A Teacher's Responsibility

I think that if you are going to teach, especially in a large ethnically diverse setting, having some basic knowledge about a culture will give you a big leg up. When you show the students you respect their culture and way of life, it will make it a lot easier to bridge that gap. The teaching profession is a life long learning journey in which getting familiar with other cultures should definetly be a part of. Teaching overseas is something I could possibly be looking forward to do after graduation, so I will definetly have the responsibility to familiarize myself with the culture of the country I go to. Peoples beliefs and way of life differ throughout the world, so you can not approach any teaching situation the same as the one before. By being around different cultures, it will create a more rounded individual as well.

Reaching Out

When trying to reach out and teach students who might be in poverty or considered high risk, patience is the number one thing that will help. This will help break down some barriers that have been created by these kids back backgrounds and/or upbringing. These types of kids really want someone to listen to them because they are so used to being put down all the time. One thing that won't help is when you try to repramand them without any reason to why you are doing it. This can cause the situation to get tense and so this approach does not really work that well. After working with kids who are at risk and have behavioral problems, I have noticed the best thing to do to help them learn is explaining things very simply. The last thing you want to do though is belittle them by reminding them that they are indeed students who do need an extra hand in their learning experience.

Student Voice

The student's role in their own education is important up to a point. Student council and similar organizations at the high school level are very good outlets for this. It is here that kids get to vote for class presidents, and so on. This can provide real world experience for them. Hearing from the students directly can help some teachers to tailor their lesson plans. This would definetly be for the classes that are considered "boring" for a typical student.
With all the new technology these days, children need more visual stimulation at all grade levels to maintain their attention. Having students involved in areas of their education can also teach them valuble leadership skills for the future. As long as students don't dictate every area of their education, I don't see why having them involved somewhere in their school will be a bad thing. This input that they can give will be valuble because it will help teachers and administration to reach a ever changing group of young people.

Critical Need for Quality Teachers

Teaching colleges gradutate a lot of people that have degrees in education, its the ones that decide to stay in the field that end up being the teachers that make a difference. There is a large turn over rate in the first probationary years, probably due to the starting salary being not as high as some other professions. Also, because a lot of new teachers can not deal with all the politics that go on in the American school system. One bad thing is that all the older teachers are at, or near retimrement age, so there will be a huge need in the next 10-15 years.
Another thing that is happening is that some districts are so desparate for teachers, they are hiring people that just obtained thier teachers certificate, but have no education background. These people usually come from another career in business or other path. This could result in the quality of the students education being effected negatively because the new teachers did not go through any sort of teachers program.
For me, the realization of a smaller starting salery does not really effect my decision of wanting to go into this field. I am going into education because I want to be a good role model for children. Also, to set good examples for them so they can see how being a teacher can be a "cool" job to have. Being in this field because you want to be, not because your doing it so you can find a better paying job, will make all the difference in the world.
I think that starting out here at the community college is a great stepping stone in that direction. By being one of a few men that decide to go into elementary education, that in itself will provide children with a diverse and non-stereotypical teaching view.