What crazy, interesting, confusing, strange, amazing experiences do I have on a weekly basis? Maybe my students made some off-the-wall comment. Some other time, I might have a story about a wonderful teaching moment. There may be some weeks that I reflect on my strengths/weaknesses as a teacher and others where I need advice. I'm dealing with the experience a day at a time.
August 16th came much sooner than I thought it would. Not that I wasn't ready. I had a relaxing summer and I was eager to get in the classroom and get the semester started. After 2 days of meetings, let's just say I needed students.
Let me go back real quick. The CE (continuing education) meetings we sat through may not have been beneficial for the veteran teachers but what about the novice teacher? I would much rather experience these while I have a mentor, someone to follow and question, than when I land my first full-time position one week before school starts ,with more on my plate than I can chew already.
I need to tell you about my mentor. The title mentor is definitely fitting. We were in touch prior to school starting, she filled me in on what time to report and gave a brief description of the topics we would be covering first. I have felt like her little shadow but have learned so much! It is so wonderful to see how she prepares her room, her lessons, and how she organizes the plethora of information she receives. I feel wanted as well. She values my input and opinion on just about everything and kindly assigns tasks when needed. I have my own little desk! Not only am I going to be a part of the teaching process, but I am a part of the learning community.
Once the students started, I made sure to make notes of every little quirk so that I will be ready to start my own classroom in the future.
You better believe I'm wearing my name tag and my students will know my name. Finally, I have a whole semester to get to work with and know the kids and the same goes for them. No more "Hey teacher!" or "Uhh Miss..." This student teacher internship is the best learning experience any future teacher could ask for. Will the honeymoon phase end???
Natalie, I love the look of your blog! How great that you were able to go to the opening sessions. That really gives you an idea of what to expect when you begin your first teaching position. See you Sunday at the Tutor Orientation! :-)Sarah
Hi Natalie! Thank you for inviting me to your blog! Your enthusiasm is evident in your comments and reflections. It sounds as though you have an extremely supportive mentor teacher who has set you up for a successful experience. My hope for you is that the honeymoon will last long into your career!
How was your first day of school????
ReplyDeleteAugust 16th came much sooner than I thought it would. Not that I wasn't ready. I had a relaxing summer and I was eager to get in the classroom and get the semester started. After 2 days of meetings, let's just say I needed students.
Let me go back real quick. The CE (continuing education) meetings we sat through may not have been beneficial for the veteran teachers but what about the novice teacher? I would much rather experience these while I have a mentor, someone to follow and question, than when I land my first full-time position one week before school starts ,with more on my plate than I can chew already.
I need to tell you about my mentor. The title mentor is definitely fitting. We were in touch prior to school starting, she filled me in on what time to report and gave a brief description of the topics we would be covering first. I have felt like her little shadow but have learned so much! It is so wonderful to see how she prepares her room, her lessons, and how she organizes the plethora of information she receives. I feel wanted as well. She values my input and opinion on just about everything and kindly assigns tasks when needed. I have my own little desk! Not only am I going to be a part of the teaching process, but I am a part of the learning community.
Once the students started, I made sure to make notes of every little quirk so that I will be ready to start my own classroom in the future.
You better believe I'm wearing my name tag and my students will know my name. Finally, I have a whole semester to get to work with and know the kids and the same goes for them. No more "Hey teacher!" or "Uhh Miss..." This student teacher internship is the best learning experience any future teacher could ask for. Will the honeymoon phase end???
Natalie,
ReplyDeleteI love the look of your blog! How great that you were able to go to the opening sessions. That really gives you an idea of what to expect when you begin your first teaching position. See you Sunday at the Tutor Orientation!
:-)Sarah
Hi Natalie! Thank you for inviting me to your blog! Your enthusiasm is evident in your comments and reflections. It sounds as though you have an extremely supportive mentor teacher who has set you up for a successful experience. My hope for you is that the honeymoon will last long into your career!
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