Reflection of teaching experience.

Throughout my classroom experience I learned many things from the students and my cooperating teacher.  I discovered that there are going to be ups and downs in teaching as well. I think I am someone who tries to be extremely positive and sometimes conditions will challenge that. In the end though it is important to remember the students are my main priority.

Being the end of the year with my experience I was there at a time when schools are trying to decide what they are going to be doing the following year. I definitely felt the stress of the teaching staff with the lurking possibilities of whether they would or would not make the cut.  So, It came to my attention that as much as I might love my job there will be some negative and stressful aspects that come my way. One teacher even asked me, “So, are you sure you still want to be a teacher?“  My answer to them was yes. I realize teaching is a tough career but I hope that I can make light of things. I noticed some of that negativity traveled into the classroom and I feel like no matter how hard things maybe the classroom is about the students. Making sure the students come first and that they are being brought up in an environment they can strive in. So, my hope is that in the future if I am going through some challenges of my own I will continue to keep a positive outlook in the classroom.

In terms of teaching I learned a great deal. I learned that it is so important not to assume that students just know things.  They really do need to be reminded every time you take out the paints or other materials how you properly use them. Even if you have been using them everyday for a week it seems like they sometimes just forget. So, reminders are not a bad. They will only help you keep your materials longer. 

Some great advice I also received through out the semester was getting to know your teaching staff and community. When you are in need of supplies there are many people that would be willing to help you out. For instance get to know your principal, secretaries, and librarians as I was told that they would help work wonders.  Also I was told don’t be afraid to ask local businesses if they have extra supplies. Sometimes they are willing to help a lot.

Overall I think this experience has helped me grow a great deal. I have worked a tremendous amount with elementary students so this opportunity to work with an older age group was rewarding. I learned that the high school students were really independent with their work. They didn’t need as much help as the younger students. What I learned about middle school also surprised me, as they still really do need a lot of guidance. Once they get started they are typically fine but in order to reach that point they really do need to be taken through step by step. Either way this experience has me truly excited to have the opportunity to work with all age groups and learn more about them as I start student teaching in the fall.