Weekly Reflection: February 14-18

This was my last week before my mid-winter break. This week went amazingly well due to the fact that I somehow accomplished all of the weeks lesson plans during the weekend prior. By doing this, I was able to have a breather during the week and was able to be more present in the classroom. I had time to critique the already created lessons and change anything that would help with the flow of each class. I also created an introduction handout to display at the beginning of class, which contributed to the organization and guidance that I hoped for.

Encouragement is definitely needed in this stage of life. I as encouraged this week when my supervisor came in and noticed the changes in the way I carry myself in the classroom. According to her, I appeared much more confident and at ease. Also, one of my students this week thanked me because I am the only teacher, she said, that cares for her as much as I do.

Finally, This past weekend, I was a judge for FCCLA’s competing event. This was a great experience to see some of my students outside of the classroom. They did so well and each of them are going to state to compete!

Weekly Reflection: February 7-11

As I look back over the last few weeks, it is clear how much I have grown as a teacher and as an individual. I am constantly pushed to move and grow in my Zone of Proximal Development, which has been evident in the way I communicate to and lead a class. I seem to have grown in these past two weeks more than I have in a year.

Goals and time management are currently the glue to my life. Prior to student teaching, time management was important to me, but it never hit home until this week. I did not know teachers are so dedicated to their students and their progress. Many of the teachers at the school work twelve hours a day to accomplish everything that they need to. A few times this week I was doing the same to accomplish grading, lesson planning, making copies and helping students who stay after school. This was one of the harder weeks for me because I constantly felt like I was falling behind and unable to keep up. Some days I received the curriculum the day before I was teaching. There have also been things that I have learned that I need to have for my class. My fifth period consists of around 35 students who are primarily ninth grade boys. I started using a introductory overhead that displays all of the things they need, what needs to be turned in and what they will learn in class today. This gives them a chance to understand what class will be like and what is expected of them. I plan on using this more along with other organizers that will continue structure class for the students.

The goal for this upcoming week is to prepare so much so, that my next week is a breeze.

Weekly Reflection: January 31-February 4

Victories! It’s the small victories that keep a teacher going. This week started out extremely stressful. I was trying to make sure that I understood the entire curriculum and that I got it in time. Receiving it the night before added to my stress day after day. I had  many late nights writing lessons while trying to keep them interesting for the students. However, during the day I slowly got the hang of being in front of the class and teaching. There is much I still need to learn, but I am really enjoying teaching. It is helpful when I change my mentality and think positively and focus on how amazing my students. This reminds me how much I care about them and their learning.

So, today I have been focusing on the victories and the joys of teaching.

Weekly Reflection: January 24-28

This week is the last time that I will be observed. Next week is the start of the new semester and I will be taking over both 9^th

grade Health classes. This week I have also been preparing the curriculum and getting ready to teach. I am a little anxious because I have no idea what is going to happen next week.

This past Tuesday was one of the hardest days of teaching that I have had. I taught a lesson on healthy and unhealthy relationships that covered domestic and teen violence, rape and abuse. The topic was intense and this attributed to a lot of uneasiness, but it taught me the importance of holding the attention of the students. To start, I went through some handouts with the students that explained the power and equality wheel. Their heads began to slowly drop as I continued. There were not enough transitions or energy to hold their attention. It would have been helpful if I had walked around the room and asked students for their insight on the topic of discussion. This helps include the students and connect them to the lesson. For next week, my goal is to add in things that will keep their attention and help them engage in certain topics so they can learn even more.

Nutrition and Wellness is the other class that I am being observed in. Unlike health though, I will not be taking over this course until later in the quarter. For now I will be co-teaching and observing my mentor as she teaches. This will be valuable when I take over the class. Students will be used to me so classroom management will easier.

Attached are the course outlines and the topics that we will be covering. I am so excited to teach on these topics!