Student Teaching: Week 1 Review New Teachers by Joel Wagner - January 10, 2009June 30, 20104 With the end of what for many is the first week of student teaching, I wanted to look around at some of the blogs out there written by student teachers. I expect my Student Teaching Project to grow over the course of the semester, but for now I want to look at all of the student teaching related posts I know of from this week. Sunday January 4 - Mr. Spurlin writes out his Student Teaching Resolutions in which he lays out some plans that he has for this upcoming semester. Monday January 5 - Mattie writes The First Day... sigh in which she notices teacher dress code, students who resemble some of her former classmates, and the language
Just How Important Is Excellence? Personal by Joel Wagner - December 13, 2008July 1, 201011 I love competition. I thrive on competition. I love being able to get a group of kids to create a powerfully musical performance. These are tremendous things. But I have come to realize that this is not the most important thing we can do. If we lose sight of why we are in education and focus solely on winning (having the most kids pass TAKS, getting more kids in the all region choir, having an undefeated volleyball season, or whatever), we miss out on an opportunity for some of the greatest education we can provide. As a band director, I struggle to ensure that my pursuit of musical excellence does not overtake my desire to provide a high quality education