First Full Week of Classes

This is the first full week of classes at Daniel Hand High School. When Monday rolled around, I was so tired and wasn’t sure I’d make it through the week but I have, yay! I did my mini lessons that are required for my Practicum. I taught two freshmen lessons and a junior class. The mini lessons taught me a lot. I’m learning through trial and error, what works and what doesn’t. That’s the point of this experience and sometimes I lose sight of that since I am a perfectionist. I want to do well, not for me or my grades, but for my students! The lessons that I am presenting are to enforce skills that they will need through high school and eventually college.
I am very lucky to be at Daniel Hand, because I am able to learn and take in as much information as possible. The English department is very supportive and kind. They are always telling me that the nerves I have are completely normal and that they experienced the same thing (and sometimes still do). I observed four other teachers and it was interesting to watch how each have their own teaching style, and the students respond differently. I really enjoy seeing them instruct a lesson, because it gives me ideas as to what my teaching style may be. I also felt really inspired watching them, because it all came so naturally to them. It is something to aspire to become, a teacher that is completely at ease in front of their students. I need to work on that still, but it will come with time.
Another great thing about my endeavors is that I am completely supported by the Albertus community. I have friends who are always checking in on me to see how it is going. I also have professors and faculty that check in on me. I think one of the greatest feelings is knowing that everyone has an unfailing faith and confidence in my abilities to be a teacher. I was given a huge compliment by my advisor; she said that I am a great teacher. Me? A teacher? I guess I am and it is hard to think of it like that, because I do not feel all that removed from being a high school student. I graduated in 2009 and there is not much of an age difference between my students. I am carrying myself in such a way that they see me as an authority.
Tonight was Back to School Night, and the parents ran through their children’s schedule. I talked a little, just saying that I have enjoyed my time with their kids thus far and I’m excited to continue to work with them. The greatest part of the night was when I was leaving I had a conversation with one of my juniors. She begged me to take control of her class and then she opened up to me about her personal life. This something that I do not take lightly, because that means I am building a trusting relationship with my students and that I could make a difference in their lives. I really am honored that this student trusted me enough to talk to me about things going on in her life; it means so much to me!
Tuesday morning is the first official day of student teaching. I will be taking control of the two freshmen classes and will be their teacher. The assignments, the lessons, the instruction… it will all be on me. I’m nervous and excited. I want to do well and I want the lesson to be successful. I have gotten to a point where I can only try my best and that will have to be enough. I will be pushing myself for the next three months: grading, teaching, creating, and still being a student myself. It will be tough. I will be stressed out, but I know that I will be able to do it with the support of everyone in my life.

I want to take moment to thank EVERYONE that has talked to me, compliments me, advised me, educated me, or even told me I couldn’t do this… this all motivates me to be better. My family and friends have been so supportive; I would not have made it this far without them. The faculty and staff at Albertus have been amazing, as well. I consider myself extremely lucky to be going through the education program at Albertus, because I’m not sure I would be having the same experience if I was a student at another school.
For now, I am going to go finish lesson plans for next week. There is always something to be done… oh, the life of a teacher!