Student teaching has opened my eyes up to a lot of things that I either just didn't realize or that had entirely flown over my head. Being used to the college schedule, I had completely forgotten about waking up before 6am in order to get to school and that was certainly a shocker. Students' hormonal imbalances completely through me for a loop; the constant fights between boys, the occasional emotional breakdown in class, the disturbing level of flirtation by girls. Never did I ever think that teachers had to do so much paperwork outside of class, or just how awful grading essays is (they never end!). I was caught off guard by the high level of gossip presence in the teachers' lounge, and the low level of collaboration among colleagues.
There were also many great experiences that I did not expect to find. I did not expect to have so many of my summertime campers as my students, so it was an awesome time having them in class. I was surprised by the free reign that I was given with the students and the fact that both my teachers felt comfortable leaving me with them all day. I was shocked by the administrators' level of involvement in my student teaching experience, constantly encouraging me and giving me advice when ever applicable. I was also surprised by my level of inclusion in department-wide meetings, where my opinion was sought and held with just as much regard as the most seasoned of teachers.
Yet overall, the greatest part about teaching was finding out which of my students were Christians. Honestly, it was so cool to look out over a sea of faces and know that "this one" and "that one" love Jesus. I had so many great conversations with these students after class, conversations about God, church and the Bible. One of the students actually goes to my church, and I had never even known that before! I will certainly be looking to see her there in the upcoming weeks. I am so encouraged that these students see my faith at the forefront of my teaching, my philosophy and my demeanor, and that they can recognize that I am living for a higher purpose.
Even if the only thing I accomplished this entire semester was to embolden one of these students in their faith, I would consider my time a complete success. For me, honestly, the joy of my day was seeing these few students walk into my class and know that we serve the same King.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Lame Duck...Therefore, I Teach
As it is late in the ball game with regard to student teaching, I have a few plans for my class. I'm kind of in a lame duck position, finishing up the unit with one more assessment and then quickly handing off the class back to my cooperating teacher. That being said, this is the perfect opportunity to try some new things.
I've already been able to experiment and have some fun with my teaching methods this last week. The students almost went into shock when they saw me access the computer to show them a clip from Youtube. Needless to say, technology is not something that they are used to having in the classroom setting. Seeing this, I realized that I have to leave with a bit of "shock and awe" for the students come next week.
I plan on modifying an experiential learning activity next week about WWI, by flipping the desks over and having students hide in their "trenches" and record their experience in their notebooks as if its a journal. I plan to flicker the lights like artillery rounds lighting up the skies, while simultaneously war noises are blaring in the background to add effect. Some students will be lying in "no man's" land and others will be required to rescue them. Overall, the experience is intended to get the students excited about the material that they will be learning as I leave the classroom.
While there are still some kinks to work out and some modifications being made, I'm so excited to leave the students with an activity like this. I have not had an opportunity to REALLY ENGAGE the class in a full-blown activity like this. It will be good to leave on such a positive note with the students and to have some fun on my last few days. And that's the joy of being a lame duck right? Being yourself and trying new things!
I've already been able to experiment and have some fun with my teaching methods this last week. The students almost went into shock when they saw me access the computer to show them a clip from Youtube. Needless to say, technology is not something that they are used to having in the classroom setting. Seeing this, I realized that I have to leave with a bit of "shock and awe" for the students come next week.
I plan on modifying an experiential learning activity next week about WWI, by flipping the desks over and having students hide in their "trenches" and record their experience in their notebooks as if its a journal. I plan to flicker the lights like artillery rounds lighting up the skies, while simultaneously war noises are blaring in the background to add effect. Some students will be lying in "no man's" land and others will be required to rescue them. Overall, the experience is intended to get the students excited about the material that they will be learning as I leave the classroom.
While there are still some kinks to work out and some modifications being made, I'm so excited to leave the students with an activity like this. I have not had an opportunity to REALLY ENGAGE the class in a full-blown activity like this. It will be good to leave on such a positive note with the students and to have some fun on my last few days. And that's the joy of being a lame duck right? Being yourself and trying new things!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Spring Break does not mean "Time Off"
Maybe I was in my own little world. Maybe I was too idealistic. Maybe I just didn't realize the reality of the situation. Whatever it was, I thought that spring break would be the moment of breath that I needed. With but two weeks to go in the homestretch of student teaching, it seemed as though I would have a solid week off with nothing but loads of time to aid me in preparing my last unit to be covered. I made a neat little chart, because that's who I am, clearly planning out my time off so that I could get some work done and find a moment or two to relax. Boy, was I wrong.
It is now Wednesday and I am currently only beginning the process of preparing my last unit on Imperialism in Japan. Things just began popping up that required my immediate attention and pulled me away from my unit. The barrage of parent emails have occupied much of my time over the last few days, as parents are voicing their opinions about their children's report cards. Speaking of which, a solid two hours or so went into entering grades into an online system for students to view their grades online. Not to mention, some time was burned putting in individual comments and statements about each student's learning progress. Mix in some fun calls about tax forms and wedding planning, and its no surprise that spring break is almost gone and I have yet to complete my unit.
I am finding myself so amazed by the fact that a teacher's job seems to never end. That is to say that no matter what time of day or year, the teacher is always performing some sort of action that pertains to the profession. And yet while this statement is true, I have received some great advice with regard to the never ending to-do list of teachers. The social studies supervisor told me that over 90% of the teachers that receive the National Teacher of the Year Award end up divorced. She told me that no matter how crazy things may get in the classroom and with having to complete paperwork, that I should always make time for my family. The laundry list will be there in the morning, and you need to put your family first.
It was very encouraging to hear this from someone in administration. It is good to know that some people have an understanding for the constant "Go, Go, Go" attitude that teachers abide by, and that they are equally concerned that your home life is as healthy as your classroom. That in mind, I think I'm going to start my unit and then go for a long walk around the lake by my house. I need it.
It is now Wednesday and I am currently only beginning the process of preparing my last unit on Imperialism in Japan. Things just began popping up that required my immediate attention and pulled me away from my unit. The barrage of parent emails have occupied much of my time over the last few days, as parents are voicing their opinions about their children's report cards. Speaking of which, a solid two hours or so went into entering grades into an online system for students to view their grades online. Not to mention, some time was burned putting in individual comments and statements about each student's learning progress. Mix in some fun calls about tax forms and wedding planning, and its no surprise that spring break is almost gone and I have yet to complete my unit.
I am finding myself so amazed by the fact that a teacher's job seems to never end. That is to say that no matter what time of day or year, the teacher is always performing some sort of action that pertains to the profession. And yet while this statement is true, I have received some great advice with regard to the never ending to-do list of teachers. The social studies supervisor told me that over 90% of the teachers that receive the National Teacher of the Year Award end up divorced. She told me that no matter how crazy things may get in the classroom and with having to complete paperwork, that I should always make time for my family. The laundry list will be there in the morning, and you need to put your family first.
It was very encouraging to hear this from someone in administration. It is good to know that some people have an understanding for the constant "Go, Go, Go" attitude that teachers abide by, and that they are equally concerned that your home life is as healthy as your classroom. That in mind, I think I'm going to start my unit and then go for a long walk around the lake by my house. I need it.
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