Student Teaching

Week 2

Inside the classroom, my overall rating would be a 5. I have learned so much about my students and have been able to help them with so many different needs, such as reading and phonics, all the way to teaching students how to tie their shoes by using the book My Kicks by Susan Verde, which I received from Gardner Webb University. If I had to rate my time outside of the classroom, I would give myself a 1. Getting up early and driving 50 minutes to school every day has been a challenge for me. I am getting used to the long hours and am working on my time management. I have had trouble this week managing my time outside of the classroom getting my lessons done, working on edTPA and trying to keep up with my portfolio. Next week I hope to gain a better understanding of my time management and when to create lessons efficiently.
Observe
I was able to create a morning meeting poster for students. When students come to class in the morning, they have a choice to hug me, give me a high five, do a fun hand shake, dance into the classroom, or wave hello to me. I was surprised how excited the students were to do this! Even the students that didn't like to be touched were excited to choose to hug me or do a fun hand shake. I loved it!
Reflect
I will allow more time to complete my lessons.
Focus
My short term efforts are helping keeping my long term goals aligned by helping me be more confident in my teaching. I have done little things every day that help me realize I am meant to be a teacher. My long term goal is to become confident in this.
Be Productive
I could have spent more time on edTPA.
Have Courage
Apprehension and indecision impacted my time greatly this week. I did not get ahead in edTPA like I had planned and I did not get ahead in my lessons like I wanted to. I'm not behind by any means, but I'm also not ahead.
Begin Anew
The first logical step would be to set specific time frames for when I am going to be working on what. I need to adjust quickly so I'm not so tired when I get home! This week I was able to observe mClass testing, which helped me see what I will be doing in the future. Only some of my class was tested, but many of them struggled and read below their level. I would advise other student teachers to try and adjust as quickly as you can so you can become used to a set routine.
NC Teacher Standards
Standard 1 - I was able to demonstrate leadership in my classroom by taking my class to and from specials, lunch, and recess on my own.
Standard 2 - I helped students individually solve problems, such as not getting along with one another to helping with reading and phonics.
Standard 3 - I have made my lessons relevant to my student's needs so they can grow in their educational career.
Standard 4 - I was able to utilize technology in my classroom by playing videos during recess, timers during centers, and rewarding class points for a job well done while walking in line.
Standard 5 - I analyzed the data from mClass testing for my students this week.
I am redoing my philosophy of education by thinking about my lessons and how I teach. My CE would like to know when the first visit to the school will be. I would like to know this as well, so we can all get acclimated with how the classroom will be when I am being observed.