Blog Post 2

       In the past two weeks I think I’ve met my goals. I set out to learn all of my students’ names, and as of yesterday (January 26^th) I can say that I do know all of them. I’ve also made some real connections with students that some of the other teachers have written off. I believe that this connection will help me to get them to do more work and to be more attentive and motivated in the class. My other goal for this past two weeks was to find what teaching style works best for me, and what is the most effective way to get my lesson across to my students.  I think that I’m well on my way, however I don’t believe that I’ve got it down pat just yet. Meeting this goal will take much longer than I expected.

My two new goals for the weeks of February 2^nd and February 9^th, are to be observed again by my college supervisor, and to film my edTPA lessons (providing the School Superintendent allows it).

If I had to use one word to describe my past week I would say it was TRYING. However, despite the fact that this past week was somewhat trying, I have recently realized that I can actually be a teacher. It has become a real possibility in my mind. Until now, I’ve learned how to be a teacher, but I wasn’t sure if I was really cut out for this, but now I believe I am. I CAN do this.

I’m not sure if there is anything specific that I have observed while watching my cooperating teacher that showed me how to create a learning environment that encouraged social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. However, the students did work in groups on various occasions to complete the labs that were part of the curriculum. Students were also encouraged to work with partners on a multitude of exercises, which fostered student interaction and cooperation.

The one thing I’ve noticed of my cooperating teacher is that she expects every student to do his or her best because they are all very capable and smart, and she reminds them of this almost every day. I think that it’s important for students to believe that their teachers believe in them. I think this is something I will definitely incorporate into my daily teaching routine.

Yesterday, my cooperating teacher was absent, and I had to take over the class. There was a substitute teacher in the room, but I did all of the teaching. This experience has taught me a lot. After reflecting upon the entire day, I have realized that I need to work on my classroom management. I’ve also learned that some of the things I do work for specific “problem” students better than what my cooperating teacher has been doing. My question is: Should I allow my students to do things differently with me, than they do with my cooperating teacher? After all, she has worked hard to establish her classroom rules and expected behaviors. Will this hurt her classroom management when I’m gone?

I read this weeks’ assigned pages in “The First Days of School,” and after reflecting and typing up my responses to all the other questions for this blog post. I thought it very serendipitous that this section talks about Classroom Management, since this is what I need to work on.

This weeks’ reading selection reinforced the idea of the importance of classroom management. On page 82, there is a line that really resonated with me. “Nothing will send kids into orbit faster than letting them suspect that their teacher is disorganized.”  I know I have to work on my management skills, but I also realize that this is an ongoing thing. I believe that my organizational skills will be very helpful in helping me become an effective classroom manager – down the line.  

The selection also covered being prepared, and the Sun Tsu quote stood out the most.

This will be my motto for preventing problems before they occur.

“All battles are won before they are fought.”