Generation Next

Alyssa McCarthy

Saint Marys University of Minnesota

Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs

Portfolio Entry for Wisconsin Teacher Standard 9

EDUW 695 Ethics and Issues in Education

Fall 2015
Alyssa McCarthy
695- Filter Reflection
Filter #3- Age/Generation

Generation Next

People view the world differently depending on their environment, values, and

experiences. It makes sense that those with similar pasts more readily relate to one

another. This is exactly what a persons generation provides. I have witnessed and

learned that the time period a person grew up can impact their perspective; however, it

became even more evident after reflecting on the column describing my generations

common traits.

Example #1- Hierarchy

At first glance it may appear that Generation Next has a hard time accepting

hierarchy or struggles being at the bottom of the totem pole. However, knowing this isnt

the case and examining my past, I realized there is a miscommunication between

generations. It isnt that Generation Next cant accept a hierarchy or respect authority,

its that we demand more than its face value. Looking at my past jobs, I work hard to

prove my competence to my coworkers and managers. I also expect the same in return.

As a part of Generation Next, I expect my leaders to be working as hard as I am and to

prove they deserve to be leaders. As a generation, we dont just accept lax leaders, we

demand more from them.

I have carried this ideal with me throughout every job Ive had and many times I

have struggled because of it. To people in older generations in the workforce this may

appear disrespectful. In the past, people were taught not to challenge or question

hierarchy. I think it is good that Generation Next demands more from their leaders, but it
is important we approach hierarchy with caution. In the future, I will keep in this mind

when dealing with administrators. As a new teacher, I will have to prove my competence

as an educator, but I also realize I will need the support of my leaders to do so.

Example #2- Community

As I mentioned in class, one of Generation Nexts greatest quality is tolerance.

As a society we have grown more and more tolerant with each generation. I am

reminded of our generations tolerance regularly through interactions with older

generations. I have a held a handful of customer service jobs where the customers were

primarily white middle aged men. I remember hearing conversations where they couldnt

wrap their minds around topics like gay marriage. I remember being shocked at

comments on topics like race and poverty.

I believe Generation Next has a responsibility to share/teach this tolerance.

Growing up, my father was a conservative man and saw things in a very black/white

manor. He always voted right sided, no matter the candidate. However, over the years I

have watched my dad change. He has been greatly influenced by the tolerance that my

siblings and I share and his views have begun to shift. My plan as a teacher is to teach

tolerance to the next generation. Our society has come along way but there is still a

long road ahead. Change starts with a new generation and this is one quality worth

passing on.

Example #3- Technology

Technology is the double edged sword for Generation Next. We are masters of

the computer and smartphone but we cant live without it. It has made our world smaller

and more instant. We have short attention spans and want quick answers. If I dont
know the answer to a question, I Google it or look it up on Youtube. If I dont know how

to get somewhere, I use the GPS on my phone. If there is a dull moment I am distracted

with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or game apps.

As a teacher I will have to use technology in my room, but also compete with it.

Learners in this generation will thrive with the use of up to date technology in a lesson.

However, if the lessons arent meaningful enough to the students, they have a world of

distraction at their fingertips. Learning needs to be hands on and real in order for it to

connect with Generation Next. As a teacher I hope to use technology in the classroom

in order to give my students more independence in their learning. Students can learn in

the way that is best for them, not just one static way.

Example #4- Loyalty

A great weakness of Generation Next is their lack of loyalty professionally. A lot

of young adults are unwilling to settle or make a commitment to a place or a job. I think

it comes down to the idea that the grass is always greener on the other side. The

thought that there could be something better allows Generation Next to jump from job to

job with ease. My mom has taught in the same district for over 20 years and my

grandpa has been a barber in the same town for over 60 years. However, most of my

classmates in highschool had more than 3 different jobs throughout those 4 years

alone. I have always held value in keeping jobs for 2+ years because I know that is rare

with people my age.

I think this lack of loyalty has a great potential to hurt the education system. In

class, we discussed the impact of high teacher turnover on districts around the state. I

think students benefit from a stable team and it is important to find roots within a
classroom/school. In my opinion our education system cant succeed if every year a

teacher has to meet a new team of coworkers. Teaching is an even harder job without a

strong/stable support system.