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.
This week I had the pleasure of working with two different substitute teachers. On Tuesday, my mentor was absent and the substitute was actually one of my previous mentors. She was thrilled to have an "intern" and it gave me a chance to try my hand at really taking over the class. She allowed me to run the lesson but was willing to help with anything thind I needed. The day went surprising well. The students were respectful and well-behaved and followed my authority. I must say one of the periods (not to mention any specifics!) tried my patience to the MAXIMUM! It goes back being taken advantage of, even though I know it is nothing personal against me. I actually had to give my first checkmark (on our discipline chart)!!! I hated it but the students HAVE to be aware that I mean business. ;)
My mentor told me the next day that the sub left a note saying "Natalie did a great job!" That's a wonderful feeling. My confidence and self-esteem is increasing with each positive experience and successful lesson.
The following day the other 7th grade math teacher asked me to help her sub with the afternoon classes. The sub was not comfortable using a powerpoint (that I made). I instructed her entire 5th period, from going over the warm up to handing out homework at the end of the period. That sub also left a nice comment about her on her lesson plan. Hopefully I am letting my actions show my passion and determination to become a good educator. If others believe in me, I must believe in myself!
This week I had the pleasure of working with two different substitute teachers. On Tuesday, my mentor was absent and the substitute was actually one of my previous mentors. She was thrilled to have an "intern" and it gave me a chance to try my hand at really taking over the class. She allowed me to run the lesson but was willing to help with anything thind I needed. The day went surprising well. The students were respectful and well-behaved and followed my authority. I must say one of the periods (not to mention any specifics!) tried my patience to the MAXIMUM! It goes back being taken advantage of, even though I know it is nothing personal against me. I actually had to give my first checkmark (on our discipline chart)!!! I hated it but the students HAVE to be aware that I mean business. ;)
ReplyDeleteMy mentor told me the next day that the sub left a note saying "Natalie did a great job!" That's a wonderful feeling. My confidence and self-esteem is increasing with each positive experience and successful lesson.
The following day the other 7th grade math teacher asked me to help her sub with the afternoon classes. The sub was not comfortable using a powerpoint (that I made). I instructed her entire 5th period, from going over the warm up to handing out homework at the end of the period. That sub also left a nice comment about her on her lesson plan. Hopefully I am letting my actions show my passion and determination to become a good educator. If others believe in me, I must believe in myself!