Hello everyone, my name is Kirsley Ryfkogel and I am currently an Intervention Specialist at Castle Park Middle School. Prior to starting this new job, I was a substitute teacher for 2 1/2 years (Elementary, Middle and High School). I graduated from CSUSM with a BA in Human Development in 2011 and soon after I applied to the teaching program. Half way through I realized that teaching wasn't necessarily what I wanted to do right away so I stopped and decided to go ahead and get my MA in School Counseling. I graduated in May of 2013 and then decided to continue my teaching credential. This is my last course before I start my Student Teaching.
I decided to become a teacher for the reason that in order to be a Counselor or at least be considered for a Counseling position, I need to have some years of teaching experience. I chose to be a science teacher because I have always had a passion for science. To me it is simple and amazing to research and have new findings.
I don't think my personality will affect my relationship with my students. I am very patient, regardless of the situation that I may find myself in. I have always believed that a teacher must be willing to listen to her students at all times, even when things are getting out of hand. I am also very strict when I need to be, but in moderation. I have learned that if I try and be super strict with my students, they don't take me seriously. So I balance myself a lot when it comes to classroom management.
Hi Kirsley,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story and nice to meet you. I think we have similarities in a sense that both of us didn't want to teach right away. Teaching is definitely a rewarding profession and there is nothing else that I would rather do than this. However, it is not easy either. Sometimes I miss being a student myself. I feel that there are so many things in the world that I still don't know. Of course, I learn a lot from my students, who are very brilliant in every way and it keeps me wanting to get better. Have a wonderful Monday!
Sincerely,
Darya
Darya, I really identify with what you said about how you sometimes miss being a student yourself. Which is actually funny, because you are a student right now as you pursue your credential! But I know what you mean- I think the pursuit of education is a lifelong process. As educators, however, we get to experience that first-hand. We will never be perfect teachers, but we can always seek ways to better ourselves and learn more about what we teach. The field of education is constantly changing, and we will always have new students and new challenges to face. I think that's one of the things that makes education so exciting.
DeleteNice to meet you,
Katie
Hi Kirsley,
ReplyDeleteFunny, I thought the same thing when I read your blog: I didn't originally intend to go into teaching when I began my education. In fact, I wanted to pursue something similar to your goal as a School Counselor. I wanted to be an Academic Advisor at the college level, and I even worked as a Academic Advising Assistant while in grad school. However, after teaching at a private school, I got the "teaching bug," so to speak. There's something to be said about building relationships with students and encouraging them to pursue their goals. Best of luck at you pursue yours! Cute graduation photo :)
-Katie
Hi Kirsley,
ReplyDeleteI think it is also a good idea to know what students to be strict with, which ones not to be, and so on. The previous course I took (Content area curriculum) had some good links that had tests that were an assessment as to what type of personality each student had in terms of how to manage them with regards to discipline. If you have a MA in counseling, I am sure you have been exposed to similar if not better links. But I like the idea of giving it at the beginning of the school year so that way you have an idea of how to handle each student specifically throughout the school year.
Hi Kirsley,
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing to know that you love to research and have new findings. To be an effective teacher the content knowledge of the subject is an importantant requirement. Hopefully you enjoy the time you will spend as a teacher before becoming a counselor. The fact that you are a good listener is a great benefit to improve your classroom management skills, and it also help us to learn more from our students. I believe as a teacher we are distinguished by our dedication to the students and to the job of teaching, and feel responsible for the achievement and success of our students.