Mcloghlin Middle School 1/31/2012

Finally teaching social studies today. A huge effort was needed to succeed in such a difficult environment. Students tended to be very respectful after I stepped up and asserted myself. Such a critical theme throughout teaching is having high expectations and demanded them. A great teacher must above all, hold themselves in high esteem and regard with strong confidence.

There was a lesson today that might have been the most impacting thus far in my experiences. It was about a boy in africa who was trapped to work for food and live in extreme poverty. Such abuse is not seen in the United States very often. What this boy wanted above all else was to go to school and learn how to read and write. A very sad story and one about being grateful for how awesome we have it.

The staff and students are always so exceptionally friendly and inspiring. I enjoy going there and would like nothing better than to work there full time.

--Mr. Belzberg

Griffin Creek Elementary 1/30/2012

ELL teaching today. Mi nombre es Mr. Belzberg. Yo tengo un mascota. Me gusta jugar al futbol con mis amigos. My introduction was in Spanish and anything else I could think of was also in that language. The students enjoyed my attempt at speaking their language and I might have learned more than the students today. With that said, many of the students I taught today were really engaged and seemed to really internalize many of the lessons in the book and from me.

Teaching is a challenge, but adding a language barrier causes there to be an extra challenge. Now most would say that this would inhibit the outcome of effectiveness. However, I disagree. The more the cognitive functions are engaged, the higher efficiency of learning occurs. The more integration that takes place the better. More connections and if they can be meaningful. The knowledge will be shared and reproduced, which is the goal.

If I put out my best effort then there really isn't much I can be upset or complain about. Everyday should be a full effort and to give whatever I can. This will never quite be enough, but it will have to do and some way some how this will impact many students to go on and be success stories.

--Mr. Belzberg

Ashland Middle School 1/28/2012

The first day being in a different school district. Some aspects they share in common is the fundamental core values. Safe, respectful, and responsible. This shared charachteristic is one that breaks barriers in places and regions. Its a type of social pattern. The first belief is safety. How can students and people be happy if they are unsafe or their basic needs are not met. All organizations should keep that principle numero uno. The second association between the two districts in that students should be reponsible. If one is to achieve and accomplish then they must take responsibility for their actions. A very critical aspect to all learning is facing the man in the mirror, or woman. The last fundamental principle is respect. Respect is something that should be shared with one another. For all confidence and artistic purposes, their must be respect.

One contrast that I found was that ashland seemed to overtly stress taking risks. This concept is interesting because when I think of taking risks in an academic setting I think challenging texts, difficult problems, complex relationships. Learning can be as easy as taking intiative or much more challenging, meaning making intiative. Risk taking is a very opptimistic view...picking and choosing is equally critical when seeking out goal achievement.

Another aspect that was heavy on my mind and heart was my dads surgery. I was very worried about him and it sounds like he is going to get better. Thank no other than god for hope.

~~Mr. Belzberg

Griffin Creek Elementary 1/25/2012

Hablo esponal. Today was a day for ELL learning. I was speaking as much Spanish as English and learning a lot about language and being a leader of the languages. I felt that it was really great to be speaking both languages and trying to help students learn their English better. All the while my Spanish improved. I really enjoyed teaching in a small class environment. There was a lot of different ages and different youngsters who came into the ELL room today. Many of whom were able to see a new face and interact with someone who tried to speak their language. I really felt that the students were well behaved and new what their were supposed to be doing. I think the ELL students need more opportunities to blend the two languages. Making more bridges between Spanish on one side and English on the other. Whatever type of exposure these students can get that enables them to learn both languages will give them a huge benefit over all the other students their going to be competing with for jobs in 10 15 years.

I also learn when I go to Griffin Creek. Whether its what I want to learn, possibly not. The lessons and virtues that are instilled in that school are ones that have been given to me since I was first in school. Lessons that have made me who I am. The time I have spent there has molded me into the human being I'm today. Any way I can give those students the same experience I have had will be very useful and pivotal for their success.

In closing I would like to say, every opportunity we get to teach means that we need to and most importantly we must deliver some idea or lesson that will improve the lives of these young students. Whatever it is, doesn't matter how small or how big. The key is teach with every single moment.

--Mr. Belzberg

Central Medford High School 1/24/12

A half day at Central Medford High. Great students and much of the class was productive. I felt that I made a couple of great contributions to a couple of students. Much of the students I teach I have very little time to interact and share wisdom with. However, I was given a chance today and I encouraged one student to pursue his goals and dreams. I might have made a great impact. The only real question now is will this student follow through. I want to succeed for him, but I can't do it. The student needs to walk through the door. I'm exited about much of these youngsters lives.

I feel as though much of the Central Medford High School policy is effective. Students come to class they work and are productive, they learn as much as they can. They strive for success and they get credit. They put in so many days of actual school work and they pass. Similar to North and South Medford. I would like all the students to show up and be there, but that is out of my control.

What did I learn today? Given an opportunity to instruct however, different and unconventional it is. Take it and go for the most profound message you can share. With that, you can only sit back and smile.

--Mr. Belzberg

Hedrick Middle School 1/23/2011

Teaching Math...What a challenge for me as a social studies teacher. What do I remember about math. Lots of things. What could I remember on the spot in front of 30 penetrating stares? Not as much as I wanted too. Although, I wasn't totally unprepared. I knew a thing or two in order to teach what I had to. The more I remember about math the more I remember how I liked it. A long time ago when deciding which focus I wanted to have...I decided on social studies due to a friends advice. What I really longed for was math. Now I have the opportunity to get my math endorsement and teach the subject I set out too.

In confines of time and knowledge. If I was offered a job teaching science, I would learn and teach that subject. Any subject to me is interesting and fun and I intend to integrate all subjects into my classroom. The real challenge will be to get other teachers in my department to follow with the same theme. Working with peers is crucial and if its a difficulty getting my students to do what I want them too then getting other teachers to do what I want will be an even greater feat.

First thing is first, a teaching job is the goal and the focus. However I can accomplish that I need to strive for. My energy should be spent on getting that job and whatever I can do in my professional life (which is the entire public domain) I will need to do.

The students today were great and the most memorable moment came in third period. The class was noisy, nothing out of the ordinary. A teacher walked in and yelled at them and something clicked. He had expectations that were higher than other classrooms I had been. he demanded and shouted for a quiet classroom. In all my previous experience I was unable to demand such respect. After that class period I was more determined and did as the great example had done. Long story short, it worked and I think this skill will be very useful in future jobs.

--Mr. Belzberg :)

Central Medford High School 1/20/2012

,Social studies is the subject of choice, its what I waqnted to teach. Only trouble today was I didn't do much teaching. I basically monitored students doing there work. Fairkly easy but I don't think I gain more knowledge and experience teaching when I don't actually make an impact. However, maybe I do make a bigger impact than I think.

I was able to interact with many students today and they were awesome. I might have learned a lot today, I just didn't kniow it conciously. Truth be told, the more time I spend with the students the better I become at managing professional relationships, which is a sensitive task.

All in all I had a great time and maybe I might have made a bigger difference then I think.

--Mr. Belzberg