Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The End of the Semester for English 51
Well, it's the end of the semester for Spring 2009. I am excited to take the summer off, as well as to have been apart of such an awesome class. Mr. Murphy was one of the best teachers I have ever had and I am glad I had the opportunity to be in his class. I am really hoping I pass this class with a good grade, but I am confident that I will. Thank you to Mr. Murphy and College of the Desert!!!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Some Lessons from the Assembly Line
This essay talks about how important school is and how the security of the job he was at was not always going to be there. He mentions that he is glad he stuck with school and he plans to continue with it until he is completed.
It's Simply Not Worth It
When I read this essay, I felt glad that she put all of the words together about the way I have felt about many of my jobs before. I was able to identify with the way this poor girl felt about going to a job, where she was very much unappreciated for all of her hard work. I remember the last job I was at treated me so unfairly that finally I went to lunch and came back quitting my job. I left without prior notice. I guess that was my way of getting back at them. But going back to school has helped me out alot also.
Career Essay: Elementary School Teacher
Lora Garcia
J. Murphy
English 51
13 May 2009
The Upcoming Elementary School Teacher
Ever since I was a little girl, my life-long dream was to become an elementary school teacher. I was always intrigued when I went to school, to see all of the things my teacher had in store for us. I especially liked all of the little supplies she had, like the stickers and treasure box she rewarded us with. I also remember all of the fun activities we got to do like finger painting, playing “heads up seven up” on rainy days, playing kick ball outside and going on field trips. As I was getting older, I did not realize how much really went in to becoming a teacher until I began going to college. In an interview with an Elementary School Teacher, Mrs. Bolanos, she stated, ”Going to college is good, no matter what you do in life.”
Training
Public school teachers in every state are required to have bachelor's degrees. One must also have completed an approved teacher training program that includes earning a specified number of subject and education credits, in addition to practical training, i.e. student teaching. Some states also require teachers to earn a master's degree within a certain amount of time. Requirements for preschool teachers vary by state. Some require a bachelor's degree in early childhood education while others require an associate's degree (McKay par.3).
As the time passes by, it seems that more and more requirements are added to achieve the goal of ultimately becoming an elementary school teacher. As stated by third grade elementary school teacher, Mr. Nunez, “the amount of training and sacrifice you must go through to become a- school teacher is challenging to say the least. You must be extremely committed and patient to reap it’s rewards. But in the end it is all worth it” (Nunez).
Many 4-year colleges require students to wait until their sophomore year before applying for admission to teacher education programs. To maintain their accreditation, teacher education programs are now required to include classes in the use of computers and other technologies. Most programs require students to perform a student-teaching internship. Teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. Graduation from an accredited program is not necessary to become a teacher, but it may make fulfilling licensure requirements easier (Teachers-Preschool, Kindergarten, Middle and Secondary).
Duties
The duties depend on what grade level you are teaching, for instance, in Kindergarten, the standards are completely different than the ones for fifth grade. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, or English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom
discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student’s performance and potential and increasingly are asked to use new assessment methods (Teachers-Preschool, Kindergarten, Middle and Secondary).
In my current position as a reading fluency tutor, I now get to see firsthand what the teachers go through on a day-to-day basis. The amount of respect and discipline that goes into such a job is quite amazing. “Most people probably think that being a teacher is exciting and the students just sit there in the chairs and listen quietly. Not usually, being a teacher is actually very hard work and requires a huge amount of patience and organizational skills” (Bolanos). Also I notice that every teacher has a schedule either hanging up on their walls or posted on their blackboards. Without these things, I think the stress levels can be tremendously high for a teacher.
Salary
Median annual earnings of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers ranged from $43,580 to $48,690 in 2006 (McKay par.7). According to Mr. Nunez, the amount of money an elementary school teacher makes is about the same as what a janitor makes in the same school district. He also said in his face-face interview, that financially speaking, all of the student loans and money put into going to school to become a teacher does not pay back nearly enough to make it all worth it. But he then quotes “seeing the students learn and making a difference in their lives makes me feel a lot better” (Nunez). I do not think teachers get paid nearly as much as they should be making. It is ridiculous how there are some people with less qualifications that are making more than a teacher’s salary.
Job Outlook
In reviewing the different references I have collected, I have mixed opinions from people as to if the career of becoming a teacher will be in demand in the future. According to Dawn Rosenberg Mckay at About.com, employment of kindergarten through secondary school teachers
will grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016. Job opportunities will vary from good to excellent. This will depend on location, grade level and subject specialty (McKay par.6). However, as I interviewed Ms. Bolanos she felt that the field of education is falling more into technology and advised me that if I still want to become a teacher, to study about computers and technology, it will be around most definitely (Bolanos).
After researching this information and conducting the interviews I am not sure if a teacher position will be available for me in the future, especially since I just started going to college. It seems as though I have a long way to go to something that may not even be available to me. I have talked to many different school teachers from grades: kindergarten through sixth grade and every time I mention that I want to pursue a career as a school teacher; I get a weird look on their faces. As if with the way the economy has been going, that I must be crazy to want to jump into so much time and financial responsibilities for something that is not to secure even now.
Conclusion
With all of the information I have gathered, I am not sure I want to go into the field of primary teaching after all. I do not feel confident in the stability of that career nor the lack of the
budget for it. I am afraid that if I take on the financial responsibilities to fulfill the requirements I may not have a job to go to, than it would not have been worth it. Also, I am not sure how much of the technology world is going to take over education. As it is, the teachers that are currently employed are fighting to keep their jobs, it makes my decision only that much more difficult to make. I also see the rift this has caused between the staff at the school I work at and the tension is very high. In conclusion, I feel that I will keep going to college for the meantime, and then when the time comes I will make my ultimate decision on if I still want to be a teacher or not.
J. Murphy
English 51
13 May 2009
The Upcoming Elementary School Teacher
Ever since I was a little girl, my life-long dream was to become an elementary school teacher. I was always intrigued when I went to school, to see all of the things my teacher had in store for us. I especially liked all of the little supplies she had, like the stickers and treasure box she rewarded us with. I also remember all of the fun activities we got to do like finger painting, playing “heads up seven up” on rainy days, playing kick ball outside and going on field trips. As I was getting older, I did not realize how much really went in to becoming a teacher until I began going to college. In an interview with an Elementary School Teacher, Mrs. Bolanos, she stated, ”Going to college is good, no matter what you do in life.”
Training
Public school teachers in every state are required to have bachelor's degrees. One must also have completed an approved teacher training program that includes earning a specified number of subject and education credits, in addition to practical training, i.e. student teaching. Some states also require teachers to earn a master's degree within a certain amount of time. Requirements for preschool teachers vary by state. Some require a bachelor's degree in early childhood education while others require an associate's degree (McKay par.3).
As the time passes by, it seems that more and more requirements are added to achieve the goal of ultimately becoming an elementary school teacher. As stated by third grade elementary school teacher, Mr. Nunez, “the amount of training and sacrifice you must go through to become a- school teacher is challenging to say the least. You must be extremely committed and patient to reap it’s rewards. But in the end it is all worth it” (Nunez).
Many 4-year colleges require students to wait until their sophomore year before applying for admission to teacher education programs. To maintain their accreditation, teacher education programs are now required to include classes in the use of computers and other technologies. Most programs require students to perform a student-teaching internship. Teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. Graduation from an accredited program is not necessary to become a teacher, but it may make fulfilling licensure requirements easier (Teachers-Preschool, Kindergarten, Middle and Secondary).
Duties
The duties depend on what grade level you are teaching, for instance, in Kindergarten, the standards are completely different than the ones for fifth grade. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, or English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom
discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student’s performance and potential and increasingly are asked to use new assessment methods (Teachers-Preschool, Kindergarten, Middle and Secondary).
In my current position as a reading fluency tutor, I now get to see firsthand what the teachers go through on a day-to-day basis. The amount of respect and discipline that goes into such a job is quite amazing. “Most people probably think that being a teacher is exciting and the students just sit there in the chairs and listen quietly. Not usually, being a teacher is actually very hard work and requires a huge amount of patience and organizational skills” (Bolanos). Also I notice that every teacher has a schedule either hanging up on their walls or posted on their blackboards. Without these things, I think the stress levels can be tremendously high for a teacher.
Salary
Median annual earnings of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers ranged from $43,580 to $48,690 in 2006 (McKay par.7). According to Mr. Nunez, the amount of money an elementary school teacher makes is about the same as what a janitor makes in the same school district. He also said in his face-face interview, that financially speaking, all of the student loans and money put into going to school to become a teacher does not pay back nearly enough to make it all worth it. But he then quotes “seeing the students learn and making a difference in their lives makes me feel a lot better” (Nunez). I do not think teachers get paid nearly as much as they should be making. It is ridiculous how there are some people with less qualifications that are making more than a teacher’s salary.
Job Outlook
In reviewing the different references I have collected, I have mixed opinions from people as to if the career of becoming a teacher will be in demand in the future. According to Dawn Rosenberg Mckay at About.com, employment of kindergarten through secondary school teachers
will grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016. Job opportunities will vary from good to excellent. This will depend on location, grade level and subject specialty (McKay par.6). However, as I interviewed Ms. Bolanos she felt that the field of education is falling more into technology and advised me that if I still want to become a teacher, to study about computers and technology, it will be around most definitely (Bolanos).
After researching this information and conducting the interviews I am not sure if a teacher position will be available for me in the future, especially since I just started going to college. It seems as though I have a long way to go to something that may not even be available to me. I have talked to many different school teachers from grades: kindergarten through sixth grade and every time I mention that I want to pursue a career as a school teacher; I get a weird look on their faces. As if with the way the economy has been going, that I must be crazy to want to jump into so much time and financial responsibilities for something that is not to secure even now.
Conclusion
With all of the information I have gathered, I am not sure I want to go into the field of primary teaching after all. I do not feel confident in the stability of that career nor the lack of the
budget for it. I am afraid that if I take on the financial responsibilities to fulfill the requirements I may not have a job to go to, than it would not have been worth it. Also, I am not sure how much of the technology world is going to take over education. As it is, the teachers that are currently employed are fighting to keep their jobs, it makes my decision only that much more difficult to make. I also see the rift this has caused between the staff at the school I work at and the tension is very high. In conclusion, I feel that I will keep going to college for the meantime, and then when the time comes I will make my ultimate decision on if I still want to be a teacher or not.
Descriptive Essay: My Hospital Room
Lora Garcia
Mr. Murphy
English 51
1 March 2009
My Hospital Room
A couple of weeks ago I had a baby by Cesarean Section and had to stay in a hospital for a few days. During this time, I was aware of everything in my room during my stay.
In my room there were lots of things around me. There was an I.V. stand next to me for most of the time with tubes connected to my arm. There was a television for my roommate and I to share. I saw the pale colored walls in each of the four corners of the room, not very vibrant or colorful at all. In fact, I don’t think the room was cheerful either.
I remember the smell of the room, with it’s sanitary sprays and cleaners. I guess it stays fresh and clean, especially since there is someone from housekeeping there about every four hours. I also remember the smells of the food they brought three times a day. I liked when I started to smell that food coming around the corner to my room. It felt like I was always hungry and waiting for food.
When I tasted the food, it was like I had not eaten in days. Even though each bite went down very quickly, I loved the flavors each meal had. It was so delicious and nutritious at the same time. I had no complaints about my hospital food at all.
As I was recovering in my room after the surgery, I could hear my roommate’s crying baby and her calling for the nurse all of the time. I also heard nurses walking by and talking, not to mention coming into the room checking my vitals and taking blood samples at all hours of the night and morning.
Finally I got to hear the sweet sounds of my own baby. As I held him in my arms, all the pain I felt to have him, seemed like a distant memory at that point. It all seemed worth it just to touch his little hands and feet for the first time. I just want to hold him in my arms forever.
Mr. Murphy
English 51
1 March 2009
My Hospital Room
A couple of weeks ago I had a baby by Cesarean Section and had to stay in a hospital for a few days. During this time, I was aware of everything in my room during my stay.
In my room there were lots of things around me. There was an I.V. stand next to me for most of the time with tubes connected to my arm. There was a television for my roommate and I to share. I saw the pale colored walls in each of the four corners of the room, not very vibrant or colorful at all. In fact, I don’t think the room was cheerful either.
I remember the smell of the room, with it’s sanitary sprays and cleaners. I guess it stays fresh and clean, especially since there is someone from housekeeping there about every four hours. I also remember the smells of the food they brought three times a day. I liked when I started to smell that food coming around the corner to my room. It felt like I was always hungry and waiting for food.
When I tasted the food, it was like I had not eaten in days. Even though each bite went down very quickly, I loved the flavors each meal had. It was so delicious and nutritious at the same time. I had no complaints about my hospital food at all.
As I was recovering in my room after the surgery, I could hear my roommate’s crying baby and her calling for the nurse all of the time. I also heard nurses walking by and talking, not to mention coming into the room checking my vitals and taking blood samples at all hours of the night and morning.
Finally I got to hear the sweet sounds of my own baby. As I held him in my arms, all the pain I felt to have him, seemed like a distant memory at that point. It all seemed worth it just to touch his little hands and feet for the first time. I just want to hold him in my arms forever.
Definition Essay: Childhood Sexual Abuse
Lora Garcia
J. Murphy
English 51
29 April 2009
Childhood Sexual Abuse
Have you been sexually abused as a child? Do you know of someone who has? The concept that I am trying to present are the warning signs of sexual abuse in children and the life-long “sentence” it will trigger in them. There are many different types of sexual abuse and ways to define them. It is important for everybody to know these facts, so that maybe most of it can be prevented. The key is to have the information known by everyone, no matter how young.
There is a picture in my mind. A picture of a child, with whose innocence untampered with, gets to live a normal life. A life that is filled with normal relationships and social abilities and can grow with a healthy mind. A child who doesn’t have to struggle through life with feelings of guilt, unworthiness and depression. One who trusts in love and doesn’t have to “act out” for attention or to shelter the pain. Unfortunately, these things are exactly opposite of what a child must go through after being sexually abused, especially by a “loved one”.
According to The National Library of Medicine, “child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse in which a child is abused for the sexual gratification of an adult or older adolescent”. Most of the time by a child’s own family member. “In addition to direct sexual contact, child sexual abuse also occurs when an adult indecently exposes their genitalia to a child, asks or pressures a child to engage in sexual activities, displays pornography to a child, or uses a child to produce child pornography” (Martin, J.,Anderson; J. Romans; S., et al 1993).
Child sexual abuse has been reported up to 80,000 times a year, but the number of unreported instances is far greater, because the children are afraid to tell anyone what has happened and the legal procedure for validating an episode is difficult. “The problem should be identified, the abuse stopped, and the child should receive professional help” (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry).
I believe child abuse in general, disrupts a child’s entire childhood and abilities to deal with life. Sexual abuse in a child is like giving them a death sentence because of all of the pain and struggles they must go through for the rest of their lives like a dark shadow. Also, I think the punishment for pedophiles; molesters and child abusers should be far greater than what it is now.
The long-term emotional and psychological damage of sexual abuse can be devastating to the child; with all of the pain and anguish they have to endure, the effects are far beyond what most people realize. It can also be a nightmare for the parents who have a child or children whom have been abused. The possible repercussions something like this would cause could be a dangerous situation for the abuser. Also, the parents might never be able to heal the pain of his or her child because of it. That is, if the parent even believes their child, or even cares to know such a horrendous act has occurred with them. I hope none of my children ever have to go through it and will do everything in power to make sure it does not!!
Works Cited
A b “Child Sexual Abuse” Medline Plus. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2008-04-02
Martin, J.,Anderson; J. Romans; S., et al (1993). “Asking About Child Sexual Abuse: Methodological Implications of a Two-Stage Survey, Child Abuse and Neglect”, 17, 383-392.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry No. 28; July 2004 http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/responding_to_child_sexual_abuse
J. Murphy
English 51
29 April 2009
Childhood Sexual Abuse
Have you been sexually abused as a child? Do you know of someone who has? The concept that I am trying to present are the warning signs of sexual abuse in children and the life-long “sentence” it will trigger in them. There are many different types of sexual abuse and ways to define them. It is important for everybody to know these facts, so that maybe most of it can be prevented. The key is to have the information known by everyone, no matter how young.
There is a picture in my mind. A picture of a child, with whose innocence untampered with, gets to live a normal life. A life that is filled with normal relationships and social abilities and can grow with a healthy mind. A child who doesn’t have to struggle through life with feelings of guilt, unworthiness and depression. One who trusts in love and doesn’t have to “act out” for attention or to shelter the pain. Unfortunately, these things are exactly opposite of what a child must go through after being sexually abused, especially by a “loved one”.
According to The National Library of Medicine, “child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse in which a child is abused for the sexual gratification of an adult or older adolescent”. Most of the time by a child’s own family member. “In addition to direct sexual contact, child sexual abuse also occurs when an adult indecently exposes their genitalia to a child, asks or pressures a child to engage in sexual activities, displays pornography to a child, or uses a child to produce child pornography” (Martin, J.,Anderson; J. Romans; S., et al 1993).
Child sexual abuse has been reported up to 80,000 times a year, but the number of unreported instances is far greater, because the children are afraid to tell anyone what has happened and the legal procedure for validating an episode is difficult. “The problem should be identified, the abuse stopped, and the child should receive professional help” (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry).
I believe child abuse in general, disrupts a child’s entire childhood and abilities to deal with life. Sexual abuse in a child is like giving them a death sentence because of all of the pain and struggles they must go through for the rest of their lives like a dark shadow. Also, I think the punishment for pedophiles; molesters and child abusers should be far greater than what it is now.
The long-term emotional and psychological damage of sexual abuse can be devastating to the child; with all of the pain and anguish they have to endure, the effects are far beyond what most people realize. It can also be a nightmare for the parents who have a child or children whom have been abused. The possible repercussions something like this would cause could be a dangerous situation for the abuser. Also, the parents might never be able to heal the pain of his or her child because of it. That is, if the parent even believes their child, or even cares to know such a horrendous act has occurred with them. I hope none of my children ever have to go through it and will do everything in power to make sure it does not!!
Works Cited
A b “Child Sexual Abuse” Medline Plus. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2008-04-02
Martin, J.,Anderson; J. Romans; S., et al (1993). “Asking About Child Sexual Abuse: Methodological Implications of a Two-Stage Survey, Child Abuse and Neglect”, 17, 383-392.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry No. 28; July 2004 http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/responding_to_child_sexual_abuse
The Plot Against People
In my opinion, this essay was very interesting. I think that it is so true that inanimate objects always having a way of breaking down at the worst times. I talks about the machines seem to be always against humans.
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