I student taught from August
to December. I did that instead of blogging. Now I will summarize.
I already did it once, yes,
but what about second student teaching? This one was better and here’s why.
A table for your convenience.
10 things that were better about my cooperating teacher
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10 things I learned/realized the second go-round
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1. First time Cooperating teacher (I was more
experienced in that regard!)
2. More relatable (we matched better personality-wise)
3. A returned missionary!
4. Friendly and positive to everyone, especially the
kids
5. Fun and exciting lessons
6. Willing to change and admits need to do so once in a
while
7. Amazing classroom management ideas
8. Flexible and understanding
9. Reasonable expectations for me and her students
10. Truly believed that I was capable of teaching (and
expressed it often!)
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1. It was supposed to not go well the first time so I
could have this experience
2. I still have a lot to learn and habits to establish
3. Expectations can have a huge effect on the outcome
and journey to it
4. The Principal has a major impact on the feel and
quality of a school
5. I can do hard things!
6. It feels good to be successful, and everyone needs
the chance to feel successful once in a while. Or often.
7. Working with others is easier when I am
flexible/easy-going (THIS IS WHY I DON’T
HAVE AN OPINION)
8. Students need responsibilities.
9. Being happy an optimistic is more fun than being
depressed.
10. Faith can overcome fear. Every time.
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It was amazing to be in the classroom right from the
start. I got to know all 50 kids right along with the teachers and was always
“in the loop” with planning and trying to figure out how to deal with the
students. I truly felt a part of that 4th grade. I loved both of
those classes and would have loved to stay with them longer, even though
several of them had better Spanish than I did!
I got to teach on my birthday, which was a first for me.
It was possibly one of the best birthdays ever! I felt so loved!
One reason I felt like such an important part of that
class was the opportunities I had to add things that only I knew. For example,
when I go to teach math (in English) I explained some concepts to the teacher! I
also made fudge in front of the class while explaining to them in Spanish how
igneous rocks are formed. Kenna had no idea how to make fudge, so it wouldn’t
have happened if I hadn’t been there. Sometimes it feels really good to be
needed. And it went so well! There is no self-esteem booster like perceived
success (which was rarely present the first go-round).
I went back to visit the 4th graders in
December and was super impressed by the growth that had occurred while I was
gone. They all seemed older, smarter, more cohesive, and more confident, especially
in their Spanish! But I’ll admit, it filled me with such joy to find out how
much they missed me! I missed them, too!
Moving to first grade was quite the change. The teachers
had already had a student teacher and were a little more wary of me joining
their classrooms. I ended up spending 3 weeks in Spanish and then 3 weeks in
English, which was better than switching off every week, but not as cool as
only being in one class the whole time.
That being said, I got real tired of teaching first
graders in Spanish real fast. Turns out, they have no idea what you are say
most of the time. And I got so tired of being a student teaching that it was a
good thing I got to change things up. No one should have to spend that much
time in someone else’s class.
Those little ones were very cute, but a little too much on
the little side for me. I decided to make my last three days “sick days.” Which
of course meant that I actually got sick. Right. Don’t lie. Got it.
Actually, my first day in the English side of first grade
I got a phone call from my supervisor saying there was a job opening for a 4th
grade Dual Immersion position, the Spanish side. It took about ten days, but I interviewed
with Milcreek Elementary. It seemed pretty promising; the interview went well,
but I needed to take an oral proficiency exam before they could consider me.
Then next day I got a phone call and was invited to interview with Twin Peaks
Elementary. They REALLY wanted me to come. I mean, I've never felt so wanted
and appreciated in my life! However, it was only part-time. So said I’d think
about it.
Meanwhile, I was in the orchestra for the Wilford Stake
production of Fiddler on the Roof. It felt great to be in an orchestra again! Plus,
I was pretty much the fiddler. Dad conducted it!
The day before Thanksgiving break I told my cooperating
teacher I was leaving. She was very nice about the short notice, I must say.
Thus I unceremoniously ended student teaching and didn't even tell the first
graders I was leaving.
The Monday after Thanksgiving break, I finally took the
OPI (that oral test thing) which was pretty rough. A week later I got the
results: Advance-low. Which is probably the level of most of the 4th
graders by now. But that mattereth not because they apparently filled the
position that needed it, and the other one. Which led me to a really excited
December of not going to school and not working. Woot.
Things I did in December:
Read books, decorated for Christmas, delivered fudge to
the Church Administrative Building, graduated from college, watched movies, other general not-working
things.
We visited The Smith Museum of Nativities also. Here's what we found:
Christmas was great. I got stuff.
Probably the most important thing happened right before Christmas.
I got a job. A real grown up job.
I will be teaching 3rd grade out in Magna at Elk Run Elementary. I have been to the school for a grand total of almost an hour. But I don't start until January 21, so I have some time to visit before I take over for the teacher who had a baby. But I am sure it will be wonderful. My mentor teacher already called me!
Anyway, that was my semester. A whole bunch of other stuff happened that I don't have the time to tell, nor you the desire o hear, but isn't that life?
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