The Coolest Thing About Teaching...

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.