Assignment 1A

Hi!  My name is Mike Neumann, I am currently a teacher at San Ysidro High School; I teach Algebra and Video Production.

I never actually thought I would become a teacher; and though it was on my list of interesting careers, it seemed more like a fall-back than anything else.  I finished college with the dream of becoming a professional film editor, but after slaving away for free, editing terrible documentaries in people's basements, I realized that I didn't carry the passion I needed to continue with this profession.  I wanted to do something in which I could make a direct personal impact on people, and alas, imaginings of helping kids improve their future began materializing in my jaded mind.  As non-illustrious as many might believe teaching to be, as compared to the film industry anyway, I still continue to wake up content with my career decision.  Here I am on Fall break, with another week until school resumes...and I already miss my students.  Call me crazy or call me a teacher.

My personality, according to many of these tests, rides on my emotional state and energy.  And according to my results ion the MMDI, I embrace change, and approach it with a tinge of excitement to ride it and share my discoveries.  I think that this, subconsciously, is what drew me to the teaching profession, and ultimately to the subject of math.  I still like to think that I teach in a way that enlightens kids to embrace math with less prejudice, and elicit a sense of comfort with the subject, as most cringe at the though of numbers.  But of course, with all of this excitement comes extra work, and though I'm not at the level I'd like to be in teaching, my passion for change inspires me to continue growing.

It wasn't until a couple of years later that I took on the role of Video Production teacher, for which I'm taking this course.  I thought it would be a fun class to teach, and allow kids to broadcast their personalities.  With such a medium to present their work, students could feel like local superstars, improving their creative skills as well as their self confidence.

According to the test, my emotions govern my actions, which can be both a blessing and a curse.  I'm generally a positive person, and in the teaching profession, this is seen through colorful decorations and exaggerated exuberance during lectures.  I like to believe that this lures the students into entering my silly world and disarms me, in a way, to allow me to be approachable.  Of course this sometimes works against me, as it is hard to discipline students with authority when you're the goofy teacher on campus.  In the end, I develop a very close relationship with my kids, allowing them to open up and shed some light on their fears of school, in hopes that I can convince them of the positive effects of scholastic success