Saturday, September 29, 2012

"What Teachers Make" by Taylor Mali

Just the other day, my dear friend Vince texted me asking me to view this video on YouTube. I am so very glad he did! Taylor Mali is inspiring and this poem of his is the perfect reflection of "What Teachers Make."



Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Challenges.

Today was a challenge. I knew being the intern the honeymoon phase would wear out quickly, but I never thought once that phase was over, I would have a day like today. 
My students are challenging. Majority of them have been raised in a completely different way than I have. Majority of them do not have manners, or are unable to be respectful, or listen to authority. Today I was blown away by their lack of all of those things. I am aware that I am a sensitive individual and I strive for perfection, but with the endless amount of effort I am putting into my students, I can't help but feel hurt when my students say rude, disrespectful comments.

I've only been at J.H. Rose for a month or so and everyday I am learning something new. Each day presents new challenges, accomplishments, and constructive feedback. Student teaching is my time to make mistakes, learn the ropes, and work towards being an effective teacher. 

I had my first Observation Conference with Mrs. Harris on Monday and it went very well. She gave me suggestions and ways to improve my teaching. I need to work on 'teacher input.' When I give out an assignment that takes up a large chunk of time, I need to work on still being present in the lesson and not just sitting back while the students complete the assignment. Mrs. Harris gave me great suggestions as to how to do that! 

Tomorrow is a new day and I will approach it with a positive attitude. 
Keep moving. Be resilient. Move forward :)

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Monday, September 17, 2012

Wedding Weekend!


What an eventful, busy weekend! I was asked to be in a dear friend's wedding this weekend and it was such an incredible experience! It was a nice break from these past few weeks of teaching and now it is back to reality...aka lesson plans!

Wednesday is my first observation and I am nervous, but excited for some outside feedback on how I am doing. I am applying to be a sub for my teacher this week, which will not only put some money in my pocket, but it will give me the opportunity to run my classes alone :)

It is hard to believe that I have almost been at J.H. Rose for a month. If time is flying by this quickly, December will be here before I know it. I have so much to do and learn! I am loving every minute :)

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

September 12th, 2012

Today I found myself saying, "It's only Wednesday?!?" I have a feeling there will be many weeks like this during my teaching career. Things are still going well, although my bedtime has gone from 11pm to around 10:15pm. Must get my zzzz's! :)

I am continuing to bond with my students. Yesterday, we had a guest speaker from the Health Department visit my Parenting and Child Development Course, and provide an informational, fun, presentation about STI's. The students were very engaged and surprised when I sat in the middle of the classroom with them and was actively participating in the activities. I am still learning about my curriculum and what information I need to be able to teach my future students, therefore engaging with guest speakers and any lesson my host teacher puts together, is important.

Today, I took over my Parenting and Child Development Course and I really enjoyed hearing the feedback my students provided from the questions I asked them. They seem to enjoy the content of the course, which helps me enjoy creating fun lesson plans and presenting the material to them.
Yesterday, we received a new student three weeks into school. I wasn't sure what to do or if I needed to quickly catch her up on the three weeks of work and material she missed, but my host teacher told me to just continue like she has been in the class since day one. Today, she participated the most and seemed to have prior knowledge on the subject of Teen Sexuality and STI's. I was impressed and I know she will be a good addition to my fourth period family!

In my Parenting and Child Development Course, I have three 'special population' students, which are individuals with learning disabilities. I tend to worry about them while I am teaching a lesson because only one of them asks for assistance with the tasks I assign. I pray the other two are understanding what I am teaching. I would like to put more effort into checking in on them when I am walking around the room while my students are doing activities.

I am struggling to bond with my Early Childhood Education students. This may be because I haven't been able to teach many lessons with this group. I am hoping that when I pick up the Early Childhood Education Course, I will be able to get to know these girls better!

Until next time....
Jodi Leanne*

Monday, September 10, 2012

A Sneak Peek!





A little sneak peek into my Student Teaching experience in North Carolina!
Watching this made me realize how much I talk with my hands!!