Get Involved

TEACHER FIRED OVER FACEBOOK COMMENT 

We have all read a tabloid like this somewhere, why? Well some teachers did not take that warning that every student teacher gets on their first day of orientation: If you have Facebook you better up the security, change your name and keep it clean.  For all those teachers who have lost their jobs over Facebook those 3 little rules would have probably allowed them to still be in the classroom today. 

from: bluekdesign

Though the topic of Facebook in education is an interesting one it is not the one I want to talk about today.  Today I would like to talk about the complete opposite thing.  Rather than discussing all the ways that you can create a negative image in a community I want to talk about how to create positive ones.

I was fortunate to grow up in a very philanthropic family who always encouraged me to get involved in community events and fundraisers.  Also being on many sports teams throughout my high school career I learned what it meant to represent your town with class and sportsmanship.  These were important in giving a positive imagine to my community.

My brothers and I playing hockey

Now that I am in education giving a positive view of myself is important.  In just over a year I am going to be selling myself at some job interview in the hopes that I can land a job.  If I do manage to get a job then by that fall I will have many eyes and ears wondering just who I am and if the school board did the right thing in hiring me.  I, on the other hand, will be busy making lesson plans, unit outlines, developing activities, classroom management plans, etc., all the busy work a first time teacher.  Unfortunately cooping myself up in my home or classroom is not going to help my critics think I am a worthy teacher for their precious children.  To convince them I am right for the job I need to meet them and to do this I will have to leave my shelter of preparing and go out in the community.  If I go to local sporting events, plays and suppers I will surely meet my future student and parents.  Also if a managed a way to get involved like working canteens, volunteering at suppers or coaching a baseball team I would be able to send a message that I am committed to this community.  This will surely give my critics a reason to  feel I worthy of educating their children even before their kids go back to school.

My friends and I playing Volleyball

Another thing to consider is that as a first time teacher the job you will get will likely be in a community you are unfamiliar with.  Getting involved in the community and volunteering for the local centers is a great way to meet people in a casual, yet positive way.  You will need these connections as the stressful first year of teaching progresses.  Besides the local bar, though a beverage after a tough day of work may be nice, is not something you want to associate yourself with when trying to build a professional image in a community.

In concluding I challenge all you new students going out into the field this year to get involved in your community.  It will help with teacher parent relationship and give you a needed escape form the hours of preparing I know you are will be going through.

Good luck and get out there!