My Student Teaching Experience
Student teaching has been a rewarding and encouraging learning experience. From the beginning, I was welcomed into Marengo Elementary openly by the staff and students. The working environment is extremely friendly and warm. I seemed so easy to feel I was part of the faculty, and I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of settings.
First of all, I love first grade. Having a first grader myself, I found it extraordinarily easy to communicate with my students. I understand the stages they are at, both emotionally and socially. At the same time, the students made it so easy for me to be their teacher, partially because they do not differentiate between a "real" and a "student" teacher. I must admit that I enjoy the mothering that first graders still need. At this stage too, students are eager. It seemed so easy to teach these kids.
My cooperating teacher, Mr. Andreassen, was a tremendous help from the beginning. He offered me all of his resources without reserve. He was willing to discuss lessons with me before and after my experiences. If I ever had reserve, he reassured me by explaining why what I was doing was appropriate and gave me other options when needed. He also gave me the chance to try my ideas out without his supervision, since that is what my future holds. It seems like such a luxury to be able to teach with a mentor at your fingertips.
I got many opportunities to work with the other staff members. I participated in BAT meetings held by the kindergarten and first grade teachers. At this meeting, particular students who are having problems in school are brought up for discussion. The purpose of these meetings is to brainstorm new strategies for working with these students. It is also the beginning process in getting outside services, like Grant Wood or doctors. I not only was able to see how staff work together for the good of the children, but I was able to suggest ideas. This experience is so valuable because I will find myself in this situation with my own class, and need this kind of preparation.
Another chance to work with the entire staff, was through in-service meetings. During these meetings, their classroom management, and school wide management system was discussed. This was another instance where I was able to get great ideas from staff, kindergarten through six, about how to keep productive classrooms, and minimize management problems.
Parent-teacher conferences was a time that I was able to meet all of the parents. I enjoyed this time completely. It seems that it helps a teacher get to know her students even better. I was impressed when parents were so involved in their child's learning. It was also very encouraging when many of them told me that their children were coming home talking all about me and the lessons we had. It felt so good. As a parent, I understood many of the concerns they have. I felt it was very easy to talk to them.
The biggest challenge for me, as a new teacher is never having taught the material before. I taught every subject quite extensively. I incorporated many different teaching and learning styles. Variety was one of my goals. I felt successful in this area. However, it is challenging each time you write and teach a lesson. Teaching time is precious, and I was always working toward teaching materials the best way. I want to not only make the material interesting and fun, but I want to ensure that true learning is taking place for everyone. This means that each lesson must have adjustments for different kinds of learners, and a way to assess the learning in the end. It is a challenge.
I feel my biggest success was having positive relationships in my classroom. Another goal of mine is to create a safe, trusting, warm learning environment. I believe the best learning takes place in this type of classroom. I also believe it to be the only way for students to learn and grow to their fullest potential. Students learned so well with me because they knew my expectations right from the beginning. The know how I expect them to sit and share information. They know how I expect them to talk to me and one another. And, they know how much their learning means to me. We work together.
Excited. That is how I am left. I am feeling excited about having the opportunity to have my own classroom. I am confident in my ability to teach children effectively. I feel good about my entire student teaching experience. And, I am thankful to have had a great group of people to work with.