Being prepared to address the changing cultural face of today’s students requires a new approach to teaching. An approach that focuses on the following questions about diversity, culture, language and differentiation. Ask yourself:
Do you hold a positive view of diversity? Are you very familiar with the cultures of the students in your classroom? Can you understand and speak their native language? Are the principals of “Differentiated Instruction” applied?
Technology Today, teachers need to make the integration of technology into their curriculum a priority. Students expect to have and use technology in their classrooms. They are part of the new digital and informational age.
Teachers who incorporate various forms of technology in their instruction have more motivated students. When technology is effectively implemented in the classroom, it makes significant difference in the level of student learning. Technology allows students to become active participants in the learning process.
The following are essential technology skills a teacher should understand and be able to use in the teaching / learning process: 1. Internet Search and Research 2. Email 3. Word Processing 4. Databases 5. Presentation Tools 6. Grade Books 7. Productivity Apps 8. Social Media
Additional Technology Skills Every Teacher Should Possess: 1. Edit Digital Audio 2. Use Video Content 3. Use Social Networking 4. Compile Digital Portfolios 5. Curate Web Content 6. Use Digital Assessment 7. Use Mobile Devices 8. Employ Graphic Organizers 9. Use File Sharing
Joseph Pergola is the retired Director of Fine Arts from the William Floyd School District on Eastern Long Island, New York. A graduate of the New York College of Music, he received his undergraduate degree and teacher certiEication from Dowling College, a Masters Degree from SUNY Stony Brook and his Administrative Degree from C.W. Post University.
During his tenure at William Floyd, he taught elementary, middle school and high school band. His performance ensembles received the highest rating at New York State Ensemble Adjudication for 21 consecutive years.
Shortly after being named Director of Fine Arts at Willaim Floyd, the music department was named a MENC Model Music Program. Both the New York State Theater Association and the National Theater Association named Mr. Pergola, Arts Administrator of Year.
He currently works for the National Education Service Company as Director of Education and Arts Development and is a member of the adjunct faculty at
C.W.Post / Long Island University. Mr. Pergola is a published author with numerous books and articles to his credit and serves as a frequent clinician at MENC Conferences throughout the United States.
28 August/September 2016
Conclusion: Although teachers today continue to be faced with lower wages than other occupations requiring the same or less formal education, individuals motivated to teach today must commit to developing a unique set of skills while exhibiting the best of human qualities; the desire to give, to contribute and to make a difference. If the definition of a “hero” is a person of distinguished courage and ability who displays self-sacrifice for the good of humanity, then teachers today are truly society’s heroes.
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