Chapter One

As a group answer the following questions related to Chapter One.  Answers should be several sentences long.

1.   What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a teacher?

2.   What are the satisfactions—and complaints—of today’s teachers?

3.   Can we consider teaching to be a profession?

4.   How has teacher preparation changed over the years?

5.   Do educators and the public agree on the most effective way to prepare teachers?

6.   What traits and characteristics are needed for successful teaching?

7.   Is teaching a “good fit” for you?

8.   What steps can you take now on the road to becoming a teacher?

Individual Assignment:

Building Blocks of My Ideal Teaching Position

This activity is designed to help you begin to identify the factors which should be considered as you plan your teacher education programs and seek your first teaching position.

            Please complete the following statements, then rank each factor in order of importance to you. You may consider which factors could be sacrificed in order to obtain your first priority.

   The geographic location where I would most like to work is:

   The grade level I would like to teach is:

   The salary I want to receive is:

   The level of responsibility I wish to have in my school is:

   The working conditions I require are:

   The values and goals of the school where I work should be:

   The administration's attitude toward teaching should be:

   The school should allow me to:

As a group:

            Please share your priorities with group members and discuss the reasons and interests behind your decisions.

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