Changing Your Future
The Personal Website of Cara L. Morris
about me
I come from a very long line of elementary school teachers—my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, aunt, sister, cousin, ... I have always had a desire to help children discover, learn, and grow.When I was 5, I made an "All About Me" book and wrote that I was going to be a teacher when I grew up. I still have that book as a reminder of my early dream.
Today, I am a 1st grade teacher in the California public school system. My school, at which I have taught for 11 years, has a large percentage of minority and low-income families. This presents challenges; however, I love these kids and I wouldn't trade this school for any other "better" location.
I have 20 students in my class. 75% of my students have attended kindergarten and pre-school at the same school and 75% of those students have siblings who have attended the school for three years or more. These numbers are higher than they have been in the past and that is a great testament to the impact of our school on the community. Many people would look at our kids and see "lost causes." I only see children, children who, despite the challenges in their lives, come to school excited about learning and excited about their future.
Someday in the future, I would like to open my own learning center where I can ensure that all children in my care are learning in the best way possible for them. This is what I work towards. This is my "Why."
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Thursday, January 30, 2003
They finally understand division!!!! This may not seem like a big deal, but put your self in the shoes of an 8 or 9 year-old. We have been working on division for 3 weeks. Many students got it the first week. Several students have been trying and trying and trying, but still "don't get it" (to use their terminology). Well, today they got it! One of my boys came to me very excited after trying some problems on his own. "Mrs. O'Toole, Mrs. O'Toole," he virtually yelled, " I get it, I get it!" He then proceed (in hs own words) to explain how division breaks down a large number and he was able to relate it to multiplication. We have tried several different ways of exlaining and showing the concept of division and today it just clicked.Sometimes learning happens that way. You just have to wait and keep explaining until the lightbulb comes on. But once that light comes on, there's no stopping them! :)
posted by Cara at 12:16 PM |
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Tuesday, January 28, 2003
Yesterday was a frustrating day. One of my goals is to reach EVERY student in my class, not just the students who are motivated, easy to work with, etc. My goal is being blocked by state budget cuts and bureaucracy. People are being laid off, programs are being cut, and teachers are expected to take up the slack and continue to provide the exact same level and quality of education. I have 2 students who are really struggling. One student struggles academically. She gives 100% in everything she does, yet she still struggles to the point of headaches and tears. The extra programs to help her are being. This means that I am now solely responsible to bring her up to 3rd grade from a 1st grade level, along with teaching the other 19 students in my class who have some of their own struggles. Another student struggles emotionally/psychologically. He is a very bright boy who has no coping mechanisms to use when he gets frustrated. One minor setback at any time can send him into a semi-catatonic state, rocking and moaning to himself. He needs a counselor who can help him learn how to handle frustrations and we do not have a school counselor. I do the best I can, however, I have 19 other students and cannot spend 3 hours a day coaxing this student through his work. And, due to these budget cuts, my class size will probably be going up to about 35 students. When this happens, how will I have the time to reach any of my students individual needs? On days like this I remember that my ultimate goal is to start my own learning center where the education of children will not be controlled by government budget cuts and bureaucracy!posted by Cara at 4:39 PM |
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Saturday, January 25, 2003
Well, I am a teacher and it's Saturday!! What does that mean. . .? I have no cute anecdotes or "words of wisdom" for today. Come back next week for the good stuff. . .posted by Cara at 5:15 PM |
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