reflection+on+elementary+school+teachers

=Innovative ELT techniques -Become an Elementary School Teacher by Suna TOPUZ =

The article mentions elementary school teachers and their responsibilities. Actually some of things which the writer indicates about the elementary school teachers in this article are not familiar to me. I did not know them in advance. But as far as I know about elementary school teachers, I agree with the writer. The writer states that elementary school teachers are responsible for the educational and emotional development of children. Whereas some elementary school teachers teach just one special topic (for example; music, art, reading, social science…) a number of different classes at different times, most of them present the lecture one class of children in several objects. In Turkey, generally the students after fifth grade are instructed by elementary school teachers who are mastered on just on special subject. The daily duties of elementary school teachers range from preparation to lesson plan to preparation and practicing of exams, from giving assignments to establishment of classroom rules and routines, from providing classroom management to cooperation with parents and school managers… etc. But I do not think these duties are sufficient for students’ success and satisfaction. In addition to these aspects, elementary school teachers should make a good communication with their students in order to motivate and encourage them. Besides, they have to study on lesson hard and check their students’ development process. That means they are supposed to bring work home with them. Contrast to the thoughts of some people about elementary school teachers, their duties are not simple and do not worth to be looked down. The writer presents his ideas and knowledge on education, certification and licensing of elementary school teachers as well. To be an elementary school teacher in formal education requires having at least a bachelor’s degree. According to the writer’s opinion, the teachers are expected to present the courses such as music, literature, mathematics, social science… etc. But some states consider as essential necessity to gain a master’s degree after starting teach for these teachers. The writer states that every elementary school teacher should be licensed in order to have a right to teach in public schools in their states although in most private schools, having a licensure is not compulsory. But I did not have any knowledge about that and I am very surprised. I learned from the writer that in most states, licensure is given by State Board of Education to individuals who passed educational requirements such as bachelor’s degree or graduation from teacher training program and who have completed a test based on competency in basic reading, writing and teaching skills. As a result, not only the writer but also me think that elementary school teachers have a difficult responsibility, and to be an elementary school teacher requires lots of skills both before and after the profession.