My Teaching Experiences

Well, other than the wrap-up stuff, I'm done. It's a good feeling, really. I think that's my big motivator in life - that feeling of accomplishment. Some people get a thrill out of the process, others in starting new things (that's my mom)...me, I like to finish stuff.

I've grown more accustomed to the eighth graders and have grown closer to a few of them. I think it was good to go through the transition of not liking them to liking them - especially as I feel I have a better appreciation for them now. At this point, I'm not worried about a teaching placement next year. I'm sure I'll like whatever age group I get.

At the beginning of this quarter, I was often frustrated with third hour. They are a modified class and were quite a challenge for me. I think now, though, that one of the big reasons it was such a challenge for me was that T---- tries to teach them the same way she teaches the other classes. That class just needs more assistance with things - needs things more spelled out. I think they also need more guidance and responsibility checks. If I were to work with them more in the future, I would implement this. As it is, I'm glad to have this knowledge, as I'm sure I'll have a modified class in my future.

I came to learn other things, too. Like that I have a definite preference to not have my desk in view of the hallway. I will often sit and eat and work at my desk at lunch. During that time, I like a little privacy, which I don't feel when my desk is so near the door. It makes me self-conscious. It doesn't bother me to have students in the room - just to be in line with the door.

I also learned how to work on a productive team this semester - one that stays on task and is encouraging with the students. I'm quite glad to see not every team will be like my last one.

I'm a little sad to be leaving the eighth graders at this point. I'm really just starting to get a feel for them. Today at break I talked about piercings with some students and after school another couple students shared their artwork with me and asked what I like to do in my spare time. I feel like they're just now getting to the point where they know me well enough as a teacher to want to know me as a person, but it's just time to leave. I'm also starting to notice the kids I don't know anything about yet. Like C---- and B----, who are quiet, middle-of-the-road students who don't talk out, don't volunteer and don't pass notes. They do their work and show up on time. It's almost like they're trying not to be noticed. It's those kids I would like to talk to more...but won't have the opportunity. I look forward to being with students for an entire school year next year, to really have time to improve and foster those relationships. Something I know that I will definitely do is ask each student to come into my classroom at the beginning of the school year perhaps after school or during lunch - just for a few minutes so that I can get to know them all individually. It's so important to me to do that. I've mentioned that to seasoned teachers, who have all told me that they just don't have the time and I'll discover that I don't either. I will make the time for that.

My Teaching Experiences
I'm a graduate student at Boise State University just starting to work with the school districts. This no-frills blog is my account of my experiences in the school setting. Archives: January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 September 2006 October 2006 November 2006 January 2007 February 2007 March 2007 April 2007 May 2007	Tuesday, May 01, 2007 Well, other than the wrap-up stuff, I'm done. It's a good feeling, really. I think that's my big motivator in life - that feeling of accomplishment. Some people get a thrill out of the process, others in starting new things (that's my mom)...me, I like to finish stuff. I've grown more accustomed to the eighth graders and have grown closer to a few of them. I think it was good to go through the transition of not liking them to liking them - especially as I feel I have a better appreciation for them now. At this point, I'm not worried about a teaching placement next year. I'm sure I'll like whatever age group I get. At the beginning of this quarter, I was often frustrated with third hour. They are a modified class and were quite a challenge for me. I think now, though, that one of the big reasons it was such a challenge for me was that T---- tries to teach them the same way she teaches the other classes. That class just needs more assistance with things - needs things more spelled out. I think they also need more guidance and responsibility checks. If I were to work with them more in the future, I would implement this. As it is, I'm glad to have this knowledge, as I'm sure I'll have a modified class in my future. I came to learn other things, too. Like that I have a definite preference to not have my desk in view of the hallway. I will often sit and eat and work at my desk at lunch. During that time, I like a little privacy, which I don't feel when my desk is so near the door. It makes me self-conscious. It doesn't bother me to have students in the room - just to be in line with the door. I also learned how to work on a productive team this semester - one that stays on task and is encouraging with the students. I'm quite glad to see not every team will be like my last one. I'm a little sad to be leaving the eighth graders at this point. I'm really just starting to get a feel for them. Today at break I talked about piercings with some students and after school another couple students shared their artwork with me and asked what I like to do in my spare time. I feel like they're just now getting to the point where they know me well enough as a teacher to want to know me as a person, but it's just time to leave. I'm also starting to notice the kids I don't know anything about yet. Like C---- and B----, who are quiet, middle-of-the-road students who don't talk out, don't volunteer and don't pass notes. They do their work and show up on time. It's almost like they're trying not to be noticed. It's those kids I would like to talk to more...but won't have the opportunity. I look forward to being with students for an entire school year next year, to really have time to improve and foster those relationships. Something I know that I will definitely do is ask each student to come into my classroom at the beginning of the school year perhaps after school or during lunch - just for a few minutes so that I can get to know them all individually. It's so important to me to do that. I've mentioned that to seasoned teachers, who have all told me that they just don't have the time and I'll discover that I don't either. I will make the time for that.