I'm glad that I'll be teaching in about a year b/c I look forward to starting my career with these methods that aren't seen very much here in Texas. I'm a bit worried though about the response from parents, peers, and the administration. People are always quick to criticize things that are different from the norm. I'm also anxious to see what principals might think of me when I interview. Will they think, "Whole Brain Teaching... ha ha that's cute." Or will they think "Whole Brain Teaching... WOW, that's what we need!"

My biggest question though is about student teaching. I'll be starting in January and I still haven't figured out how I'm going to go into a classroom with a mentor teacher and start using methods he/she has never seen or heard about. I don't know how they will take it, and I don't know how the students will take it. It will be hard to overhaul the classroom management system in twelve weeks when the kids have learned something else all year long.

If anyone has been in a similar situation I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Chris, you shouldn't worry about beginning your teaching career with WBT. From a future administrator's perspective I would be absolutely thrilled if a first year teacher came into my school with a plan! In fact, I believe WBT is great for every teacher no matter their experience level. Fist year teachers and grizzly veterans can all benefit from the wealth of information in WBT. We must end boredom in America's classrooms! Other countries are kicking our butts because our students are not engaged in their learning. Teamwork, big ideas, and being rewarded for hardwork are all part of WBT and also a part of what I feel are America's values. Students have got to get engaged in what's going on! I teach in an area that is very conservative in their educational approaches but what matters most is the education of the student. I would be shocked if an administrator saw WBT and said they didn't like it. Look at parents who disagree with it as an opportunity for you to explain the student to student engagement that goes on as well as the increased opportunity for students to be rewarded for their hard work.

As far as student teaching goes...my suggestion is to not buck the system of the classroom if it's going to hurt you in the long run. Share the techniques with your co-op and see how they resond. But remember it is their classroom and it's a means to and end for you. You could be sneaky about it and use some things like class/yes and teach/ok out of the blue and maybe your co-op will be like "hey, where did you learn that!." That may open the door for you. I would't try to overhaul their system without permission though. I hope all this helps.

Chris -

I have gotten very few complaints, especially when people stick around and watch - or have a conversation with my students. Sometimes parents are confused and need clarification, but have all been supportive of my techniques. It is growing in Texas, and I think you will find that people are more open minded than you think, just let them come to you - and they will come to you and ask you questions... that's when you introduce them to the idea. I wish I had this when I first started teaching, I found it my second year, and it changed everything ...

As for student teaching, I hope we can still find someone who is already Whole Brain Teaching that would take on a student teacher, I have one but she is pretty far away. I really think it will depend on your cooperating teacher, introduce small things with his/her approval and maybe they will let you do some full blown WBT.

OK as a 1st year teacher I can tell you Whole Brain Teaching saved my job. I had a room of lecture, behavior problems and a lack of engagements. I changed the style of teaching and received a positive review from my AP and had my contract renewed. I highly recommend Whole Brain Teaching for both yours and your students sake. It gives students the opportunity to talk, think and act.

SReevesTX wrote:


I've been told it would be wise to student teach in the district I want to work in since it will basically be like a 12 week interview. I don't think there is anyone Whole Brain Teaching in HEB ISD or Birdville ISD. But, I was going to take a couple days off and observe a Whole Brain Teacher. Who is the closest Whole Brain Teaching to Hurst, TX teaching 4-6th grade?

yes use Whole Brain Teaching but let the admin know your plan. go see a Whole Brain Teacher in action. experiance all you can it is important to your development as a teacher. don't get married to one or two school systems either if the school system near you is not open to new styles of teaching do you really want to work there. in mass teaching is like an old boys club you get the idea not what you know its who you know it stinks but its true. to find a job i've told people not to be unwilling to relocate if they don't have an in. i don't have an in but i will try when the time comes and if not down the road i will go. good luck in all you do and as a teacher keep learning

Ed Desharnais

I definitely think it would be a HUGE benefit to start a career in teaching as a WHOLE BRAIN TEACHER! We have just been approached by an education professor from a local college to talk about working in Whole Brain Teaching training for their education students before they graduate with education degrees! It can only help!

Joni

You know, Chris, as I was reading your questions and others' comments, I was realizing that your biggest question is really "How does student teaching work?" ... in the sense that, you're wondering how you can student teach with your own 'style'. When I was student teaching, the students were very aware and okay with the fact that they had two teachers. When I taught, I had different routines, expectations, and styles than my master teacher did, and that really was ok. The students will know that when you teach, it's time to 'turn on' power teaching....and who knows...they may beg for more! Student teaching is a time for you to figure out who YOU are as a teacher, not to 'blend in'. Enjoy shaking things up!
I have yet to have a teacher, parent, or administrator tell me they don't want me Whole Brain Teaching at their school.

I have to agree with Edge89091 that as a first-year teacher, Whole Brain Teaching has saved my sanity, if not my job. I feel that this semester, I started with a plan and some confidence about what I was doing and why it works, and my classes are running much better than first semester. I wish I had a plan when I was student teaching! Jackie is right, the students expect things to be different and will be willing to give you a chance, especially if it's fun and different. Good luck!