Blog in the Field

        I thought the blog was very intriguing. As a student that would like to focus on teaching kids with needs, the controversial issue always comes up of how physical is the teacher allowed to get with a student to get them under control. With the, “Keeping All Students Safe Act,” it states, “Students should never be subjected to abusive or violent disciplinary strategies or left alone and unsupervised.” However, the law limits teacher immensely.

               It’s not that I believe we should be physical with students but there are certain circumstances when kids especially in an EBD room that become out of control and put other students at risk. For instance, a fifth grade boy as big as me, began pushing desks around, tearing apart the room, then proceeded to leave the classroom very upset causing commotion in the hallway. After the teacher caught him, she called the principle in which it took two more aids to get him in a room by himself. The student was previously warned several times that he had to calm down or he would have to go into the room until he did, because he couldn’t act how he did around the students. What strikes me is what would have happened if the principle wasn’t there. It was only legal for them to place hands on him because the principle came in for assistance and the police were called too. What action does a teacher take when a kid begins to get completely out of control? Sometimes, a teacher does need to become physical in order to keep a safe environment for the other children around. However, don’t take my words the wrong way. I do not think abuse is ok at all. Becoming physical with a student should not be a common technique, but the last resort.  However, I would like to see senator Harkin, the Democratic sponsor of the bill, be forced to teach an EBD room for a month and see how he responds to children completely out of control.    
          http://specialedlaw.blogs.com/                        

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Technology in Education

    The article Integrating Web 2.0 Technology into the Classroom references within the first page that “the Internet is now a rich and engaging world, a robust sphere of influence that surpasses and encompasses all other forms of Communication. It provides new ways of communicating on an almost daily basis. The Web of tomorrow offers nearly unlimited opportunity for learning, comprehension, retention and study, as well as personal growth and exploration, excitement and creativity, to a degree that books and videos will never achieve.” The article then lists different ways the internet can be utilized in the classroom like through Blogs, Wikis, Forums, Multimedia Galleries, and even Chat Rooms in the classroom. I agree with the article immensely! In my future classroom I believe it will be important to instill web use into the curriculum. Instead, of doing journal entries every day, I would have my students switch off between Blogs, and writing. Therefore, my students get the best of both worlds. Also simply learning how to use an email would be beneficial younger. Times are changing and technology is surpassing the typical pen and paper. As times change it is necessary as teachers we prepare our students for the future. Therefore, I will be looking for new ways to integrate the Web learning into my classroom. 

http://ict-in-science-education.wikispaces.com/file/view/ClassroomTwoPointZero.pdf

Teaching Philosophy

   My teaching philosophy revolves around six notations. First,it is our job as teachers to make sure that every child's needs are met. We need to be willing to accommodate and modify to children needs at any moment. Also remember when teaching, it doesn’t mean being “fair," it means pushing each student to his or her fullest potential. Second, we have to be ready to think fast on our feet in the middle of lesson when a child isn’t getting the material. Third, we need to be flexible, patient, and caring. Fourth most of all we need to be willing to give up our own free time in order to help those struggling when class time isn't enough.  Fifth, if we cannot explain to students why something we are teaching is important then send them home, because there is no reason for students to waste their time in school. Sixth, in order for learning to occur with the students, we need to build a foundation of respect. 

Autobiographical Information

    Hi, my name is Kelsey. I am a student at UW Oshkosh. In spring of 2014, I will graduate with a Dual Major in Special Ed. and Elementary Education. Currently, two of my three jobs are working with children. One night a week is dedicated to being a line therapist for an 11-year-old boy with autism while another is to being a respite provider for a 10-year-old boy who is blind, nonverbal, and tube fed.  My busy life doesn’t end with the children. I work over 20 hours a week at Starbucks. Though some may not be able to balance school, homework, and work, I like to think I do a very good job time managing. Believe it or not I do manage to fit in my TV shows, friends, the love of my life Zac (in the picture above), family, church, and sleep. Typically, what I usually run (no punt intended) out of time doing is hitting the gym to run which is where I am able to release the most stress. I am hoping soon I will get a consistent schedule down so that I am able to fit in all the activities I would love to do like working out.