Dressed for Success

As I draw nearer to the start of my professional career, I realize that I'll have to reevaluate my wardrobe soon. As an educator, I should be "dressed for success," which aims to set an example for my impressionable students, setting myself apart from them.... at least that's what they tell me. I'm not too sure about how this plan to dress like a professional will fit with my current threads.

I like to be comfortable, with my style closer to dress casual, with a touch of fashionista. I've always pictured myself as one of those "cool teachers" from the movies who doesn't dress like a traditional teacher but isn't trying to dress too young either. A laid back vibe, but not too laid back. One thing I will have to watch is the low-cut shirts and sweaters, especially since I'll be teaching middle schoolers. [Thank God for layering tanks!] I have a substantial collection of shoes, but I'll have to invest in a pair of utilitarian, comfortable shoes--sensibility will have to become a priority over qualities like "cuteness" and "sex appeal." I don't want to be uncomfortable all day.

It's funny how the debate of what to wear to school doesn't end when one is standing in front of the classroom instead of sitting in a desk. Why do we put so much emphasis on what to wear? In my opinion, students spend too much time and energy on this. It is no surprise that I am an advocate for school uniforms. Should teachers have school uniforms too? Would I be able to dedicate more time into preparation or instruction if I wasn't worried about which shirt and shoe combination to wear? How can I expect my students to do something if I'm not willing to do the same?

Techno Troubles

Today I learned of a website that allows the rental of books online. What an amazing concept. Netflix for textbooks? What won't they think of next? The constant innovations and creative expressions that are possible through technology never cease to amaze me. Technology truly is ever changing. Our culture has become dependent on technological advances, why should I expect my students to become disconnected from technology when they enter my classroom? Today I decided to reflect on the importance of technology in my personal and professional life. Will I be able to stay connected?

On a personal level, I love gadgets and gizmos. I love the Internets. I love how much information is at my fingertips. I love being able to connect virtually to so many different individuals regardless of geographic location. I love the conveniences that technology creates (don't get me started on online shopping). I love exploring worlds and experiencing perspectives that I wouldn't even have been aware of. I even love being the friend that is "tech savvy" (read: other friends call on when they are having technological troubles). I have become one of the many that can't bear to be disconnected. Do I feel naked and uncomfortable when I don't have my cell phone? Hell yes! Do I like being so dependent on technology? Definitely not. How can I find a balance between the ways of the old school and the new school?

On a professional level I definitely appreciate technology. I want to be an educator who embraces technology. I realize that the smart use of technology in my classroom can enrich and enhance instruction. I realize that my students are using technology every day, and that in order to make instruction more relevant to them I should embrace the use of it in my classroom. Social networking can be bent to the advantage of education, and I plan to experiment with Twitter as an educator. I hope to help students find the balance between the virtual and the physical worlds. I want my students to be fluent in both English and l33t speak. I want them to be comfortable communicating while standing in front of a group of their peers as they are while chatting online. How can I create Classroom 2.0 without getting in over my head or isolating my superiors?