Philadelphia Teacher Says Teaching Is Next Best Thing To Continuing Education
Dr. Francine Fulton is the CEO and founder of Imani Education Circle Charter School in Germantown, she is also a former educator for the Philadelphia School District. The school offers a rigorous course of study focused on mathematics, and science and technology. Dr. Fulton has a Doctor of Philosophy in special education and teaching from Temple University, and a master's degrees from Lincoln University in human services and Temple University in education
What is the most challenging aspect of teaching in the classroom environment?
"The two greatest challenges for teachers today are standardized tests and classroom management. To be able to stand in front of a classroom with the knowledge base and content to meet the expectations imposed by standardized testing while also being able to control the behaviors of all of the students in a classroom are highly valued skills in the teaching profession.
Last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education made such radical changes to the standardized tests based on the new Pennsylvania Core Standards that scores across the state plummeted. The new standards for the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment and Keystone Exams were rolled out in a way that teachers and schools had very little time to adjust or fully prepare students.
Teachers who are most likely to have the easiest time adapting to these new instructional standards are those who have strong classroom management skills."
Are continuing education courses beneficial for teachers?
"Continuing education courses can be beneficial if the courses are taught by those who have teaching experience and taken by teachers who genuinely want to improve their instruction delivery. While college and continuing education courses have a place, hands-on, real-life classroom experience has more value than gold for a teacher."
Do you feel a Master of Education would be helpful in your day-to-day career?
"The best way for a teacher to improve their teaching is usually through the practice of teaching and the professional development that takes place in school. Professional development is what provides teachers with the daily support they need week after week to improve their craft. Unlike continuing education or college courses, professional development within a school addresses the specific characteristics and needs of a school and its students."
Do you have any advice for people wanting to enter the teaching profession?
"Find out before college if teaching is really the right profession for you. Colleges and universities have a completely backward approach to training teachers, who frequently step into a classroom for the first time after they have completed their education and are deep in debt with student loans. Although they entered the profession with good intentions, they realize — after it is too late to switch careers — that they do not possess the heart and mind of a teacher. To avoid this, prospective teachers should actively seek opportunities to volunteer or work with children at day camps, day care centers or schools as tutors, camp counselors or classroom aides while still in school."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. She reports on various topics such as: Social Media, Local Events, Entertainment, Food and Drink and more. Her work can be found at http://firstsendmedia.com/
