Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Reflections on my Winter half day student teaching

I feel very privileged to be able to return to a school where I have built so many positive relationships in the past and continue my journey to becoming a licensed teacher in the State of Oregon. My experiences here have definitely improved my abilities in being an effective teacher. The relationships that I have built with students, faculty, and staff here have enriched these experiences and made me feel even more at home at this school.

My cooperating teacher for my Winter placement has definitely pushed me to be the best teacher I can be. The insights, support, and criticism that she has offered has made me a better teacher and refined my skills in creating an effective and positive learning environment. Without her help, I feel that I would still be unaware of many different aspects of classroom management and instructional strategies that can help build strong interpersonal relationships with students, faculty, and staff.

The students that I have dealt with in these classrooms have been wonderful as well. The diversity of characters and abilities of these students have contributed to enjoyable and sometimes challenging experiences. My interaction with the students has been nothing short of enjoyable. I hope to continue building relationships with these students in the future even though I will have to depart after such a short time in the classroom with them.

The overall experience of my half day student teaching experience has solidified my commitment to being a teacher. I still haven't identified any other professional experience that could be more rewarding than working with students and taking educational expeditions with them in the classroom. Although it is unfortunate that I will be leaving this placement soon, I am extremely excited about taking the next step in my professional development. I will soon be teaching full time and reconnecting with students from my Fall placement. I am very confident that the skills I have gained from my Winter placement will benefit me in my Spring placement.