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Thoughts from the hearts and minds of teachers

February 2020 Newsletter

2/11/2020

46 Comments

 
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46 Comments
Roberta Thomas link
2/12/2020 01:32:49 pm

Hello Readers,

The UAM Office of Career Services is excited about the upcoming 2020 Spring Career Fair. For an up to date list of registered employers attending the Fair, please follow this link:
http://uam-web2.uamont.edu/pdfs/student affairs/employers.pdf

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Emily
2/20/2020 01:34:11 pm

Thank you for this link! As a graduating senior, I am excited to attend the career fair! I hope to see you there.

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Earnest
2/19/2020 01:08:19 pm

I think school is getting harder these days. Teachers and students or professors need to work together. We need to help each other out.

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Constance l Burch
2/19/2020 04:00:19 pm

Earnest, I might add that there are some really amazing professors on campus. If you are having trouble, seek them out. they will help with a lot of issues. Don't give up to the frustration.

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Constance l Burch
2/19/2020 03:50:35 pm

Earnest, I understand you frustration. I recently had a discussion with a friend about the inconsistencies of educators and the effects on the students. It can be very difficult to say the least. This is what you may need to try to understand. All professors have worked very long and hard for their specialties of study. They all have different teaching methods and very different thoughts on what they feel you need to learn in a subject. That doesn't make one better or worse, it simply makes it a bit harder to navigate.
I once had an Instructor tell me that the only way to succeed in Higher Education is to give the professor what they are asking for. This means that if one English professor asks for MLA, and another asks for APA styles of formatting a paper, You have to learn to see the the differences in the styles and learn them both so you can give both professors what they want. (The writing center can help you with this) If one Professor teaches Rhetoric, and another feels research is more important, you have to learn them both. It does not matter what subject you take, you must try your best to focus on learning the Professors methods of instruction. Learn your audience my friend.
I realize you are probably saying to yourself"Constance you are not helping me at all" Let me go further. If you are learning a sport, would it be fair to say that each coach is going to have a different method of getting through to you and teaching you "His" plays? If you are learning to play games on an Xbox, is it the same dynamics as a Playstation? No they are all different. Think of your Professors the same way. They are all different, but you can learn so much from each of them. Trust me when I say that very rarely will you ever be forced to say, "That was a waste of my time". Everything you learn will benefit you some day.

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Jikayla Goins
2/20/2020 09:46:17 am

Good morning everyone! My name is Jikayla Goins and I attend college at UAM in Monticello. Miss Constance your comment has really stuck with me in my heart and I really needed this advice what you had told Earnest. Some days it is difficult in my classes where I want to give up, but you said learn your professors and give want they want. Also, everything I am learning and doing in school will benefit me one day just like you said.

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Constance l Burch
2/20/2020 11:30:31 am

Jikayla, I'm so grateful that what I said could touch you. The most important thing we can do in life, is touch another being in a positive way. You are not alone, we all struggle some days. Im glad you can realize that it may seem daunting now, but in the end it will be a benefit to you. Good luck Scholar.

Jikayla Goins
2/20/2020 10:01:38 am

This month newsletter was very breath taking to me for many reasons. Just reading and knowing so much is going on is amazing to know what is going on in public school since I have graduated from high school. Grover Welch article"Managing Relationships" has taught me how to have a better conservation. The four ways to have better conversations that Mr. Welch stated were listen, respond, play the devil's advocate, and don't be afraid of being wrong. While reading his article I literally started taking notes.

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Braden T
3/2/2020 01:26:23 pm

Jikatla

I am glad you found Grover's piece so important. Being able to talk and listen to others is by far one of the most important skills to have as an advancing scholar and adult. I hope that you keep up with different things going on public education even if you are not going to be a teacher, the ideas being taught in the classroom are important to everyone not just the students at the desks.

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Keterrion Davidson link
2/20/2020 01:53:53 pm

Good Evening everyone my name is Keterrion Davidson and I attend at UAM I am here today to take a moment to talk about of getting a good bond with your professor/teacher. Asking questions in class will show them that you are concern and it took me a long time to realize that because I was one of those that didn't want to ask or say anything. I feel like this month newsletter was very beneficial for me I am glad that I had read this. Thank you!

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Emily
2/20/2020 03:27:58 pm

I'm glad you found the newsletter beneficial! I hope you continue to read and find helpful information! We report a lot about having a good teacher/student relationship. I hope to see your name in the comments again!

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Constance l Burch
2/20/2020 06:12:41 pm

Keterrion, Engaging is the most important thing any student can learn. The more a student engages in a positive learning environment, the more they are destined to gain from the class. Very good information to share. Well done Scholar.

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Kyrstin Whitter
2/20/2020 08:56:57 pm

Hi I'm Kyrstin a student at UAM. I really enjoyed reading Mr. Welch's article. It is so important to have good work relationships, especially when your job pertains mainly to working with students. I know that in my future career as a Social Worker it will be helpful to talk to others in my same line of work. We all need to feel like we are not alone and often times if we have loved ones to listen they don't understand. I think one of the benefits of teaching is being autonomous but everyone needs to feel supported. I think it's always good to have a team you can count on.

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Constance l Burch
2/20/2020 09:32:36 pm

Krystin, Very well said. Glad you shared. I just know there are others that feel the same way.

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grover l welch
2/26/2020 10:24:18 am

Thanks, I know that getting along with those we work with is vital no matter what you do.

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Brooks Lynn
2/20/2020 09:43:03 pm

Hi Im Brooks Lynn, a student at UAM. I got a lot out of reading Mr. Welch's article but the main thing was how to have a good conversation and how to actually take important information out of the conversation. I think this would be helpful to everybody not just teachers or people with jobs. I think it would be very helpful for a lot of students who have trouble carrying on conversations and actually getting something out of it. I think listening and not being afraid to be wrong are the most helpful at least for me.

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Grover welch
2/26/2020 10:25:33 am

I appreciate the comments. It is very important to listen and understand. In today's world that is getting harder and harder.

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Deionna Trotter
2/21/2020 05:00:03 am

While reading this article one part really stuck out to me , and that part was the relationship category. I agree on the topic that teachers should interact with one another because I think that it will help keep the environment positive. As a adult that works I can totally take some pointers from that part of the passage. I also want to take the time out to elaborate on the importance of teachers and students having a good relationship . I think that in order for students to be successful they have to have a teacher that is willing to help them out , sometimes students can have a huge workload on them and it can cause an extreme amount of stress . In my opinion if teachers were willing to understand and show compassion for students situations then a better outcome would form . I have some great professors who will go the extra mile just to make sure that I have the proper tools to pass their class , and as a student I’m very appreciative of that .

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grover l welch
2/26/2020 10:28:27 am

Thank you for the comments. IT really is important to work on relationships, especially since so many people cant get a long today.

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Tomerlin, Mattison
2/21/2020 08:13:16 am

Good Morning, this article really moved me in ways I never thought it would. As a student at UAM I struggle at forming proper relationships with my classmates and professors . I now fully understand the importance of having this relationship. I will not only apply this at my university but also my future careers.

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grover l welch
2/26/2020 10:28:56 am

Thank you

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Braden T
3/2/2020 01:29:35 pm

Tomerlin

It is very important to have a good relationship with your professors in college because this relationship could make a grade. Learning how to build these relationships can be hard but very worth wild. I hope you continue to develop these skills throughout your academic adventure.

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Mary-Lynn Wagnon
2/21/2020 08:50:26 am

Good morning everyone! My name is Mary-Lynn Wagnon and I am a student at UAM. I found this months edition of the newsletter very insightful. I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Welch's article on how to manage relationships in school. As a student at UAM, I understand that the relationship you have with other students and professors is important. The two biggest concepts Mr. Welch mentioned to forward conversations were to listen and don't be afraid to be wrong. The last concept is the hardest for me and I know I need to work on that. After reading the article, I better understand the need for relationships among students and teachers and how to improve the relationships. I will take this information and imply it to my relationships at UAM.

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Emily Jackson
3/2/2020 01:17:06 pm

Being wrong is hard for me as well. But it was easiest to practice when I was surrounded by people who I could trust. It's a hard concept to learn, but we all learn every day!

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Shakerrea Brown
2/21/2020 09:26:54 am

Good Morning! My name is Shakerrea Brown I am a student at UAM. I found this months article to be very moving. I honestly find it very important that you learn how to manage your relationships in school because you never know when you will need a helping hand. I also think that is is very important that professors have a good relationship because your professor are always going to be there to help you and they want to see you succeed. They are not there to see you fail so me as a current college student I will say I am grateful that I am close with some of my professor because I always get the help that I need.

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grover l welch
2/26/2020 10:50:46 am

Our relationships are sometimes the only thing that matter.

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Jadin Snelling
2/21/2020 09:36:17 am

Good Morning my name is Jadin Snelling and I attend UAM. This article speaks volumes to me as it talks about relationships on a school level. Yeah because relationships are important for many reasons communications being one of them. School relationships are important to build a bond along peers and speeds up your learning and Interaction process

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grover l welch
2/26/2020 10:51:26 am

Thank you, I am glad my writing helps.

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Braden T
3/2/2020 01:32:25 pm

Jadin

Relationships made at college will follow you for the rest of your life. The ability to develop them and make them flourish is a important skill to have. I am glad you Found something to hold onto in Grover's piece.

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Jacob Holland
2/21/2020 10:51:22 am

My name is Jacob Holland and I am a student at UAM. Relationships on a school level between teachers and students is very important for a great education. I personally feel that I learn more if I have a better connection with my teacher. In Mr. Welch’s article he talks about not being afraid to be wrong. If you start to answer more in class it shows the teacher that you are trying to grasp the concepts they are teaching you.

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grover l welch
2/26/2020 10:52:10 am

I always love working with those kids I are trying.

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Nyah Scott
2/21/2020 11:00:38 am

My name is Nyah Scott and I am a student at UAM
I enjoyed reading the articles. I believe that engaging is an essential component for success both inside and outside of the classroom. Engaging allows you to express your opinion but it also lets the professor know that you understand.

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Emily Jackson
3/2/2020 01:13:39 pm

Engaging does go past just the classroom, as you have said. You will be able to better listen to your friends and family if you can engage in your classroom!

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Rhashaad lindsey
2/21/2020 11:08:38 am

School is getting more difficult and it seems now the teachers are working a bit harder to help the students achieve the grades that they work so very hard for. Having that relationship with the teacher and student is very important to succeed in an academic career.

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grover l welch
2/26/2020 10:53:16 am

It is really amazing the growth that happens when you take the time to build those relationships.

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De’Undre Wilson
2/21/2020 11:09:36 am

School is getting harder and harder each year, endless amount of homework assignments are giving per class. Teachers and students should work together it’s never alright to pack homework and or assignments on top of assignments on students.

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Lisa Simmons
2/21/2020 06:18:13 pm

De'Undre I definitely understand what you are saying. Every semester I have to remind myself that my professors maynot know the day of the week homework is given nor do they know how much homework is given to their students by other professors. I been in school sinces 2016. .struggling hard to make the chancellor's or Dean's list each semester. For the past 3 semesters I have been one grade away from making one or the other.
With all the homework piling up, it is very overwhelming. Being a wife, a mother, choir director, a sunday school teacher, working in my beauty salon after classes, battling cancer and a full-time student, is a lot for a woman that is 50 years old hanging out in your territory (college) trying to pursue her second dream. Each semester I have to tell myself at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 & sometimes 4:00 a.m. in the morning, " Lisa your Professors do not know exactly how much homework you have, they only know how much they assigned for you." It get extremely overwhelming with homework, trying to remember so much for test, until it causes a lot of sleepless nights. You can make it and you will make it. We all will make it together. I don't know why I went this way. Hopefully it encourages someone that is going through or think the same way we do.

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Grace Baker
2/21/2020 12:06:22 pm

I believe having a good relationship with your professor will help you get through the class easier. Making a good relationship with your teacher will make you feel more comfortable asking questions in class and show your teacher you are interested in the topic. This will also help you and other students, who may be too afraid to ask questions, know the right answers or better understand the topic. Thank you.

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Emily Jackson
3/2/2020 01:12:20 pm

I think the same! I think a good relationship with your professor will not only help you get through the class, you will also gain more respect for your teacher and what they do the more you get to know them. Thank you for your comment!

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Jordan Doakes
2/21/2020 03:19:50 pm

My name is Jordan Doakes and I am a student at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Reading the articles, I received lots of tips and information. Managing Relationships by Grover Welch surprised me, because you would think as an educator or a teacher, they would come together as a team to not only inform the students, but them as well. I completely agree with the article, teachers and educators should come together more, to share not only learning strategies, but behavior tips for students as well.

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grover l welch
2/26/2020 10:55:23 am

The emphasis on high stakes testing, teacher grading, and curriculums bought and sold teachers have become guarded and often it takes real effort to move forward building those relationships..

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lisa simmons
2/21/2020 09:01:31 pm

Mr. Welch I really admire your entire article. There is a lot of great information that caught my attention.
I admire your boldness, speaking out in a meeting full of educators as yourself. After being told not to ask any questions. I'm sure there was more people thinking the same way, but was afraid to have a voice and say, "Then why hold a meeting?" I agree, meetings should be the time for conversations. I guess depending on the subject and the matter of the meeting, some leaders allow questions to be asked and some will restrict your questions. Mr.. Welch, thanks for sharing.

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grover l welch
2/26/2020 10:56:26 am

Thanks for reading.

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Braden T
3/2/2020 01:36:19 pm

Lisa

Having a voice and knowing how to use it can be difficult but it is necessary. Being able to ask question is how we all grow, learning how to ask and prepare a response is a life skill we all need.

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Ashley King
3/20/2020 10:43:18 am

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Mr. Jones. His views on teaching really made me reevaluate my methods in getting an adolescent to try new things. His patience is something I hope to endeavor. I never really stopped to think how reading affects every profession. It all starts with reading something, anything. I feel more at ease with my future. I have felt that reading was just something I enjoy, not a job. Now I know I am going into something worth working for. Thank you for this wonderful discovery!

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Heavenley Bodiford
4/2/2024 10:04:50 pm

The February issue of The English Pub is a fantastic read for anyone interested in literacy and education. It's great to see the publication welcoming new readers from all over the world and providing valuable information on upcoming professional development opportunities. I particularly enjoyed the regular report from the classroom, which reminded me of the importance of professional support and relationships among teachers. The reading recommendation and interviews were also fascinating, providing unique perspectives on literacy and education. I especially appreciated the wider view provided by the teacher from Bermuda, which gave me a glimpse into a different educational system. I'm looking forward to the next issue, which promises to be just as informative and engaging. Overall, I highly recommend The English Pub to anyone interested in staying up-to-date on literacy and education news and developments.

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