Samantha Phillips Education 200 Learning Tool Activity 1a. What are the roles of teachers in society?

Teachers are responsible for providing children with the knowledge they need in order to grow as a student or person. It is important to for teachers to be a role model for students in order to demonstrate what is expected of their students. 1b. How does society view the role of teachers? Society views teachers in many different ways. One end of the spectrum shows teachers as an important part of a childs life and someone who is entrusted to mold the minds of children. On the other end, teachers are seen as glorified babysitters who get paid too much to have too little to do. Its a shame, to me, that teachers arent viewed in a more positive light. Without teachers, there would be no other profession. 2. What are some of the things teachers have to deal with? Among many things, teachers have to deal with parents. Even though what happens in the classroom is ultimately the teachers decision, it often times creates problems with the parents. In some cases, a child doing badly in your class will mean meeting with a parent who could want to blame you for their problems. But, it is important to understand that a positive relationship with parents is important to the success of the child. 3a. What do you believe is changing in todays education? Unlike education from several decades ago, todays education shows a lot less lenience. If a child needs disciplined, it has to be done the proper way. Corporal punishment is a thing of the past and if punishments arent done correctly, a lawsuit could be handed out. Also, children are not denied public education because of disabilities. PL 94-142 states that all children have the right to receive a free appropriate public education regardless of disability. 3b. How will you deal with the changes? The only way to deal with changes is to do just that: deal with it. Changes are part of teaching. When the law changed and no longer allowed for teachers to physically punish a child in school, there were new ways of dealing with misbehavior established. It has proven very affective in that not every child responds to the same type of punishment. So, if I were told that I am no longer allowed to do something in my classroom that I have become accustomed to, I will simply find a new, better way of doing it. 4. Do you have a teacher who motivated you or inspired you in some way? Absolutely. It is hard to believe that anyone who aspires to be a teacher doesnt have a role model in the teaching profession. Mine is Kathy Gibson who was my third and fourth grade teacher at Poca Elementary. She is the one who has inspired me to become an educator for so many reason. Her passion for teaching, love for children, and caring nature demonstrates the epitome of a great teacher. Although I can think of many teachers who have touched my life in some way, I cannot deny that Mrs. Gibson played the largest role in my life during school.