Students are the real teachers.

Today, I taught a lesson on Conflict Resolution to 24 Philadelphia high school students. It felt great being in front of (and walking around) the classroom. Of course I was nervous before stepping foot into the school, but I was well prepared and focused on the ultimate goal - which was to teach students how to handle on the job conflict constructively. The education course I am enrolled includes teaching a lesson to high school students, with a classmate (or coteacher). We had three major points we wanted to drive home:
1. Prevent conflict
We briefly discussed how clear communication as well as considering cultural differences to prevent conflict.
2. Avoid conflict
When a coworker is pressing an issue and appears to want to engage in a confrontation, try listening to their perspective and problem. Sometimes just listening can make a world of difference, for the person who is upset and the other parties involved.
3. Manage conflict
In the midst of conflict, suggest taking a moment for people to think about the situation (privately, if possible) BEFORE attempting to resolve the issue.
Basically we wanted the students to understand that they are responsible for their reactions in every situation.
The students were grouped into fours and given 2 scenarios to discuss and develop a resolution. As an educator you should consider the trouble some students will have with an activity or new material. We did consider that due to a lack of experience in the workplace that students may not be able to fathom appropriate responses that resolve conflict. There were a few students who wanted to avoid the conflict by not speaking to the coworker. One student did want to speak with the supervisor immediately after an upsetting encounter; however we explained to all the students that they could work for someone who expects conflict to be handled between colleagues, without the help of administrators. We explained that going to one's "boss" every time there is a problem could lead to unemployment for the complainer (one trying to avoid conflict). The bottom line we drove home was that conflict will arise and that it is important to think about all the possible consequences before reacting.
The majority of students were engaged and vocal, however I was tested by the atmosphere. To my surprise without much time to think I took control of the situation before it could ruin our presentation. The classroom my coteacher and I were assigned to was extremely warm. Many students were sluggish in their responses and to start the group activity we prepared. There was little we could do about the temperature, except open a few windows to let in some cool fall air. {When an educator is in the threos of teaching, there is no textbook to refer in the span of a few seconds. During the series of decisions an instructor has to make she has to be prompt and efficient 90% of the time.} I accepted the classroom challenges and kept rolling with our lesson plan. After the presentation concluded I privately asked one student to give their honest opinion and feedback on the lesson. She explained that it was helpful in getting her to realize there's more than one way to handle a problem. Made my day! Proper planning for each part of the timed lesson served well; we guestimated the time accurately. Using time wisely is extremely important for classroom and behavior management.
It has been said, that teachers are born and not made. Maybe the truth is that everyone has the ability to teach others at least ONE thing, whether good or bad, deliberate or by chance, verbal or non... The overall experience was fulfilling. The student- teaching experience  reminded me of where, who and why I want to teach. Giving the youth new and relevant experiences to benefit their academic and personal success is incredibly important to me. Teaching has been in my blood since I was a girl instructing my imaginary students. The endless notebooks of lesson plans that I created [before I knew how to write words] knock on the doors of my evolving mind now waiting to be used with my future young scholars. Now it seems, the numerous people I have encountered throuhgout life have been grooming tools for me as an educator. In several instances random people have invited me to assist them with their learning challenges. Teacher to principal to founder, these are the goals of this educator. My future is becoming my reality...and I love it!!

Thank you PWNWHS Students!!

Conflict Resolution/Management Resources:
http://thenotebook.org/high-schools/parkway-northwest-high-school-for-peace-and-social-justice
http://www.center4resolutions.org/

Not conceited, just convinced.

Nov 2016 UPDATE: I am no longer striving to become a principal. However, I would like to obtain an administration position in education, for secondary or higher education students.