Expectations
Hello teachers,Welcome to seminar and your class blog. You have had a few days to get adjusted to your teacher, children and school, I'm sure you are starting to settle in to the routines and expectations. Hopefully you are still enjoying your placements as much as you were after the first day!
A few things for you to think about:
1. How is student teaching just what you expected?
2. How is student teaching NOT what you expected?
Also...
3. Any ideas for issues, etc. that you'd like us to cover in class? Remember, this is your class, so be sure to make suggestions to get the most from it!
See you later. Dr. Blouch
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am student teaching in a general education first grade classroom.
ReplyDelete1. What I expected:
• Managing and prioritizing my time
• Being flexible
• Everyday is a new adventure to learn something new
• Everyday is an opportunity to practice a new skill/set a goal to achieve to grow as a teacher
• Daily reflections on how the school day went – identifying what went well and what to do differently next time
2. How is student teaching NOT what you expected?
• Having the freedom to be very creative and inventive in my lessons – my cooperating teacher does make sure that the lessons cover the learning goals the students need to achieve.
• Parent volunteers: at the school where I am placed at, parents come in and volunteer during the school day. I did not expect to have parent helpers, they are very nice and help the school’s teachers in any way they can.
3. Any ideas for issues, etc. that you'd like us to cover in class? Remember, this is your class, so be sure to make suggestions to get the most from it!
• How to stand out in a competitive job market
• School safety: how should I best explain why we need to practice safety routines to elementary school students and what safety precautions do I need to take so all students are safe
• What to do when a parent thinks that his/her child is not struggling and I have the data to support that the student is struggling
• How to best handle a parent-teacher conference
Alyson Thorp
I was also surprised by how involved the parents are in my classroom. Parents come in every Friday to help run math games. Many parents also communicate with my co-op at least once a week to get updates on their students, and to know what skills they need to review with their child. It has been a positive experience for me so far, and I hope that when I have my own classroom that it is possible for me to have the same parent support :)
DeleteI too, was very surprised with the involvement of families in our classroom. We have parent volunteers come in on Monday and Tuesdays for writing and Monday, Tuesdays and Fridays for math. We have always talked in classes about having families involved in our classrooms, but I never actually saw it in place. It is nice to see so many families involved and it also helps my co-op with jobs around the classroom! I agree with you, Liz. I hope I have this support in my classroom.
DeleteI do not have any parental involvement whatsoever in my kindergarten classroom. It surprised me at first. I thought that parents would be in and out of the classroom, especially since they are invited every day to participate in kid writing. But I have yet to see a parent. It would be such a help in our classroom with 25 kiddos. But I have to keep it in perspective, I am in Columbia and most parents work full time. Parents are interactive via email and phone calls, but that is the most I have seen.
DeleteI was also surprised when I saw parents volunteers coming in during center time in my kindergarten classroom. Parents usually helped with kid writing and having students practice their math facts. It is a great help when you have 25 kids at one time. This time allows for teacher to do some one on one work with students who need extra support in a subject area.
DeleteI am student teaching currently in a general education third grade classroom.
ReplyDelete1. What I expected:
-Having to be flexible with the changing to schedules
-Learning to manage and prioritize my time effectively
-A very warm welcome from the kids
-Having a lot of information to take in on the first few days
-Math, reading, and science are very scripted programs
2. Not what I expected:
-30 students in a class, 8 of whom are identified
-My co-op's willingness to keep me involved to grow as a teacher
I didn't really have too many expectations going into student teaching, especially after coming back from Africa. It is too totally different school systems and I have learned to take each day in stride and everything will work out.
3. Ideas, issues, etc. to cover in class:
-Preparing yourself for job applications, interviews, etc.
-Being able to teach to all your students at such varying levels
-Clarifying what we need to be looking for/completing for our portfolio
Hi Rachael,
DeleteYour mention of learning more about being able to teach students who are at varying levels is something I hope we cover in class too.
In the first grade class that I am in, I have activities planned for the students who get the material and finish the assignments early. This way, all students have something to do and I can help the students who need extra help. I learned to have activities planned for the early finishers from my cooperating teacher.
In my Scott Foresman that I use to teach Math class, they give options for reteaching, practice, enrichment, and problem solving. It is a way that if some students did or did not understand, you could provide more support going both ways! If you ever want to look at mine let me know :)
DeleteI am student teaching in a 4th grade humanities (reading, writing, and social studies) classroom.
ReplyDeleteThings I expected:
*I expected to be very busy and moving all the time, and constantly having something to do.
*Balancing subjects and being flexible
*Enthusiasm for learning from the students
*Organization
Things I did NOT expect:
*I have to admit I did not realize how many other teachers and staff members I was going to meet.
*How fast the time is going
*My co-op's flexibility and willingness to let me/encouraging me to take over and create and teach lessons my way.
Ideas for the class:(Most everything has already been mentioned)
1. Interviews, resumes, portfolios etc.
2. Parent teacher conferences
These are the only ones I can think of now, but I am sure as time goes on I will have more.
There is so much to learn about parent/teacher conferences. We had winter/spring conferences this past Friday and I was in shock how much I there was to take in. All the parents are different and they bring different things to the table, so you have to be ready for anything! It would be great if our class could actually have a good discussion about them because they are definitely something you need to be prepared for!
DeleteI was also surprised by how much my co-op is letting me stray away from the norm. It is easy to get used to the anthologies and the scripts that they provide. My co- op has been encouraging and supporting my efforts to do something different.
DeleteTime sure is flying! I never expected the day to go by as quick as it does. Is it just me or does your planning period go by even quicker than it should? I feel like I drop the kids off and within minutes I'm picking them up.
DeleteI also agree, learning more about parent teacher conferences would be very beneficial! After reading Rachael's comment, it makes me even more curious to learn the ins and outs of how to handle a conference.
Hey Rachel, I would also like to learn more about Parent/ Teacher conferences. I have not been apart of any conferences yet. Parent/teacher conferences had already occurred before my start of student teaching, so unfortunately I will not get to see how they work. I am hoping to be able to be apart of Parent/Teacher conferences at my next placement. I would agree, that we should have discussion about Parent/Teacher conferences during our seminar class.
Delete1. How is student teaching just what you expected?
ReplyDelete*I expected to love it (and I do)!
*I expected to be tired (and I am)!
*I expected that there would be a lot of multitasking.
2. How is student teaching NOT what you expected?
*Not that much space in the classroom (who know 23 2nd graders could take up so much space?)
*Trying to learn the names of all the staff (like Gretchen said)
*For things to be morning so quickly- I think it's hard to slowly ease into things when you are only there for 8 weeks and 2 of those weeks are required to be full time.
*Not to be planning so much so soon
*So much technology! My classroom has an iPad cart, SMART board, doc cam, three computers, SMART Response voters, and I'm sure there is more that I am missing.
3. Any ideas for issues, etc. that you'd like us to cover in class?
*Most of my ideas have been mentioned, but I would also like to learn how to write cover letters.
I agree with everything you said to answer the first question! I also agree with the space issue, although for me, it's personally how much space I need with all of the books and papers I have on my desk so I can organize them all and feel more organized myself because it helps me feel more prepared when all of my materials are organized.
DeleteI agree! I feel like I need more space too!
DeleteI am student teaching in a 4th grade classroom.
ReplyDelete1. Student teaching is just what I expected because I expected to become attached to the students quickly and feel at ease when teaching and in the classroom. I also anticipated a lot of flexibility to be had when teaching lessons (I learned this even more so when trying to teach long division to an average grouped math class with many varying levels of students within the classroom).
2. Student teaching is not what I expected given everything that we have to accomplish in a day (preparing for the next lesson, responding to students questions, responding to emails, and not to mention just taking the time to eat our own lunch to refuel, etc.)and what little time we have to complete it all.
3. I would like to know more about the interview/job market side of the profession when first entering it so I am prepared to be hired in a district.
I agree, Mindy! There is so little prep time and so much to do! Even when students are working independently, it's not like we can use that time to plan or assess papers, since there are always questions and students who need extra help.
DeleteI am student teaching in a 1st grade classroom.
ReplyDelete1. How is student teaching just what you expected?
-Student teaching is a lot of planning.
-Student teaching is learning to work with other professionals.
-Student teaching is learning the needs of your students an making lessons that fit every students needs.
-Student teaching is what makes me happy at the end of the day!
2. How is student teaching NOT what you expected?
-I didn't expect to be so relaxed.
-I didn't expect to have such a variety of learning needs in one classroom.
-I didn't expect that the parents of the students in my class would respond so quickly to the information I send home.
-I didn't expect to be on the same page with my co-op on everything. She gives me the freedom to teach the material the way that I want, and allows me to be creative.
-I didn't expect to know as much as I do about my students in such a short period of time.
Also...
3. Any ideas for issues, etc. that you'd like us to cover in class?
-I agree with the ideas listed above.
-Also how to use all the different types of technology in the classroom to enhance lessons.
It's interesting that you are so relaxed yet have so many needs in one classroom. Also, it's great that you have such a positive response from the parents and things that are sent home.
DeleteI am student teaching in a 2nd grade classroom!
ReplyDelete1. How is student teaching just what you expected?
-From day one, my whole experience has been a welcoming one from my teacher, class and other faculty around the school. Everyone is happy, and is there to help in any way that is needed!
-Having a schedule but also being flexible with things that you can not control.
-I expected to love it, and I absolutely do! I honestly can not wait to go back to school everyday!
2. Things I did not expect:
- Like several said above-- to remember so many names! After day one, I had all 24 of my kiddos down, but I also have to learn the other two 2nd grade classes (we switch for content).
-I didn't expect the day to go as fast as it does!
-I didn't expect to "click" with my co-op as much as I have. I love her teaching style and how she runs her classroom. I have begin implementing some of her techniques into my lessons and I believe the students are responding to the transition of both of us teaching.
3.Ideas for class
-Applying and Interviewing
-What to expect your first year of teaching
I agree with your first bullet point for number 1. I love our school!
DeleteCaroline, learning names for other classes is so difficult! We switch for Science/Social Studies and having to learn all is challenging. A good strategy I learned is especially when being observed if you are unsure of names, ask the children to say their name before they give an answer. Hope this helps!
DeleteI completely agree about learning names. I got my kiddos' names pretty quickly, but when the other 1st grade class comes in, I still struggle with their names, especially since my co-op does the teaching. I like your suggestion, Sammy!
DeleteI am student teaching in a 4th grade classroom at Donegal Intermediate School!
ReplyDelete1. How is student teaching just what you expected?
--I expected student teaching to be a lot of planning which it is. I also expected to attend different kinds of conferences and workshops which I have. Today, I attended a tier meeting with the principal, my co-op, and other professionals since Donegal uses RTI. It was cool to actually see the material we learn in class being put into use in a school.
2. Things I did not expect with student teaching
--This is the first time I've ever had a male co-op and I was kind of nervous going into it because I didn't know how it would go, but I couldn't have asked for a better co-op! He is a great role model to learn from and I count myself very lucky because he has so many strategies that I would like to use in my own classroom. I also did not expect to like 4th grade as much as I do! This is also another first for me being in a classroom older than 2nd grade. 4th grade will most likely be my new favorite grade!
3. Ideas for class
--interviewing process
--resume/portfolio
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DeleteHey Megan,
DeleteI am also in a 4th grade class and I also attended a meeting that my teacher and other teachers have to read a chapter out of a book about how to handle tough situations in the classroom. I also saw some strategies that were described in previous classes being described. My teacher gave a powerpoint presentation about how to use more positive statements in the classroom. I also believe 4th grade is a fit for me because of a great co-op I have and the student maturity level.
Lou,
DeleteI am really enjoying 4th grade and I have to agree that the maturity level has something to do with it. They still need that guidance but yet they are capable of doing things on their own efficiently. My co-op has a lot to do with my experience as well and I feel like I am learning so much from him that I will use in the future.
I am thinking this is counting for my blog post since I had it written that it was due today. I wasn't sure about how you wanted it (whether it was a comment under your post or on my personal blog for this class or an email since no one has subscribed yet) So I am going to answer the questions the best that I can.
ReplyDelete1. How is student teaching just what you expected? I expected to be alot of lesson planning around a script. When meeting with my teacher and borrowing some of the curriculum over break I found out my co op and the students follow Scraton Math curriculum and Reading Street on the day to day basis (as scheduled out in the curriculum). I also expected being nervous the first time I taught a lesson. Think about it, I am stranger walking in front of a class that has had a teacher since September teaching them the content. How is it going to change? Are and how are students going to react to some changes? It's like an actor walking on stage and the spot light is on them and only them.
2. How is student teaching NOT what I expected? I didn't expect creativity. I have a lot of students that like to draw, write and overall think outside the box. This is a positive and a negative. Positive, would be that I can open up with activities off the script! The students would enjoy activities other than a worksheet such as drawing a picture to represent the content. The negative side to this that I have noticed is that some students draw or write, or get off topic with their thinking at inappropriate times. Especially with the marker boards. I also was thrown into a situation in which a teacher is not only and educator but also a counselor for a student regardless of any... ANY situation.
3. Any ideas for issues. etc. that you like us to cover in class? I know one thing I would like to cover is what is changing in education. It wasn't really covered in the debates during the election and last semester we talked about the DSM is changing in special education (Getting rid of Aspergers Syndrome to High Functioning Autism). I would also like to have a better understanding of how teachers come apart of a union and what part do we have in school board meetings when issues come up either in our classroom, school, or district. Finally I would like to limit my items in my portfolio or add what needs to be added.
By the way, This was composed and published on January 22nd on my personal blog for this class. Once I finally saw more posts I am guessing we are suppose to put it here
I am teaching in a 3rd grade classroom at East High.
ReplyDelete1. How is student teaching just what you expected?
I fully expected two things from student teaching- to fall in love with the kiddos and to have a lot of planning to do. I'm not completely overwhelmed with the planning yet, but I know it's coming! My kiddos are of course, the highlight of it all. I've come to know all of them, their stories, and their learning needs.
2. How is student teaching NOT what I expected?
I did not expect the lack of technology. There is no smart board and my co-op rarely uses any form of technology. I'm attempting to change this, but its tough with the lack of resources.
I also didn't expect the amount of meetings that I've attended. I sit in on at least 1 meeting per day.
I also did not expect the lack of special education knowledge amongst the teachers and professionals. I have kiddos in my class that have special needs, but many of the teachers do not know how to address them in the classroom. I'm realizing now how valuable my dual certification will be.
3. Issues to cover in class: I know a lot of us will be seeing parent/teacher conferences, I think it would be beneficial to have a little more background on dealing with parents. Sitting in on IEP meetings has given me a frightening look at how difficult speaking to parents can be.
I think the lecture on safety will definitely help to ease some of our minds about how to handle dangerous situations.
My co-op does not use much technology either. We still use the blackboard and overhead projector more than ever. I guess that is good since most students aren't exposed to that much but I have been in several placements that revolve around technology and with this day and age, students love it and respond so well! It is definitely hard to teach especially if you have a teacher so stuck in her ways, but I am fortunate enough to have a co-op who is very open to learning new things that her student teachers bring to the table.
DeleteI feel like my school is over informed with special education services. Throughout most of the morning, my whole class is never in the room at the same time because or RTI, Tiered interventions, and speech help. Although it is great that the school is following through with all their interventions, it is also frustrating to have students constantly being pulled out and have to make up the work from my lessons later in the day. I feel like schools need to find a better balance with the services they provide.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am currently student teaching in a fourth grade classroom at Nitrauer Elementary.
ReplyDeleteWhat I expected:
- A lot of planning
- Welcoming school environment
- The ongoing support of my co-op and supervisor
- Attachment to the students
- Ability to be flexible and think on your toes
- Ongoing daily reflections of the success of my lessons and overall teaching practice.
What I did not expect:
- Minimal behavior issues
- Lack of technology
- Limited amount of planning and prep time during school hours
- How fast the weeks are going!
- The amount of parental involvement
Issues to cover in class:
- Job searching process
- Cover letters
- What to expect your first year of teaching
- Helpful resources for new teachers
Laura, I agree with what you said about limited amount of planning time. I also can't believe how fast time is going! We are already starting week 4.. slow down!
DeleteI cannot believe how fast the weeks are going either! I get my lesson plans done for the week and I feel like I already need to be planning the next week even though I just started!
DeleteHello all!
ReplyDelete1. How is student teaching just what you expected?
I expected student teaching to be a lot of work and of course it is! I expected to be waking up early and leaving late and getting work done during the planning periods I am given. I knew I would be eating in the room at times if I need more time to set-up the classroom. I also expected my co-op to be very helpful and she is more than I ever expected. I expected parents to be coming into the classroom to help, so I sent home a letter in the beginning explaining who I was so that way they felt comfortable knowing I was there.
2. How is student teaching NOT what you expected?
I thought I would have more time than what I was expecting. Now knowing time is limited, I use all of my extra time to prep for the next day so that I am prepared. I also did not expect the students to respond so well to me while I teach. My co-op and I have discussed ways to prevent students from talking during instruction and we have been doing a great job together working on that. She has asked me for suggestions early on, so I felt like I was really a part of the classroom.
3. Any ideas for issues, etc. that you'd like us to cover in class?
I would like to cover learning about Smart Boards. I use the Smart Board a couple times throughout the day. It would be nice to learn more things I could use it for to also be able to teach my co-op! I would also like to learn what I need to do for PA Educator and also finding jobs out of state.
hi ed495! (sorry if this is my 2nd post. I don't think the first one worked)
ReplyDelete1. I'm honestly not too sure what I was expecting the first day of student teaching. I was more nervous, anxious, and excited than anything. I knew it would be different than previous placements only because I would be in the classroom every day, all day. I expected to be greeted by 19 smiling faces the morning I walked into Cornwall Elementary School and sure enough, I was! I have been so fortunate to be placed with such a motivated and helpful co-op and such great students.
2. I did not expect to be greeted by my co-op with so many resources given to me on the first day. I was presented with my very own desk, a basket of goodies to get me started, and a bunch of other things for my first week. I also did not expect how fast the day goes by. I feel like as soon as I finally get unpacked and the day gets going, I hear the announcements dismissing students to their buses! It is a great feeling but I often wonder "where has the time gone!?" In the past I have felt that placements that are once a week for 2 hours drug on and on whereas these days just speed on by. I guess thats a good thing! :) Also, I didn't expect the planning periods that we have during the day to go by so fast. I find it very hard to get anything done in the short 30 minute planning period we have during specials or recess.
3. I would like to learn about some fun but educational websites with games and activities for students to participate in. I have access to a laptop lab that students love to do. I think with where technology is today, it wouldn't hurt to let kids explore those resources if we have them available.
I would also like to learn about applying to jobs since we should be very close to the application process! (I'd like to learn about out of state applications too) I think having the speaker come talk about our portfolios will be very useful as well!
I am in a 2nd grade classroom!
DeleteI am teaching 25 kindergarteners at Taylor Elementary in Columbia.
ReplyDelete1. How is student teaching just what you expected?
- Organization is critical.
- Being up and active at all times with students.
- Being prepared at all times for any type of situation.
- Being enthusiastic, supportive, encouraging, and positive at all times!
- Being busy, busy, busy with planning and prepping every single day.
- Getting the hang of a routine and sticking to it.
- At the end of the day, I’m tired. But I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’m doing what I love.
- Being flexible.
- Having an open, supportive cooperating teacher who is always willing to offer suggestions, provide recommendations, and answer an abundance of questions.
2. How is student teaching NOT what you expected?
- The first day I was welcomed with a complete student teaching binder, a survival kit, and a desk to call home until May. It made me feel comfortable and at ease and put a smile on my face.
- Time flies, seriously. I never expected the day to go by as fast as it does.
- How much stuff teachers can have. My cooperating teacher has closets, bins, and storage units stocked to the brim with supplies.
- The cost of being a teacher. Lots of supplies equals lots of money. (Teachers receive a budget of $175 for the entire year).
- Technology! It’s everywhere. We use it constantly and my kindergarteners are very skilled at using it.
- How open and helpful all faculty is. Everyone is always willing to help with a smile.
- How much dancing and singing I would be doing on a daily basis. Every day is quite a workout on my body and vocal chords.
3. Any ideas for issues, etc. that you'd like us to cover in class? Remember, this is your class, so be sure to make suggestions to get the most from it!
- Applying and interviewing for jobs.
- Resume and portfolio building.
- Where to find jobs in other states.
- The first years of teaching, what to expect?
How is student teaching what I expected?
ReplyDelete-Needing to be flexible
-Expected to be very busy and need to prioritize my time
-Very fast pace since it is only 8 weeks at each placement
-Everyday is different and learn new things
How is student teaching Not what I expected?
-50 Kindergartners (25 AM and 25 PM)
-My co-operating teacher has been wonderful! Very helpful and encouraging and allows me to take part in the classroom.
-Not much technology is used
-I adjusted much quicker and feel pretty comfortable when providing instruction.
Any ideas for issues, ect. that you'd like us to cover in class? Remember this is your class, so be sure to make suggestions to get the most from it!
-How to write a cover letter
-Applying and interviewing
-Certification
-Other options for jobs if can't find a teaching job right away
1. How is student teaching just what you expected?
ReplyDeleteI expected student teaching to be hard work and a lot of time management. Also once meeting with my co-operating teacher, in early December I knew the school would be very welcoming. But most importantly I felt that my supervisor and co-operating teacher would be supportive through this whole experience. I have learned so much in working with them for the past four weeks!!!
I also knew that while student teaching, I would begin to develop attachments to the students. Lastly, the amount of flexibility and reflections the teacher must either do to meet the needs of all students was of no surprise to me. However, through all this, I feel at the end of the day that being an educator is very rewarding!
2. How is student teaching NOT what you expected?
Some things that I did not expect during student teaching were the limited amount of behavior issues. Another aspect that was not expected was the restricted amount of technology within the classroom. I had only observed the use of overhead projectors and the doc camera. Some other things that I noticed was the amount of collaboration my co-operating teacher had with her team partner! I feel that by working with a team partner you are able to better create lesson, bounce ideas off one another, and provide a support system for each other.
3. Any ideas for issues, etc. that you’d like us to cover in class?
I would like to discuss more about the job searching process, cover letters, what a first year teacher should expect, what types of supports are available for first year teachers, and helpful resources that new teachers can access.
Thank you for sharing. I have taken some of your suggestions and hope to plan class sessions that would met your needs.
ReplyDelete1. What I was expecting and saw was that the teacher had a very routined day and they almost never step out of that routine. The kindergartners know exactly what to expect and when to expect it. This allows for a positive environment and allows us as teachers to remind them what they should be doing so they can take responsibility for themselves.
ReplyDelete2. What I did not respect was how involved the community is in the school district. There are dentists that come everyday to provide cleanings and root canals. There is a health clinic with drs from lancaster general health along with the nurse services, and the parents can come in during the day for workshops.
I also havent had a full classroom of kindergarteners until now. I did not realize how needy they are and especially in the inner city, I play mom as much as I play teacher.
3. I would like to learn as much as possible about professional development and what I need to know for the near future know that it is arriving very soon. I'm excited for the rest of the semester.
1. Student teaching is what I expected because of the amount of work that I thought would come with it. Besides all the work during the day, I get home at 4:30 only to do work until 11 and then go to sleep. I was also expecting to form positive relationships with staff and students and try to become involved right away, both of which I think I am doing well with so far.
ReplyDelete2. What I DID NOT expect from student teaching was the time needed to get used to the daily schedule. The second graders are on a six day cycle, in which each day has its own schedule of events and classes. I thought I would be able to jump right in and get used to the schedule but since I've only seen each day about 3 times, I am still getting used to what happens on what days.
3. I would like to learn more about job interviews and how to find jobs that fit my degree. I think the interview and job search processes can be difficult and intimidating, so the more training I have in those areas, the better.
I'm in a 1st grade classroom :-)
ReplyDelete1. How is student teaching just what you expected?
I expected the stress and time commitment. I get home between 5:00 and 5:30, eat a quick dinner, then plan for the next day until I go to bed, which may not be until after midnight. I figure I'll sleep when I'm dead. I also expected the time to fly, which it has been! My co-op has been amazing! She sets very high expectations for me, and I've really been growing as an educator.
2. How is student teaching NOT what you expected?
A lot more time is spent on assessment than I would have thought. I'm not talking about formative assessment; I'm talking about DRAs and DIBELS, and other individual assessments that take a very long time to complete. I didn't expect all of the other teachers to be so warm and welcoming. They really treat me as if I'm a teacher in the school, yet always ask how everything is going. Even in the lunch room, I'm included in conversations just as much as any teacher would be. I was not expecting some of the behavior issues we have, but I've learned how to deal with them.
3. Any ideas for issues, etc. that you'd like us to cover in class?
*Interview process
*Timeline from application to job acceptance
*Finding your best "fit" when looking for a job
I am in a second grade classroom at Reidenbaugh Elementary in Manheim Township!
ReplyDeleteWhat I expected:
- lesson planning
- time management
- close relationship with the students
- working closely with my cooperating teacher and supervisor
- Flexibility
- finding resources and growing professionally
- eagerness to be involved
- self reflections
What I did not expect:
- Limited amount of planning and prep time during school hours
- how quickly the time is going and the rate at which I picked up lessons and responsbilities in the classroom
- The amount of parental involvement: several parents are in the classroom about three days out of the week to assist in monitoring and testing students
- switching for content (however, I love that this is done to benefit the learning of students on different learning levels)
Issues to cover in class:
- Job searching process
- Cover letters
- resume building
- professional development opportunities
-helpful tips in your first year of teaching
I am in a second grade classroom at South Side Elementary. It is not inner city Harrisburg but it is an urban school. I did expect a challenge but my class can be very challenging They are very chatty and are up out of their seats constantly. They are not very respectful to each other or them selves really. I really feel like I fit in that class but it is very tough. Also they are a few students who are are on a very low level. They have slipped through the cracks and I did not expect that. Also I did not expect so much yelling. I do not like that there is so much yelling.
ReplyDeleteIn class I want to cover,
job searching
applying for your certificate
after graduation
getting a job
the interview process
subbing
other jobs in education
how to get your foot in the door
1. How is student teaching just what you expected?
ReplyDeleteI expected it to be a lot of work. I expected to enjoy it ☺ I expected to get along well with my co-op and students.
2. How is student teaching NOT what you expected?
I didn’t expect it to be this much work. I did not know how Involved my supervisor would be (I like the extra help/attention). I didn’t know we would have outside assignments to do on top of the student teaching.
Also...
3. Any ideas for issues, etc. that you'd like us to cover in class? Remember, this is your class, so be sure to make suggestions to get the most from it!
I would like to talk more about IEPs. My co-op told me that I will be one of the main people responsible for writing them and I feel totally unprepared for that. The only thing I remember learning about writing IEPs is the goal section. I would also like to learn more about how to have a fun yet productive classroom environment.
Also, I was reading some of the other responses and came up with some more.
DeleteI was not expecting the limited amount of prep time. We have two 40 minute specials a week and a 25 minute lunch break each day. As far as prep time goes, that is it. All of the teachers in my school complain about it and I can understand why.
Things I expected about student teaching..
ReplyDelete1. I expected the students to be adorable!
2. I expected the first day to feel a little overwhelming by all the things I have to observe and take notes on
3. I expected lesson planning
4. Classroom management
What I did not expect:
1. Seeing all four subjects in one day
2. limited time for planning throughout the day
3. planning a week in advance
4. Second graders are still very dependent and needy
What to cover in class:
Common Core
Job searching
Applications
Portfolios