Senior Seminars

by Tabitha Simpson (senior)

Senior year is a very exciting and nervous time. Knowing that you are nearing the end is exciting for everyone, but also knowing that in just a few months you will be walking into your own classroom can be a little scary. Senior Seminars are designed to conquer these fears and just as the rest of the Teaching Fellows/Maynard Scholars Program does, prepares seniors for that journey into the classroom.

The first Senior Seminar of this year focused on the legal aspects of teaching. For freshmen this is the farthest thing on the mind but as you near senior year it is an important topic that will most certain affect you as you enter your own classroom. The speaker informed the seniors of many legal issues that will face them in the next few years. Topics included: acceptable ways to touch students, legal responsibilities on field trips, and even questions that you do and do not have a legal obligation to answer during interviews. Many people tell too much in their interview that prevents them for landing their desired position. After the speaker spoke about the legal obligations of field trips, many seniors had a different opinion about them.

The speaker for the seminar in October focused on the topics of effective teaching and classroom management. Throughout his presentation the speaker moved throughout the room and was very energetic. He informed the seniors that be energetic and showing you love what you do is very important in the classroom. Showing you care about your job models excellent behaviors for your students. He also talked about being prepared for the students before they enter. It is easy to try to get the students next task together while they are working on their current one. The best thing,especially for first year teachers it to be organized and have everything you need for the day already done.