Blessings in Education come from He who gives the blessing

As I walk through the valley in the shadow of death....One thing that I've had to lean on in the past 2 years is my dear faith in God.  I've been a christian for some time now, but my pure, self reliance on him, has been....lets just say vague.  In 2007, I decided to leave a well paying, "FUN", job to endure a milestone that should have been completed 6 years earlier.  My desire to have an economics degree, out-weighed all of the corporate accomplishments that a 27 year old had seen. 

At age 25, I was to my knowledge, the youngest manager Russell Corporation had ever employed.  At that age I also was responsible for the employment of nearly 45 other employees.  Most, of whom, where at least twice my age.  Learning how to deal with resentment, was part of my job description.  At least when you were the boss of people who were old enough to be your parent .  None-the-less, I was respected by most of them, as in return, I had the utmost respect for them.  Regardless of their education level!  They were good, hard working people that were content with their breath from the new day.  I'll discuss my success in the corporate world on another day.

The title of my post highlights the topics for today's sit-down.  After graduation in December of 2008, I prayed for, not only the hopes of a new job, but I prayed for my Lord to place people in my life that I could become a part of and of people that I could guide and encourage both spiritially and morally.  Thinking that my life would return to the corporate business world, I was sadly mistaken.  It was a complete 180 degree opposite.  After months of on the job experience and training, I realized that my prayer was answered.  It did not hit me till a few weeks ago.  I was placed in front of 120 of our youth EVERY SINGLE DAY!  Although I've always been a strong supporter of education, and the improvements in the quality of life that it strenghtens, This whole time I've had people in front of me that I effect -- both spiritually and morally.  As a matter of fact, I see them more each week than their own parents do. Teaching is something that you must have a gift for.  I thank God for changing my life and instilling our youth with what He has instilled in me.  That's why I say:  "Blessings in Education come from He who gives the blessing!"

--Seth

The Implementation of the new educational "facebook"

Today, I implemented a new curriculum in my classroom.  I introduced "edmoto" to my students today.  In short, this is a new social website that is similar to facebook.  This site allows teachers and students  to use classrooom motives and ideas inorder to educate one another.  I can now introduce online quizes, tests, assignments, etc. to the students.  Yes, as 7th graders, they are very receptive to this new classroom tool.

I was amazed today at how receptive the students were.  I did believe that they would enjoy it.  Mainly because this platform is built around the facebook concept.  But after school today, I logged on around 6 pm, and to my surprise there were several students posting comments and finishing there assignments from earlier in the day.  Yes, on a Friday night, the students were interacting with there teacher and with one another.  How exciting this was for me to see.

On Monday, I will begin my instruction on Area of Triangle and Trapezoids.  Hopefully the new won't wear off on the "edmoto" social site.  I will most likely post there new assignment (homework) for the first time.  I will also place there first quiz online for them to complete by Thursday.  I hope they are receptive to this new 21 century instruction that I am implementing.  It is for their own good!

--Seth

"Coach, why do you only have one arm?"

This week has been such an adventursome week...To start the week:  On Monday, I had surgery on my right shoulder.  This is a surgery that I have needed for many years.  An old baseball/softball injury plagued me for the past 5 years.  Unfortunately, at the time it was needed, I was not on any insurance that could help me.  I had pretty much reconstructive surgery of the rotator cuff and laberum.  I was told that I should be back on the field in 5-6 months.  Yes, as a 29 year old, I still am as competative I was was when I was 18. 

So, I was out of school on Monday and Tuesday recooperating from my ailments.  Wednesday and Thursday, I was honored to have been selected to attend a 21st Century  meeting with other employees from the Talladega County Board of Education.  We are strongly pushing the need for our students to be familiar with and comfortable using/learning under 21 century instruction.  What does that mean?  It means that I and other teachers are using technology as an advantage in reaching students.  I now use a social networking site to have students take test, quizes, and turn in homework.  This site is very similar to the "facebook" platform that has been around for the last few years.  Student's absolutely love the interaction.  So for me to reach them effectively, I was the one that needed to adjust to their level.  This introduction to them has been an ABSOLUTE hit.  When I come home on a Friday night and/or Saturday night, and I see my student's logged on discussing classroom work online, then I consider that a "HOMERUN".  Especially since I could have found something else to do instead of school.  I will post more in the future regarding their progress.

Friday, I returned to the classroom.  Yes, it was a drag considering I was absent the previous 4 days.  But, I did miss my students while I was gone.  Yes, even the ones that cause trouble.  I do love them as much as I do the other students.  I just don't like the bad attitudes.

I look forward to a productive week ahead.  I've got a lot of catching up to do.  Not to mention, baseball season is in "FULL SWING".  I am a teacher on and off of the field!  I love the game of baseball, but my ultimate goal is to have World Series Champions in the classroom!

--Seth