Blog Assignment #9

 Mr. McClung’s blog First Year, he discusses attention abandonment from students and others. He states this is a major issue with beginning teachers. Mr. McClung states that his mindset in college and internship was all about teachers and being assessed by peers and educators. He credits those factors for his lack of focus pertaining to his audience. Maintaining the focus on the students and remaining flexible are some of the main keys to becoming a successful educator. Mr. McClung says, “NO LESSON IS EVER PERFECT. THE LESSON YOU TEACH AND THE ONE YOU PLAN ARE ALWAYS DIFFERENT.” Educators must maintain flexibility. Rolling with the punches and being a chameleon. Flexibility and the ability to take on many roles are other aspects of becoming an effective educator. Communication is another key to being a successful teacher and faculty member. Being an effective communicator can not only benefit the teacher in the classroom, but with faculty relationships. Creating bridges with others can create more resources and possibilities for yourself, your classroom, and your students. Another good piece of advice seems simple: Set reasonable and obtainable goals for students and yourself. Sometimes creating unreachable or unrealistic goals can be harmful or discouraging to students. Another suggestion Mr. McClung makes is listening to the opinions of students, faculty, and others. The last point from Mr. McClung’s first year is continual learning as an educator. With technology constantly evolving and resources becoming more available and effective, teachers should never lose the desire to improve and learn. 

In Mr. McClung's Third year, he discusses his experiences and reflections. Similar to his experiences in the first year, he reiterates that teachers should never forget that students are the main focus. Constantly keeping the students in mind is still the main way to be effective. Mr. McClung mentions teacher’s crossing over to the "dark-side." The "dark-side" is when educators ignore students and do not consider the opinions of others. I refuse to ever cross into the "dark-side" of teaching. I really admire the teachers who sit with their students at lunch and appropriately communicate/relate to their students. Also, teachers should teach their students to do activities, not just how to do it. Mr. McClung identifies teachers as being "movers and shakers," continuing to always move forward and shaking the normality. Educators should never become comfortable with their teaching strategies. Keep moving and shaking as well as learning and growing!