T1DQ1 Why be A Teacher

Teaching has been described as a noble profession. Describe the reasons why you want to be an
educator and your choice of secondary education subject matter.

Discussion Forum Expectations 4 Jamie MorrisDec 03, 2015 06:02 AM

Discussion Forum Expectations

Hello everyone -

One item that is always a question relates to my expectations of participation in the Discussion Forum. For
the expectations on discussion questions, I rely on the GCU Online Classroom Policies.

When answering Discussion questions please use the reply button, do not create a new post, there is no
need to add anything to the subject line, as your name is added identifying you as author. You are required
to answer, in a respectful and academic tone, to both Discussion Questions (#1 by Saturday and #2 by
Monday) each week. These mandatory question responses should be at least five solid sentences
(generally 100- 150 words.) Do NOT upload an attachment as your DQ; it cannot be viewed in the grading
screen and no credit will be offered.

Our graduate class requires a minimum of one substantial posts on three separate days. Initial answers to
my two questions are NOT a part of your three substantial posts. You are welcome to post your comments
on more than three different days but posting on less than three days will reduce your participation score.
What are "Substantial posts"? These are posts that...
Follow-up responses to classmate's initial DQs that integrate course theories with a practical
application of the subject, perhaps offering a personal observation or experience, or referencing
real-world examples, current events, or presenting further research you have conducted on the
topic.
Interaction in classroom discussion that demonstrates deeper or broader thoughts about a topic,
rather than just rephrasing what the textbook has presented on the topic.
Posts that encourage further discussion and ongoing dialogue with other students and the
instructor in the class.
Asking additional, relevant questions about the week's topic.
Communications that are presented in a professional and supportive manner, and with respectful
tone.
A minimum of three to five solid sentences (generally 100- 150 words). Comments like Great
post, I agree do not count in your sentences.
In your replies to others, you will not earn full points by simply stating "Good post". I'm looking for details,
encouragement, and a continuation of the conversation. Its ok to add questions, comments and input to the
other posts that you see.
Earning an A in participation points requires a combination of creative, substantial, timely posts on a
variety of days.

Jamie Morris, MEd, M.P.A.

Full Time Faculty
College of Education
_________________________________________
Grand Canyon University
3300 W. Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017
Office: 602-639-6536
jamie.morris@gcu.edu

Re:Week 1: Discussion Question 1 1 Dec 07, 2015 11:54 PM

My own search that led me to teaching, as far as I can tell, began just about the turn of the
century. I was searching life, having a bit of rebirth, and was in a very pure place at the time. By
pure I mean to say that I had made up my mind not to be influence (if possible) by people and
things around me. I knew I loved learning. I began to truly enjoy academia and fanaticized that I
might even have been a perpetual student if I had had the means to do so. By the time I was
graduating with a BS in chemistry, I had quite naturally chosen teaching. Now that was a long
time ago and the reasons why have not been teaching since are for another post. But here again I
find myself on the edge of somewhere I was once before. This is because I know I feel joy when
I am able to serve somebody in a positive way. I enjoy human interaction and the beautiful
diversity of opinions that is what defines each of us. Now if you can understand a possibility that
the information and/or subject matter of a given curriculum is really just a passing moment and
maybe even superficial to some extent, then you may just find something inspiring in the
teaching profession that I have. Maybe we are not actually teaching the subject we are teaching.
Just maybe we are teaching developing minds/spirits/souls how to learn, how to grow, how to
interact (with people AND information), and just maybe how to identify the virtues of academia,
knowledge, and maybe even wisdom, AND THEN be able to appropriately act on it. When I find
that somebody Ive helped has an ensuing light about them and can see their new understanding
has made their existence brighter in any way, I know Im in the right place and doing the right
thing. And that is quite often the hard part meaning to shed ourselves of the faade of the
knowledge at hand (but not forgetting it) so that we can be in tune with the true developmental
needs of those who we are given stewardship over. This brings to mind an ancient saying
(attributed to many, but the source is truly unknown) which goes something like this. Tell me
and Ill forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I will understand. I have a
rhetorical question though. Involve me to understand what? I pose this question because it points
out one of the virtues of teaching. Just about anybody can memorize and/or commit information
to memory, but teachers, mentors, and educators (good ones) are always searching for the true
needs that are not always articulated by those that are mentored and still learning. This is what is
truly valuable to those attempting to learn to ANY degree of effort. And I love the challenge of
being able to help those in need. Its always a win-win situation.
I am a Chemist by at least one definition of education, but I do not choose to teach secondary
education in Math, and Science because I have been educated in it. My choice of secondary
education subject matter is likely more incidental. I love many things (various subject matter
included), but the prospect of accomplishing the aforementioned, is at least a glimpse into why
Ive chosen to teach secondary education in the manner of my own education.

Re:Week 1: Discussion Question 1 2Joseph PitmanDec 04, 2015 07:38 AM

My desire to be in the field of education is fueled by two factors, to learn from the experiences of others
and to teach others from my own experiences. I believe that it is vitally important to the progress and
success of our country as a whole people of all backgrounds to be able to work together to achieve
common goals. In order for this to be feasible, it is imperative that we be open to learn from the views
and the experiences that shaped the views of others. The field of education, especially high school
education, provides me with the opportunity to both teach and work with people from very diverse
backgrounds and experiences. This provides me with and unparalleled opportunity to inflict a positive
influence into the lives of many people, from students to co-workers. Likewise, the field of education
allows me to learn from the experiences of others and incorporate this learning into my communication
and teaching practices.
Re:Re:Week 1: Discussion Question 1 1Jamie MorrisDec 07, 2015 02:29 PM
Joseph,

Thank you for your post. "...the field of education allows me to learn from the
experiences of others and incorporate this learning into my communication and teaching
practices." What can a classroom teacher do to attempt to instill this same outlook with
their students?

~Jamie

Re:Re:Re:Week 1: Discussion Question 1 1 Dec 08, 2015 01:21 AM

Jamie
Thank you for pointing this out from Joseph's post. Your question is maybe more
profound than you realize. I really want to attempt an answer but I fear I'll be here
all night typing. For now suffice it to say ... Thank you for posing the question.
I'm definately going to be thinking about how to articulate some kind of answer
(hopefully short).