Am I a Modern Teacher?

 



What makes a modern teacher?  Is it one who just walked across the stage this spring receiving their diploma and obtaining their first teaching certificate?  Is it one who just completed their master's degree?  Or is it one who keeps up with the latest trends of students?

In the article, "The 10 Skills Modern Teachers Must Have," it defines a modern teacher as one that can:

1.) Build Your PLN

2.) Establish Real Relationships

3.) Understand Where Technology Fits in Education

4.) Know How to Find Useful Resources

5.) Manage Your Online Reputation

6.) Know How to Correctly Blog

7.) Slow Down

8.) Make Social Media Work For You

9.) Don't Be Afraid of Failing

10.) Know When to Disconnect

 

This article is JaM pAcKeD with great information, expanding on each of the above skills.  However, since this is my first blog, I want to focus on the sixth skill.  I must be honest and admit that when I scanned these ten skills, this sixth skill frustrated me a little. Instructional technology is a constant draw and passion of mine.  I LOVE the challenge of learning the latest program, app., or device. HOWEVER (yes, here comes my confession), I do NOT have a Facebook account and I have never had a blog because I have always considered these time zappers FOR ME.  Journaling or browsing these forums eat up the time (which you know teachers do not have much of) that I can spend discovering and mastering something new!  I immediately got offended with number six and wanted to yell, "But look at number eight!  Blogs don't work for me!"

 

Thank goodness I did not stop with my skim!  The article states that blogging can consist of uploading snapshots of your classroom.  Whooo Hoooo!  I do that anyway!!  I never thought of THAT as blogging.  However, what is more powerful is knowing what blogging should never be.  The article states, "There is a wrong way to blog (and modern teachers should know what that is).  It's basically sharing too much information online."

 

Can I hear an "AMEN"?  I encourage you to read this thought provoking and challenging article for yourself.  You can find it at: http://www.edudemic.com/2013/03/the-10-skills-modern-teachers-must-have/

 

Also, stay tuned to my "blog".  I do not know how much journaling you will see, but I can guarantee that you will see some RoCkIn' pictures of third grade in action at Grant Elementary! 

 

Am I a "Modern Teacher"?  I am on my way!  It is the race that never ends!