reflections: my response
Following some considerable uproar the week past about ubc-o student representation at our school visits I think I have a few points to say on this particular subject.
One of the issues that I think is really important is our reputation within in the district. If we are perceived as being students that are unprofessional and unprepared to be teachers during our school visits, then this is something that can, potentially, affect us at interview time. I can hear it now. Ahh, a UBC-O student? I remember you guys, the badly dressed ones that never showed up. Sorry, the job is already taken.
My second issue is that our school visits are, SOMETIMES, rewarding. Sometimes not so much. Many times the schools have no idea that we are even coming to the schools, while we arrive excited and ready to learn. I have been yelled at on the phone because of this fact, then when I took this same issue to our coordinators, I got yelled at again! I question why there is not someone coordinating this effort on our behalf. Surely this would be more beneficial than having either 5 students (or no students) call at a busy school.
Thirdly, if there are rigid rules on the issue of dress code, could someone please tell us? It appears that some administration in Kelowna have ideas about this, which is fine, but it sure would be easier if someone would tell us what they are.
As a student, I have chosen to have this experience, and I feel that sometimes there is a lot of muddle where there is no need for it. A simple hand out (as in, sheet of paper) on behalf of the administration of education could avoid this. Tell us what EXACTLY is expected and you will get it, I guarantee. We want to be teachers and we want to impress.
November 20th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Interesting points, to say the least! OK, dress like a professional even if the rest of the school doesn’t (see Handbook, pg. 25). You set your own high standard. Try it and see how the students respond to you when you’re dressed like you mean business. Second, it’s disheartening to read/learn about the negative experiences, such as being yelled at! Sheesh! Here’s where you need to a) check your own pulse to make sure it’s not just you and an overreaction, and b) check with others (a sizable number of your colleagues) to get a general sense of continuity. That way you’re in a better stead to approach the coordinator with a firm complaint in need of rectifying action, even if it’s simply to, as you say in so many words, spell it all out (did you check in the Handbook for any pertinent details?).