Gary Lamotta's Publications

• Preparing for a Career in Teaching By Gary LaMotta , Gary Lamotta's Blog on Bigsight December, 2011 Consider any occupation in any industry; nearly all the individuals in a given occupation took the first steps toward their careers as children in the education system. Teachers and professors gave them the tools to become well-rounded individuals and led them on the path to becoming productive adults. Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions one can pursue, but many admit to not knowing how to begin a career in education. posted at sittercity.com Not all teachers possess the skills or education to teach at all grade levels. Therefore, it is important to take the time to think about the education level one wishes to teach: pre-school and kindergarten, elementary school, middle and high school, special education, or college and beyond. Unique specializations and requirements demarcate each level. Elementary school teachers typically cover a variety of subjects and may be required to complete coursework in early child education, while middle and high school teachers tend to focus on one core subject. Spend time researching the requirements needed to excel in each level. Although each state requires that teachers complete bachelor degrees, many states now require a Master’s degree as well. Teachers must also acquire a teaching certificate in the state they will be working in and will often be required to teach for a specific number of hours before being awarded with a professional teaching certificate. To learn more about the education and certification requirements specific to different subjects and grade levels, consult a college advisor and the Department of Education requirements in your state. About the Author Gary Lamotta began his teaching career in 1971 at a New York-based K-8 school. In 1984, Gary LaMotta accepted a position in special education. He became principal in 1991 and retired in 2007.

• Gary Lamotta Discusses Developing Positive School Cultures, Gary Lamotta December, 2011 The culture of a school refers to the traditions and beliefs that motivate teachers and administrators, including the approaches taken to learning and the underlying assumptions taken by faculty. In the school, culture dictates the teaching techniques that faculty use and even the details discussed during staff meetings. Unfortunately, not all cultures promote a positive environment for true learning. For example, some cultures create antagonistic relationships between teachers and students by placing the blame for lack of progress on the students. In these negative environments, staff members often treat each other in a disrespectful manner, which discourages the collaboration that creates a truly nourishing space for learning. Positive environments celebrate individual and group successes and provide support for those students who struggle. Collaboration becomes a guiding force both with the students and the staff. When teachers and students realize that they are working together toward a common goal, they can help each other along the path, and they can end up accomplishing more than they thought possible. Changing a negative culture involves an effort on the part of all faculty and administrators. Before these parties can make progress, they must identify the driving forces in the school and agree upon the factors in need of modification. When employees begin to implement the new, more positive practices, they mutually create a more beneficial environment. As staff members begin to function as a supportive group of colleagues, this new approach to teaching will trickle down to the student level and improve their experience. Staff members should meet frequently to discuss concerns openly and honestly, as well as to point out remarkable accomplishments and collaborations. With open communication, employees come to recognize the teamwork necessary to meet goals and the benefits of creating a positive school culture. After the establishment of new values, all staff members have the responsibility to uphold this new culture and pass it on to future generations of teachers and administrators. It is essential once a positive and collaborative school environment is in place to have a core veteran group of staff members to complement the principal’s message and ensure that all new staff members join in this schoolwide mission/vision. This process is on-going and renewed each year. The message must be consistent and actively demonstrated. It also must be strongly linked to students and parents and be part of an open dialogue with the entire school community. About the Author A retired educator, Gary Lamotta became the Special Education Supervisor for District 3 in Manhattan in 1985. After five years in that position, he earned an appointment as Principal of Public School/Middle School 280, located in the Bronx. During Gary Lamotta’s tenure at the institution, its students received average math and reading scores higher than those at any other Bronx Title 1 school. In recognition of his achievements, he received an invitation to The Principals’ Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

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