized he was having trouble comprehending the material because his resources weren't useful. I went to his teacher after class and explained the problem: as he looked defeated, he threw out the articles and said, "We're gonna have to try again".

After mulling it over on my way home, I decided I had the perfect article for him: a visual representation of graphic novels in the classroom. I sent a PDF of the article to his teacher, whom I just met that day. He was very grateful, and ultimately, I knew the visual representations of graphic novels would help accommodate him. Below is a screenshot of the article:

Please take a chance to consider a time where YOU went the extra mile and share with me in the comment field!