1. Notes From The Field
Walking into this school, I knew immediately that it would be a fulfilling experience and after being only 2 full days in, my feeling was affirmed. My cooperating teacher is perfectly imperfect. She was alternatively certified and essentially had to teach herself the ins and outs of teaching. She is laid back (PRAISE) but also has high expectations for everyone she meets. She has formed a curriculum that is conducive to group work, daily tutoring, and conceptual understanding. Our (thats weird) students are respectful, hilarious, brilliant, and resilient. I am SO stoked to be able to be around such a diverse group of young adults.
If I were at this school the same amount I observed per week last semester, I would not be able to get to know the students or feel what a full week of being in the classroom in that role is like. I think that the observations that semester definitely helped me form how to communicate with the students and break the ice, but being around them all day and them already be comfortable enough with me to trust my advice/expertise is something that I have only had during this experience. I think that the students react differently when they know that you are in it for the long haul, rather than only being present Mondays from 12 PM to 4 PM.
I know that my cooperating teacher and supervisors at OU (and myself, I guess) will get me where I need to be so that I can be a successful teacher, so I will refrain from mentioning that in my list of "wants" from this experience. That being said, I only have one wish other than the aforementioned for this internship–to have one of those heart warming stories about how student teaching reaffirmed my love for teaching (and math, WOOT!) even more and how my cooperating teacher will be a life long support system, mentor, and friend.
2. My teaching practice has improved this week by assuming more of an authority role in the classroom. The first time that I met the students, I was not a teacher. Now that it is the end of the first week, I feel as though I am growing rapidly. I began grading and entering grades yesterday morning and even took home papers for the first time last night. Today (Friday), I passed out papers and graded every quiz and test taken today PLUS I entered everything into the grade book before school was out. Considering that I have a difficult time branching out and feeling comfortable enough to do anything that I haven't done before, this was a big accomplishment. So, I guess that even though I do not feel like a full blown teacher yet (duh but also what exactly does that feel like??), I am SO much farther along the road to becoming one than I was this time last week.
3. For the coming week, I really need to kick it into gear. I begin taking over Telannia's Pre-AP Math Analysis class next Monday, so this week is crucial for me. Truly, I need to further my ability to enhance all standards; however, I specifically want to make sure to focus on standards 6, 7, and 2 as I write my Pre-Assessments and Lessons for the following week. Regarding my interaction with the class, I really want to get their names locked down. I think I have about 1/4 of them so far just by passing out papers and collecting/grading quizzes/tests.
Any who, I hope everyone is having a wonderful week and I am looking forward to reading about your experience thus far! OK, bye.❤️
I really enjoyed reading about your week, Rebecca. I appreciate the ways in which you are connecting and working with students from passing back papers to gaining their trust and answering questions.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are so excited and connecting with your cooperating teacher so well, Becca!
ReplyDeleteI am curious about why you choose to focus on standards 6, 7, and 2, and what specifically do yo want to do to improve your skill in these areas?
Kate, I chose to focus on these standards for a few reasons. The first being that I am in the middle of preparing my Unit for presentation and I feel like these are the standards that would connect me to my students more. You know me, social justice is a HUGE passion of mine so while I am writing my Unit plan I especially am trying to make my understanding of my students differences evident. Additionally, I am not a fan of traditional assessments (neither is Telannia, thank god) so I also want to put more effort into my assessment strategies so that they truly engage the students and show genuine progress. Finally, when planning the outline of my Unit, I knew that I wanted to make it diverse (just like my kiddos ❤️). I think weaving other content areas and strategies into my unit will give the students who are more confident in expressing themselves through writing or art, the platform to do so and thus help create a more positive disposition of mathematics as a whole.
DeleteI am glad to hear that things are going well so far and that you are really clicking with your teacher. Outside of passing back papers, how have you tried to build rapport with your students?
ReplyDeleteCasey, its the small things for me regarding the students since I haven't quite been able to have full control int he classroom yet. I try to greet the students as they walk in by their names (helps me remember) and I do the same as they leave. During class I also try to use their names when I walk around during our working times just so they know that I am working hard to know them by more than just their faces. In the appropriate circumstances, laughing at their jokes, making witty jokes in return, and being extremely (and enthusiastically) complimentary have also benefitted my relationships greatly.
DeleteWow, yo sound like you're already busy with some awesome teacher stuff. It's great how you've been able to grow so much and get comfortable with things you're not used to. You seem to be tackling everything really well! Just a little interested about your teacher, how does she juggle being laid back with high expectations, what is she more lenient with, and what is she more stern about.
ReplyDeleteThose are awesome questions Natalie- I can't wait to hear the answers!
DeleteNatalie, thanks for the great questions and comments! Telannia has an awesome relationship with her students and is able to facilitate a classroom culture that truly builds trust in all the right places. For example, regarding phone policy, she lets them have their phones whenever (except tests/quizzes) BUT if a student who was on tier phone for an extended amount of time needs instruction, she will not give it to them again. Its really all about respect for her, and her students know that. I hope I answered your questions well enough, let me know if there is anything you would like to know!
DeleteHi Becca! I really loved reading your post because I felt as though I could picture you doing all these things in the classroom already. I was surprised to see you say that you are someone that has a "difficult time branching out and feeling comfortable enough to do anything that [you] haven't done before" because as long as I've known you, your personality and confidence is something that I am jealous of!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, on to some questions. You said that you would be taking over Telannia's Pre-AP Math Analysis course. Was there any particular reason why you chose this course? Was it for the curriculum and topics to be covered? Also, do you plan to preface the students with any introduction that you will be taking over the class? If so, have you thought of what you will tell them?
My teacher also has a Math Analysis course, so I would love to see if we can bounce any ideas off of each other. Can't wait to see you on Tuesday! :)
Alexis, you are TOO kind. I tend to be able to put on a brave face when it comes to anxiety and such, so it is nice that you can't see through it!
DeleteRegarding you questions–yes, there are particular reasons why I chose this course. I LOVE trig and logs so that was the driving force; however, Telannia only has one hour of Math Analysis, so it just seemed easier to choose that one because she doesn't have to worry about what making sure the other hours get the same content exposure.
During class today, Telannia briefly mentioned to them that I will be taking over the class beginning on Monday and I am sure she will mention it again on Friday when she gets back!