Recommended tools!

Three texts/tools/films I would like to recommend:

#1 American Teacher (2011 film)

       This movie is a little hokey and a little sappy (you might be able to tell that just from the photo), but it's an amazing depiction of real-life teachers in our country. With the CPS teachers strike and uncertainty ahead, it's crucial that we as future educators know the politics and bureaucracy of the educational system. As a potential middle school educator, I want to know that my position as a teacher is not only valued and respected by my community, but also by my country. It's great to see change within our city's school system, and this is a timely film for that reason.

#2 John Dewey's texts

       As I mentioned in my introduction, I believe that Dewey's philosophies and writings about experience and education are essential to me as an educator. His ideas are useful in and out of the classroom, especially with middle schoolers. Because of where middle schoolers are, developmentally, his ideas on educational reform and practice are essential to study if one is to teach middle school. I truly appreciate his writing and want to read more as I continue through graduate school.

#3 Dead Poets Society (1989 film)

This might also seem hokey, but this film is a perfect example of how teachers should interact with their students. I think that Robin Williams' portrayal of a hands-on, exciting, "teaching outside the classroom" teacher has changed how many teachers interact with their students today. I think every adult has had that one teacher that's changed their lives, and it's usually because the teacher pushed them to be better people while treating them like equals. I don't think this is necessarily how one should always teach, but it's a great attitude to have overall.