GROUP REFLECTION

The purpose of creating a handbook for teachers in the 21st century was to compile key concepts, philosophical underpinnings and helpful advice for new educators in a way that would be accessible to all first-year teachers. This also includes a particular focus on the challenges for teaching in diverse settings.

As a group, we had decided to create brochures covering each of the key understandings of the teaching profession that would be made available to new teachers. Upon deeper reflection, we came to the conclusion that technology will play a key role in the future of the teaching profession and wanted our document to include that element. We decided to create a blog that is interactive, progressive and up-to-date. This is a practical way for new teachers to receive information on important aspects of the teaching profession in a magazine-style, at-a-glance format.

The idea to compile this information onto an online location makes it available to all teachers with an internet connection; it is certainly the way of the future. The blog site holds information that is current and up-to-date. It can also be further developed and added to as needed by the members of the blog. Any visitor to the site can post a comment. This will garner responses to create an online community that offers teachers a place to ask for advice and post their own lesson plans and teaching strategies. Many of the sections have interesting documentaries posted and helpful books and websites for teachers. Veteran teachers, professors and board administrators can be invited to participate in the blog, and provide their own invaluable information to individuals starting in the profession. The depth and range of content is truly endless. This is an accessible document that is quick and easy to use. It’s written and complied by teachers for teachers.