U20121@UICVM.BITNET (Steven L. Jordan) (02/23/90)
Index Number: 6922 Cliff Stevens has stimulated a lively discussion on whether or not he should teach. I would like to add a couple thoughts-- I have been teaching children and preparing math and computer teachers for grades K-grad school. The first point is a romantic one; the second pragmatic. 1. The central question for Cliff (and for any potential teacher) is does he want to teach? Does he enjoy helping people learn? Does he have an infectious passion for a particular academic subject? Without a deep, genuine delight in seeing students develop intellectually, etc., the frustrations of teaching might turn him bitter. In other words, I would only advise people to teach if they have some inner imperative. 2. Regarding his potential reception as a disabled person: Many children are cruel. In addition, even the nice students automatically test all teachers, to see what will make the teachers angry, how serious the teacher is about his or her rules, etc. We all remember that vividly from our own schooling. While this testing process may present a more substantial problem for a disabled teacher, it is something every new teacher must deal with. One important consideration is how well the prospective teacher can hold the attention of a group, and how comfortable the prospective teacher is in being the center of attention. Communication skills are essential, but each teacher develops his or own style-- often quite unique. Two final mini-sermons: 1. The passing remark about the attractivenes of high school girls was upsetting, and suggests potential unprofessionalism. 2. If a person finds himself or herself thinking about the satisfactions of power, then teaching may lead to grief. Regards to all fellow teachers and students, Steven Jordan Univ of Ill. at Chicago Math, Stat , & Comp. Sci. Bitnet: U20121@UICVM
ncas@cbnewsj.ATT.COM (Clifford A. Stevens, Jr) (03/02/90)
Index Number: 7019 I haven't been on too much lately and missed some of the discussions on handicapped teachers. But way back in high school, I had a Physics teacher who really influenced me! (In a positive way! :-) So my first desire was to be a high school physics teacher! True I haven't done much formal teaching, but I have lead study groups in college and once had a summer job as a counselor at a Scout camp (I taught First Aid.), and since I am much more of a "people person" now, I think I'd like teaching! And as regards to the high school women, I am not worried about how I'd act! I'm worried about how my actions would be percieved! I remember back in my high school (Mt Vernon Community High School, in Fortville IN), there was a male teacher who was good looking, friendly, outgoing, and was well liked by the women students. And even though he was always a total professional, the male students were jealous and convinced he was fooling around! (And getting things we couldn't!) But I'm going to try it! I've already started, and I'll keep you informed! ------------ Give me a break, I'm brain damaged! Cliff Stevens MT1E228 att!cbnewsj!ncas (201)957-3902
Greg.See-Kee@p0.f404.n714.z3.fidonet.org (Greg See-Kee) (03/06/90)
Index Number: 7086
SL> Cliff Stevens has stimulated a lively discussion on
SL> whether or not he should teach.
A recent ex-president of Disabled Peoples International (NSW)
became quadriplegic in her first few years as a high school
teacher.
Joan has continued teaching in government schools for about the
last 20 years, from her wheelchair. I can provide more details.
But a better idea. She has just biught herself a computer. So
I'll introduce her to this conference in the next few weeks.
--
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