Beginning A New Year (Student Teaching 2.0)

Let me be transparent.....

I had to pause and regroup last semester.  This was a hard decision and dilemma I was in.  I won't go in to all the details, but the first go around did not go around.  Let me back up... I was in my final semester for my Elementary Ed degree and I dropped the ball.  I was only left with the option to change majors or take a break and try again the next semester. Many factors contributed to this, but it is over and done with and I learned a lot on my end so that I can be a way better teacher. The upside is that everything aligned in a way to give me a second chance.  Not to get religious, but I know that God had this planned out for me because I still feel the need to be in the classroom (though I have asked Him a few times if he is sure) :)

             What does this new year look like? 

Well, I have had the opportunity to spend some quality time in the classroom last semester (near the end) with my NEW CE (Cooperative Educator). She teaches with another teacher (one class is Math and one is ELA).  They both teach their own homeroom class for Science and Social Studies is integrated throughout the day/curriculum. I will be teaching 5th grade, we are 1 to 1 (tech), we have a resource teacher who comes in for EC as well as AIG students.  This semester we are integrating some advanced 4th graders into the classes so I am not sure how that is going to work as of right now. This might sound a bit overwhelming to you, but it is actually a way better situation for me I believe. I have a way better support group with my new CEs and I have had opportunities to teach a little to show them what they are in for! The Principal is very supportive as well!  I have met the group of 4th graders coming up and was able to interact with them a little during an "Amazing Race" math challenge I assisted with on the last week.

How Have I Prepared?

Thankfully, I had a list of questions and concerns that I shared with each teacher. They assured me they will not let me go down with the ship. I made it clear that ANY feedback no matter how severe will be the only way I can progress.  If I am screwing up...let me know...QUICKLY! If I am in need of better classroom management, tell me. If I need to talk louder, tell me.  If I need to model the lesson better, tell me! My biggest issues last semester were classroom management (behavior and content/lessons/centers), thorough lessons, and organization.  I feel much better about these areas going in this time.  I know they are still a work in progress, but like I said, I have learned from my mistakes. We use modules that students are able to work on throughout the week which is nice because it helps give them different options on what they work on for stations.  We will begin to set up reading groups early in the semester and my favorite part is that we have an HOUR for Science! 

What's Next?

I begin meetings and teacher workdays next week. The anticipation is killing me; partly because I am ready to get to work and partly because I am nervous (which is to be expected) Again, I will still need a lot of preparation to begin taking the driver seat, but I am confident I will be ready! This post is intended to inspire myself and hopefully someone else going into student teaching. It takes determination, hard work, will, and positivity to do anything worth doing.  Most everything that has been a challenge for me has been worth fighting for and every opportunity that has pushed me has always been the best choice.  So fight for the things you love and don't give up.  See ya in the classroom!