As I'm typing this, my last class just dismissed for the day and I'm on IF, then planning, then I drive back to Milledgeville from Putnam HS for the last time. This past week has been great! While I'm a little bummed leaving PCHS, I'm more excited about beginning my career in MY OWN classroom. I had a meeting yesterday at the school I'll be teaching (and coaching!) at and I get chills of excitement whenever I think about it!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!
The big thing I want others to take away is a mantra I have been preaching to myself since this program began: HARD WORK BEATS TALENT WHEN TALENT DOESN'T WORK HARD. This program has not only been testament to that, but this whole program has been a massive testimony to that mantra. It works!
Cheers to a fantastic year and a fantastic future for all of us!
It's awesome that you had an excellent experience at Putnam. I feel thlike same about Baldwin, I will miss it there but will be happy whenever I get my own classroom.
I can hardly believe this time is coming to an end. My last day will be Wednesday, just two days left. Student teaching has been a rollercoaster ride for me with lots of ups and downs along the way. There were days that I wondered what in the world I had signed up for, and then there were those moments that made everything worthwhile. I already knew a number of students because of my children and the connection to the band program. Now I know many more as my students! Walking through the halls, I hear them call my name just to say hi or sometimes to ask about an assignment. It's not Mrs. Peoples, Erin and Marci's mom. It's Mrs. Peoples, History/Government teacher. How awesome is that?
I have stumbled my way through some tough waters, trying to figure out how to engage students that would sleep through every class and how to get students with ADD to stay in their seats long enough to learn even some small part of the lesson. I have faced down students who defied me (I only wish they had just wanted to pee in the corner!), and I have had students tell my how great a teacher I am. With each day, I think I figured out a little bit more about myself and what I want from my own classroom. I found out that I really can do this.
With graduation just around the corner, I can truly say I think I am ready for what comes next.
Time sure does fly. It's been a crazy ride. I think it's awesome that you have found your bearings and your readiness. I think you are going to be amazing!
This last week was an emotional one. I'm glad to be (almost) done with the program, but at the same time it was so hard to say goodbye to my students. Even though they technically weren't my own, I truly felt like there were the first students I ever taught. I'm trying to stay positive and just keep thinking that once I finish the program I will finally be able to start my life and carreer. I'm excited for what lies ahead, especially since I'll be taking on a whole new state!! My fiancé and I will be moving to Colorado and that's where I will begin my teaching!!!
The biggest take away from my student teaching was learning how to be empathic with students. At first I was definitely a "hard-a**" and didn't care what excuses the kids gave. I also didn't really trust them. But after getting to know my students individually and learning more about their personal lives, I understood them more. And I learned to care more. By the end there were some students that responded better to me verses my host teacher. I guess you could say I developed a better "warm-demander" persona.
It definitely feels weird departing the school you spent a semester at because it really felt like a job. But, at the same time, I am relieved to have student teaching over with.
Though I will be helping my host teacher out on Monday, I am technically finished with my student teaching and it feels odd. It certainly was a hectic and yet fulfilling experience where days where everything went wring would be followed by days where everyone was totally engaged. I appreciate my time in student teaching and all that I have learned and look forward to getting my own classroom.
I think that is part of teaching: one day you feel like you are making a huge impact and then the next you feel like the worst teacher ever (or maybe that's just me). Hopefully with more experience we will have more days like the former experience!
Student teaching never seemed to slow down. There was always something that needed to be done. And now it's done. This past week was a swirl of good and bad, mostly filled with silver linings. My truck was rear-ended leaving placement on Tuesday. My bumper is completely bent but that's the only real damage. It could always be worse. If I had to pick one phrase, I think that's the one that has gotten me through this semester. Good news was definitely finding out that I passed EdTPA. Like everyone else, I was beyond relieved. The biggest upset this week has been my job situation. The job I was hoping to get was basically mine, it might as well have been a done deal. However, I found out this week that there's a really strong chance the position will be cut to save funds. They are waiting to see how many students signed up for psychology and sociology next year. That's what will determine if the position remains. I'm trying to stay optimistic but I don't want to get my hopes back up. It's been frustrating and stressful to say the least. I've started applying to several more jobs so we'll see what happens. Once again, it could always be worse. I had phenomenal students this semester. I had them anonymously write positive and constructive criticisms on index cards. There were some incredibly nice ones. However, my favorite one simply said "you were okay". I laughed pretty hard. Teaching has been a huge reminder that not everyone is going to like you. I have a bad habit of forgetting that...mostly cause I'm so damn cool ;) Leaving was bittersweet but the best is yet to be. For all of us. We Survived!!!
My time student teaching at Clifton Ridge Middle School has had the greatest impact on me of this entire program. I will miss my students, even though I am going to see many of them Monday at a talent show I promised I would attend to support some of my students. I never thought I would want to teach middle school, but my time with these 8th graders has completely changed my mind. Middle school seems to be the best fit for my personality. The kids are all in such an awkward stage in life. It is amazing to watch them grow from kids to teenagers. I had many students who tried my nerves, but that was even more beneficial to my growth than the ones I got along with. One girl in particular was really a trial for me, but eventually I came to understand that her back talk just needed to be handled with unfrazzled patience and authority. I thought she hated me, but on my last day she asked for a picture and said she would miss our bickering. I had many parting gifts from students that I connected with. They wrote me letters and drew pictures with everything from inside jokes to thanking me for listening to their problem. I was many students’ favorite teacher. I am tearing up a little thinking about it. All in all, the stress, early mornings, and late nights were worth it. I have never learned so much in one year.
My last day is this Thursday, two days away. I'm honestly trying not to think about it, I am going to miss these kids so much. I honestly cannot believe that the year is over. It has been so incredible to watch my students grow throughout the semester. I know beyond anything that I am built to teach high schoolers. I think the biggest take-away has been to see the students as people first before seeing them as learners. Building and maintaining relationships with students, I believe makes all the difference on the impact you can make in the classroom. Looking back to the teacher I was during my first and second placement, I feel like I am a completely different person--for the better. I think the most telling illustration is an informal evaluation that one of my students gave me on the fly a few weeks ago. She told me that when I first started student teaching with that group, I was pretty shy and quiet, but now I talk to them all of the time and they love being in class with me. I wanted to cry. I feel like the whole program built up to that moment for me. I can't wait to see where my kids go in the future. And with that being said, I cannot wait to walk across that stage.
Hey friends! Although this is technically not my last week I will go ahead and post before we all graduate. I have had a great experience at GMC and I'm excited about next year being able to teach there again. It has been incredibly difficult as a new teacher and having grad school at the same time. I will be very happy to just focus on teaching very soon. My encouragement to everyone would be to continue working hard as a teacher and showing your students how much you care about them. Many of these kids are dying for someone to believe in them, challenge them and support them. Thanks for a great experience and best of luck to all!
My last day is Monday. It's a bittersweet combo of relief and grief. I have fallen in love with every aspect of my placement and know I have grown significantly as an educator because of it. I have been in panic mode, pretty much the whole program, but especially this semester. A million questions run through my mind every second. Am I doing the kids justice? Am I doing/saying the right things to give impact? Am I ready for August and my own classroom? Have I done enough? I have learned more about myself in this program than I ever thought possible. I have seen the growth as well as the progress to come. I feel the connections and resources I have made/found in this program have set me up to make that progress and success as an educator. I have been tested, broken, and beaten-mentally and emotionally. But I have been lifted. With graduation around the corner, I have come through stronger and wiser. My biggest enemy can also be my biggest ally-Myself. In a earlier blog reflection, it was asked if the glass was half full or half empty. The point I have learned is... The glass is REFILLABLE.
Good Luck and Best Wishes everybody! <3 See y'all at graduation :D
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAs I'm typing this, my last class just dismissed for the day and I'm on IF, then planning, then I drive back to Milledgeville from Putnam HS for the last time. This past week has been great! While I'm a little bummed leaving PCHS, I'm more excited about beginning my career in MY OWN classroom. I had a meeting yesterday at the school I'll be teaching (and coaching!) at and I get chills of excitement whenever I think about it!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!
ReplyDeleteThe big thing I want others to take away is a mantra I have been preaching to myself since this program began: HARD WORK BEATS TALENT WHEN TALENT DOESN'T WORK HARD. This program has not only been testament to that, but this whole program has been a massive testimony to that mantra. It works!
Cheers to a fantastic year and a fantastic future for all of us!
Also HAPPY TWO WEEKS TIL GRADUATION!!!!!
DeleteWow! The countdown is truly on....
DeleteIt's awesome that you had an excellent experience at Putnam. I feel thlike same about Baldwin, I will miss it there but will be happy whenever I get my own classroom.
DeleteCheers to you too! It really has been a fantastic year--and congrats again on your new job!!!
DeleteCongrats! I know you have an awesome teaching career ahead of you!
DeleteI can hardly believe this time is coming to an end. My last day will be Wednesday, just two days left. Student teaching has been a rollercoaster ride for me with lots of ups and downs along the way. There were days that I wondered what in the world I had signed up for, and then there were those moments that made everything worthwhile. I already knew a number of students because of my children and the connection to the band program. Now I know many more as my students! Walking through the halls, I hear them call my name just to say hi or sometimes to ask about an assignment. It's not Mrs. Peoples, Erin and Marci's mom. It's Mrs. Peoples, History/Government teacher. How awesome is that?
ReplyDeleteI have stumbled my way through some tough waters, trying to figure out how to engage students that would sleep through every class and how to get students with ADD to stay in their seats long enough to learn even some small part of the lesson. I have faced down students who defied me (I only wish they had just wanted to pee in the corner!), and I have had students tell my how great a teacher I am. With each day, I think I figured out a little bit more about myself and what I want from my own classroom. I found out that I really can do this.
With graduation just around the corner, I can truly say I think I am ready for what comes next.
Time sure does fly. It's been a crazy ride. I think it's awesome that you have found your bearings and your readiness. I think you are going to be amazing!
DeleteThis last week was an emotional one. I'm glad to be (almost) done with the program, but at the same time it was so hard to say goodbye to my students. Even though they technically weren't my own, I truly felt like there were the first students I ever taught. I'm trying to stay positive and just keep thinking that once I finish the program I will finally be able to start my life and carreer. I'm excited for what lies ahead, especially since I'll be taking on a whole new state!! My fiancé and I will be moving to Colorado and that's where I will begin my teaching!!!
ReplyDeleteThe biggest take away from my student teaching was learning how to be empathic with students. At first I was definitely a "hard-a**" and didn't care what excuses the kids gave. I also didn't really trust them. But after getting to know my students individually and learning more about their personal lives, I understood them more. And I learned to care more. By the end there were some students that responded better to me verses my host teacher. I guess you could say I developed a better "warm-demander" persona.
Seems like you have really grown into your teaching style. Good luck in Colorado!!
DeleteIt definitely feels weird departing the school you spent a semester at because it really felt like a job. But, at the same time, I am relieved to have student teaching over with.
ReplyDeleteThough I will be helping my host teacher out on Monday, I am technically finished with my student teaching and it feels odd. It certainly was a hectic and yet fulfilling experience where days where everything went wring would be followed by days where everyone was totally engaged. I appreciate my time in student teaching and all that I have learned and look forward to getting my own classroom.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way--now that everything is almost finished, it just feels odd. I can't wait to be somewhere permanent.
DeleteI think that is part of teaching: one day you feel like you are making a huge impact and then the next you feel like the worst teacher ever (or maybe that's just me). Hopefully with more experience we will have more days like the former experience!
DeleteOh, to have our own rooms. I can't wait to put all this education to use. You're going to be great!
DeleteStudent teaching never seemed to slow down. There was always something that needed to be done. And now it's done. This past week was a swirl of good and bad, mostly filled with silver linings. My truck was rear-ended leaving placement on Tuesday. My bumper is completely bent but that's the only real damage. It could always be worse. If I had to pick one phrase, I think that's the one that has gotten me through this semester. Good news was definitely finding out that I passed EdTPA. Like everyone else, I was beyond relieved. The biggest upset this week has been my job situation. The job I was hoping to get was basically mine, it might as well have been a done deal. However, I found out this week that there's a really strong chance the position will be cut to save funds. They are waiting to see how many students signed up for psychology and sociology next year. That's what will determine if the position remains. I'm trying to stay optimistic but I don't want to get my hopes back up. It's been frustrating and stressful to say the least. I've started applying to several more jobs so we'll see what happens. Once again, it could always be worse. I had phenomenal students this semester. I had them anonymously write positive and constructive criticisms on index cards. There were some incredibly nice ones. However, my favorite one simply said "you were okay". I laughed pretty hard. Teaching has been a huge reminder that not everyone is going to like you. I have a bad habit of forgetting that...mostly cause I'm so damn cool ;) Leaving was bittersweet but the best is yet to be. For all of us.
ReplyDeleteWe Survived!!!
My time student teaching at Clifton Ridge Middle School has had the greatest impact on me of this entire program. I will miss my students, even though I am going to see many of them Monday at a talent show I promised I would attend to support some of my students. I never thought I would want to teach middle school, but my time with these 8th graders has completely changed my mind. Middle school seems to be the best fit for my personality. The kids are all in such an awkward stage in life. It is amazing to watch them grow from kids to teenagers. I had many students who tried my nerves, but that was even more beneficial to my growth than the ones I got along with. One girl in particular was really a trial for me, but eventually I came to understand that her back talk just needed to be handled with unfrazzled patience and authority. I thought she hated me, but on my last day she asked for a picture and said she would miss our bickering. I had many parting gifts from students that I connected with. They wrote me letters and drew pictures with everything from inside jokes to thanking me for listening to their problem. I was many students’ favorite teacher. I am tearing up a little thinking about it. All in all, the stress, early mornings, and late nights were worth it. I have never learned so much in one year.
ReplyDeleteMy last day is this Thursday, two days away. I'm honestly trying not to think about it, I am going to miss these kids so much. I honestly cannot believe that the year is over. It has been so incredible to watch my students grow throughout the semester. I know beyond anything that I am built to teach high schoolers. I think the biggest take-away has been to see the students as people first before seeing them as learners. Building and maintaining relationships with students, I believe makes all the difference on the impact you can make in the classroom. Looking back to the teacher I was during my first and second placement, I feel like I am a completely different person--for the better. I think the most telling illustration is an informal evaluation that one of my students gave me on the fly a few weeks ago. She told me that when I first started student teaching with that group, I was pretty shy and quiet, but now I talk to them all of the time and they love being in class with me. I wanted to cry. I feel like the whole program built up to that moment for me. I can't wait to see where my kids go in the future. And with that being said, I cannot wait to walk across that stage.
ReplyDeleteHey friends! Although this is technically not my last week I will go ahead and post before we all graduate. I have had a great experience at GMC and I'm excited about next year being able to teach there again. It has been incredibly difficult as a new teacher and having grad school at the same time. I will be very happy to just focus on teaching very soon. My encouragement to everyone would be to continue working hard as a teacher and showing your students how much you care about them. Many of these kids are dying for someone to believe in them, challenge them and support them. Thanks for a great experience and best of luck to all!
ReplyDeleteMy last day is Monday. It's a bittersweet combo of relief and grief. I have fallen in love with every aspect of my placement and know I have grown significantly as an educator because of it.
ReplyDeleteI have been in panic mode, pretty much the whole program, but especially this semester. A million questions run through my mind every second. Am I doing the kids justice? Am I doing/saying the right things to give impact? Am I ready for August and my own classroom? Have I done enough? I have learned more about myself in this program than I ever thought possible. I have seen the growth as well as the progress to come. I feel the connections and resources I have made/found in this program have set me up to make that progress and success as an educator. I have been tested, broken, and beaten-mentally and emotionally. But I have been lifted. With graduation around the corner, I have come through stronger and wiser. My biggest enemy can also be my biggest ally-Myself.
In a earlier blog reflection, it was asked if the glass was half full or half empty.
The point I have learned is...
The glass is REFILLABLE.
Good Luck and Best Wishes everybody! <3 See y'all at graduation :D