Let's Celebrate!

Calling all STAR Participants!

It is hard to believe we are almost halfway through the semester! The STAR team has worked hard to plan various events throughout the year, but this time, we are asking for your input. As we look forward to the close of the 2011-2012 school year, we are anticipating an exciting, end-of-the-year celebration to reflect on the year's successes. 

How would YOU like 
to celebrate the end of the year? 

What social event would you be interested in in attending? An ice cream social has been suggested, but we welcome any thoughts you have. 

We eagerly await your creative ideas!

A Shoot For the STARS

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming social event, A Shoot for the STARS! 

To RSVP, click here.

*Don't forget to bring your event sheets*

Technology in the Classroom

One of today's "Hot Topics" in education is the use of technology in the classroom. The term "technology" encompasses a wide array of learning tools, including computers, Smart Boards, iPads, Kindles, and interactive videos. In some schools, the push for technology is overwhelmingly clear; each student uses an iPad on a daily basis, and entire lessons are given with the aid of a Smart Board. Other schools, however, lack the funding necessary for technology. Does this mean the students cannot learn? 

Some school administrators argue that the increasing use of technology in the modern-day classroom is inevitable: No longer can teachers rely on traditional chalkboard learning. Today's students, who grow up in the age of the internet, learn best through the engaging, interactive nature of technology-based learning. These administrators push for educational games, simulation-based learning, and even social media as a means to teach material in new ways. 

Others see the opposite. For teachers and administrators who do not see the need for technology, this kind of learning can be distracting and counterproductive. School computers are not used for educational purposes, students use iPads to surf the web, and textbooks suddenly become absent. Real learning does not depend on advanced technology. 

Is technology in the classroom a necessity? 

S.T.A.R. Buddy Testimonials

Attention all buddies! 

We want to know about your experiences with the S.T.A.R. Mentoring Program. 

Do you have an outstanding mentor? 

Is your active participation in S.T.A.R. enriching your SOE experience? 

Have you been enjoying the S.T.A.R. events?

Tell us your thoughts! Please share your positive experiences with us by emailing a quick, 3-4 statement to Dean Dimitratos at dimitraj@stjohns.edu, the subject of your email being "STAR Testimonial." Do not forget to include your name, year, and major.

Topic of the Week: Tenure

One of today's hot topics in education is teacher tenure. Tenure provides educators with a permanent teaching contract with the near-impossibility of being fired. Ideally, teachers granted tenure have displayed outstanding successes in teaching and a consistent passion and drive for their work; however, many argue that teachers in the "tenure-track" are no longer evaluated properly.

For this week's discussion, let's give our own opinions. While many argue that tenure offers much-needed job security, its opponents say that tenure makes it almost impossible to rid schools of poor teachers. 

To read more about teacher tenure as well as the opinions of education experts Geoffrey Canada and John Wilson, click here and here.

Should teachers have tenure?  


*We encourage you to not only share your own opinion, but to comment other participants' posts as well. This is a great way to engage in a discussion with your peers and gain invaluable insight on both sides of educational issues.
Finally, please remember to be respectful and engage in professional discussion when replying to the post of another.*

S.T.A.R. Family Game Night

On the evening of Wednesday, February 8th, S.T.A.R. mentors and buddies gathered together for a bit of competitive fun at the first annual Family Game Night. Participants enjoyed the wide variety of games set up in the Sullivan Hall Café, including Jenga, Battle Ship, Uno, and Taboo, to name a few. Time seemed to fly by as mentors and buddies caught up with each other, shared a laugh or two, and formed new friendships with other S.T.A.R. members.  

Game Night was deemed a huge success, bringing together both new and old faces of the School of Education. S.T.A.R.’s first social event of the semester certainly foreshadows the exciting future in store for the program. 


 Click here to view the photos! 

Topic of the Week: Childhood or Adolescent Education?

As Education majors, we had to make an important decision about the age level we hope to someday teach. For this week's topic, let's discuss your choice; Are you an Adolescent or Childhood Education Major?

Of course, there are positives and negatives that come with teaching both age groups (which even further divide into different grades!) Some enjoy working with younger children and teaching a wide array of subjects, while others prefer to instruct a specific subject of expertise to older students. What influenced your choice? 

Are you an Adolescent or Childhood Education Major? What is your concentration? What do you find appealing about teaching your chosen age group? 

Save the Date!

We look forward to seeing you at our first annual Game Night! Mentors, don't forget to bring your event sheets.