McConnell-Doidge Week 12
It's funny when I first started student teaching I was so on top of what week we were in as far as week 1 of student teaching, week 2, etc. And what I have noticed now being in week 12 is I didn't know what week number it was until looking at my other blogs. What this thought brings me to is that I have gotten so much more comfortable I feel like I finally feel like a "real" teacher and I have that confidence that I so desperately craved from the very beginning of this process. It's not that I ever dreaded student teaching but I was intimidated by the unknown. Now that I have gotten into a routine and feel I can really excel each day I am not as focused on counting down the days, instead, I'm making the days count! As other blogs have stated it truly has been a journey, and I truly have been able to grow. I have made mistakes, I've reflected on them and I have learned from them. I think just how we want to emphasize to our students that they aren't perfect and that failure is acceptable it is important to have that reminder for ourselves. Not every day is perfect, but it is important to reflect on what you could have changed and what you can do better for next time, I think that is important as an educator.
Over last weekend when I was lesson planning for the upcoming week I really struggled on what I wanted to do and we were still in the cooperative games/teambuilding unit but I wanted to make it fun and exciting for the kids. I decided to come up with "Minute to Win It" style games where I had the Minute to Win it timer projected on to the wall for each activity. This was a lesson that I modified for various classes to accommodate the needs of diverse learners and realized what worked and what didn't. Standard 1 - Teaching Diverse students- The competent teacher understands the diverse characteristics and abilities of each student and how individuals develop and learn within the context of their social, economic, cultural, linguistic, and academic experiences. The teacher uses these experiences to create instructional opportunities that maximize student learning. The kids absolutely loved each challenge and were very excited and engaged throughout the two days I saw them and the various challenges presented. Standard 5 - Instructional Delivery – The competent teacher differentiates instruction by using a variety of strategies that support critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and continuous growth and learning. This teacher understands that the classroom is a dynamic environment requiring ongoing modification of instruction to enhance learning for each student.
Now that we are getting closer to the end of student teaching it is now the time that we are preparing for next year. With that, I have applied to the three schools that were a part of the district I did my high school placement at. To my surprise, I got a call back from each school for an interview. I had two interviews at the same school this week, and one at a different one. I am just so very excited and grateful to be given the opportunity to even interview and be considered. I feel well prepared given my journey and have my fingers crossed on securing a job for next year.
Over last weekend when I was lesson planning for the upcoming week I really struggled on what I wanted to do and we were still in the cooperative games/teambuilding unit but I wanted to make it fun and exciting for the kids. I decided to come up with "Minute to Win It" style games where I had the Minute to Win it timer projected on to the wall for each activity. This was a lesson that I modified for various classes to accommodate the needs of diverse learners and realized what worked and what didn't. Standard 1 - Teaching Diverse students- The competent teacher understands the diverse characteristics and abilities of each student and how individuals develop and learn within the context of their social, economic, cultural, linguistic, and academic experiences. The teacher uses these experiences to create instructional opportunities that maximize student learning. The kids absolutely loved each challenge and were very excited and engaged throughout the two days I saw them and the various challenges presented. Standard 5 - Instructional Delivery – The competent teacher differentiates instruction by using a variety of strategies that support critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and continuous growth and learning. This teacher understands that the classroom is a dynamic environment requiring ongoing modification of instruction to enhance learning for each student.
Now that we are getting closer to the end of student teaching it is now the time that we are preparing for next year. With that, I have applied to the three schools that were a part of the district I did my high school placement at. To my surprise, I got a call back from each school for an interview. I had two interviews at the same school this week, and one at a different one. I am just so very excited and grateful to be given the opportunity to even interview and be considered. I feel well prepared given my journey and have my fingers crossed on securing a job for next year.
It is great that you have loss trach of the week because its a sign that you are doing something you love. I love how you are reflective and own where you need to improve. Best of luck as you begin to think about next year and the interviews!
ReplyDeleteDr. Austin