Chalk

The movie Chalk was very funny. Although I know it is a "mockumentary," the problems and issues the teachers were dealing with were pretty true to life. My favorite character was the brand new teacher "Mr. Lowry." He was very funny, but his first year of teaching was a struggle, much like mine will be as well. The first year is said to be the toughest, and Mr. Lowry dealt with alot that first year. Even though everyone laughed when he checked out a book on classroom management, management it one issue that cannot really be taught. It seems as though we are given strategies to use, however we will learn the best when we are given "on the job training." Another issue with classroom management that effects teachers is that every class is different. Every year the classroom will have different learning styles, personalities and difficult behaviors. This makes id a challenge because the management system that was used with one class may not be effective with another class. In the case of Mr. Lowry, he was able to get somewhat of a management system with his history class this year, after most of the year was gone. Whether or not he signs his contract, if he does, his next history class will require a slightly different management system.
The other history teacher who was trying to win "Teacher of the Year," seemed to be the least effective teacher. He was very sarcastic and cocky in and out of the classroom. Although he had been nominated for the award, it was clear that his colleagues thought he was cocky as well. Many of the teachers rolled their eyes during the debate, being liked by your colleagues is a part of effective teaching as well. Teachers need work with and collaborate with fellow teachers to get ideas about activites and management strategies that would benefit student learning.