I'm not a stranger to goodbyes. I have moved, switched schools, and had loved ones pass on. Nonetheless, saying goodbye to a class is a whole different type of farewell.
My alarm went off at 5:45 this morning for one last day of getting ready. One last day of driving 45 minutes. One last day of walking into my classroom. One last day of being greeted by T1. One last day of seeing my students, and one last day at Shoreline Christian School.
With mixed emotions and my thoughts going every which way I sat at my desk and began to work on some assignments. Students filed in and right away I immediately received hugs as well as "I'll miss you" and "I don't want you to leave." One girl even said it was the saddest day of her life.
It's funny you know, how attached a person can get to 13 people in just 8 short weeks.
The clock ticked as I watched my minutes at this school slip by too quickly. The teachers all had a potluck lunch for a fellow student teacher and I. It was delicious, but the company was even better.
12:45 came and it was time to do an official goodbye. T1 had all of the students gather in a circle and say something about me they were thankful for. We then grabbed hands and they all prayed for me. Eleven 8-9 year old voices praising and thanking God for the fact that I had been part of their lives. By the end of it my heart was full and overflowing. God chose this classroom for me, and I couldn't be more thankful. I hugged each of them goodbye as they walked through the door to make their way to art class. I took a deep breath and began to clean up my things. All the pictures and cards that they had made me through the course of my time there couldn't compare to how loved they had made me feel.
T1 came back, hugged me, and said "I'm happy to call you my friend." With another hug we said our goodbyes and I was off. Down the stairs I walked, in my comfortable teacher shoes and corduroy jacket.
I sat in my car for a bit thinking about the experiences I had had and memories that were made. With eyes that matched the rain that tapped upon my windshield, I pulled out of the parking lot and made my way home.
Although I am sad to leave this school, I look forward to the excitement that my new school will bring. Different teachers, different students, and best of all an ESL classroom. It will be a whole new adventure, don't worry though I'll be blogging about it too ;).
Before I left T1 said, "As a teacher you are never at a loss for love." I couldn't agree with her more.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
James 3:1
In the book of James there is a verse that states...
"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."
The humbling reality of these words has rang true during my whole student teaching experience so far. I will assure you though, I do not say this as a complaint. I would not trade my experiences or challenges for the world.
I say it as a reality check. Being a teacher is kind of like being a lab rat, but without the looming risk of death. We are constantly being observed and tested. Having someone watch and take notes on us becomes a part of life. Our obstacles come from students, parents, administrators, and even fellow teachers. Yet we find ways to work through them to reach a solution. It's almost like trying to find the cheese at the end of our maze if you will. This week, I was the lone rodent in my puzzle. A full-time teaching position was the obstacle and success was my aged dairy product.
I took a deep breath as I stepped into the classroom on Monday morning. T1 smiled and asked me if I was ready for this week. I gave a chuckle and replied with a simple, "As ready as I'll ever be!" Students began to file in and the day began. As I taught subject after subject I realized that it was no different than what I had done for the past month! I was almost disappointed when the final bell rang, the day had been so fun :). With a gained sense of confidence and a rush of adrenaline I drove home, excited for what the next day would bring.
My alarm went off on Tuesday morning and instead of hitting snooze a couple more times, I actually wanted to get up. Not only was I anxious to teach again but it was Valentine's Day and there were plenty of exciting activities planned. My students spoiled me. I had pictures, cards, and chocolates galore! Each of them beamed with pride when I showed off the gifts they had given me.
As the week continued I came to realize that, in the short while that I had been teaching, my students had come to respect me. They listened willingly, and wanted to fix their actions if they had done something disrespectful. In turn I realized that I had come to respect them as well. Each of them successfully figures out their own way to reach the same goal. Something I would encourage and admire on any level.
Hours passed like seconds and before I knew it Thursday had crept its way over. Yet this wasn't just any Thursday. No, this was Open House Thursday. Before the excitement of the evening began T1, T2, and I went out for an Ethiopian dinner. It was our way of having a cultural experience in honor of my Africa unit. The food was wonderful and the company was even better. T1 and T2 gave me a book by Ron Clark about finding a successful student in every child. I was, and still am, touched. Ever since day one they have been wonderful mentors.
Open House time came and my students did a reader's theater. My heart was beating with nerves for all eleven of them. They did a wonderful job, I was so proud.
The week ended with vision tests, math board-races, The Prince of Egypt, and food poisoning. My dinner from the night before had come back to haunt me in the worst way.
God got me through this week, and I must say that it has been a successful one.
Lessons Learned This Week:
-One must be aware of how sensitive some students really are.
-It is important to encourage students to be encouraging.
Goals for Next Week:
-Finish student teaching assignments.
-Apply to more schools.
"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."
The humbling reality of these words has rang true during my whole student teaching experience so far. I will assure you though, I do not say this as a complaint. I would not trade my experiences or challenges for the world.
I say it as a reality check. Being a teacher is kind of like being a lab rat, but without the looming risk of death. We are constantly being observed and tested. Having someone watch and take notes on us becomes a part of life. Our obstacles come from students, parents, administrators, and even fellow teachers. Yet we find ways to work through them to reach a solution. It's almost like trying to find the cheese at the end of our maze if you will. This week, I was the lone rodent in my puzzle. A full-time teaching position was the obstacle and success was my aged dairy product.
I took a deep breath as I stepped into the classroom on Monday morning. T1 smiled and asked me if I was ready for this week. I gave a chuckle and replied with a simple, "As ready as I'll ever be!" Students began to file in and the day began. As I taught subject after subject I realized that it was no different than what I had done for the past month! I was almost disappointed when the final bell rang, the day had been so fun :). With a gained sense of confidence and a rush of adrenaline I drove home, excited for what the next day would bring.
My alarm went off on Tuesday morning and instead of hitting snooze a couple more times, I actually wanted to get up. Not only was I anxious to teach again but it was Valentine's Day and there were plenty of exciting activities planned. My students spoiled me. I had pictures, cards, and chocolates galore! Each of them beamed with pride when I showed off the gifts they had given me.
As the week continued I came to realize that, in the short while that I had been teaching, my students had come to respect me. They listened willingly, and wanted to fix their actions if they had done something disrespectful. In turn I realized that I had come to respect them as well. Each of them successfully figures out their own way to reach the same goal. Something I would encourage and admire on any level.
Hours passed like seconds and before I knew it Thursday had crept its way over. Yet this wasn't just any Thursday. No, this was Open House Thursday. Before the excitement of the evening began T1, T2, and I went out for an Ethiopian dinner. It was our way of having a cultural experience in honor of my Africa unit. The food was wonderful and the company was even better. T1 and T2 gave me a book by Ron Clark about finding a successful student in every child. I was, and still am, touched. Ever since day one they have been wonderful mentors.
Open House time came and my students did a reader's theater. My heart was beating with nerves for all eleven of them. They did a wonderful job, I was so proud.
The week ended with vision tests, math board-races, The Prince of Egypt, and food poisoning. My dinner from the night before had come back to haunt me in the worst way.
God got me through this week, and I must say that it has been a successful one.
Lessons Learned This Week:
-One must be aware of how sensitive some students really are.
-It is important to encourage students to be encouraging.
Goals for Next Week:
-Finish student teaching assignments.
-Apply to more schools.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
They Are Precious in His Sight
Another week down and about two more to go. It's hard to believe I'm almost half way done with student teaching already. I remember how nervous and scared I was to even start my first week. It's pretty much old hat by now. Nonetheless I would be lying if I said I wasn't still being humbled. There's always something each day that reminds me that I am not a perfect teacher, nor will I ever be one! (Not trying to be negative, just realistic ;))
In all honesty I hardly remember much of this week at all. Once I reach teacher mode it's like everything else gets blocked out. There were two things that were able keep themselves vivid in the dullness of my memory though.
As you know I've been volunteering with the afterschool program known as KidReach. I tutor at it every Wednesday, but this week was different. As I worked with my student I realized how much of an energy and feeling of joy kids give me. Even after a tiring 6+ hours of being with 3rd graders all day my student and I both worked and laughed hard together. One of the reasons why I want to be a teacher is to be a positive influence for those who may not have one. I enjoy working with all sorts of kids, but there is something that pulls me towards the kids who come from broken homes or low-income areas. I'm not sure what that pull means yet, but I know in time God will show me.
My next revelation is thanks to Moses. I have been teaching a unit about him for a couple weeks now, but the importance of his story didn't sink in until I watched The Prince of Egypt yesterday after school. (Recap for those of you who may not know Moses' story very well. He was an Israelite who was found in the reeds by an Egyptian princess. Raised as royalty. Left Egypt because he killed an Egyptian. Was told by God to go back to Egypt and free the Israelites. Pharaoh refused. Plagues came. Moses brings the his people to freedom). As I watched a cartoon Moses walk to the other side of a parted Red Sea it hit me that if he didn't listen to God and go back to Egypt, his people would have suffered as slaves for the rest of their days. If he hadn't followed God's call, the future of a whole people group would be at risk. Now fast forwarding to now. It really made me think. If we're called by God to do something we need to do it. Who knows what the outcome might be if we don't. He has a plan, he will take care of us and guide use to the "promised land" of our future.
He's our father.
He knows what's best for us.
Listen to Him, not the demons trying to hold us back.
Lessons Learned this Week
-Teaching requires flexibility and grace, lots and lots of grace.
-Kids enjoy a lesson more if it doesn't involve sitting in their desk.
-I look forward to the days when I'll have my own classroom with my own way of doing things.
Goals for Next Week
-Prepare for a week of being the only teacher.
In all honesty I hardly remember much of this week at all. Once I reach teacher mode it's like everything else gets blocked out. There were two things that were able keep themselves vivid in the dullness of my memory though.
As you know I've been volunteering with the afterschool program known as KidReach. I tutor at it every Wednesday, but this week was different. As I worked with my student I realized how much of an energy and feeling of joy kids give me. Even after a tiring 6+ hours of being with 3rd graders all day my student and I both worked and laughed hard together. One of the reasons why I want to be a teacher is to be a positive influence for those who may not have one. I enjoy working with all sorts of kids, but there is something that pulls me towards the kids who come from broken homes or low-income areas. I'm not sure what that pull means yet, but I know in time God will show me.
My next revelation is thanks to Moses. I have been teaching a unit about him for a couple weeks now, but the importance of his story didn't sink in until I watched The Prince of Egypt yesterday after school. (Recap for those of you who may not know Moses' story very well. He was an Israelite who was found in the reeds by an Egyptian princess. Raised as royalty. Left Egypt because he killed an Egyptian. Was told by God to go back to Egypt and free the Israelites. Pharaoh refused. Plagues came. Moses brings the his people to freedom). As I watched a cartoon Moses walk to the other side of a parted Red Sea it hit me that if he didn't listen to God and go back to Egypt, his people would have suffered as slaves for the rest of their days. If he hadn't followed God's call, the future of a whole people group would be at risk. Now fast forwarding to now. It really made me think. If we're called by God to do something we need to do it. Who knows what the outcome might be if we don't. He has a plan, he will take care of us and guide use to the "promised land" of our future.
He's our father.
He knows what's best for us.
Listen to Him, not the demons trying to hold us back.
Lessons Learned this Week
-Teaching requires flexibility and grace, lots and lots of grace.
-Kids enjoy a lesson more if it doesn't involve sitting in their desk.
-I look forward to the days when I'll have my own classroom with my own way of doing things.
Goals for Next Week
-Prepare for a week of being the only teacher.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Teacher's High
First and foremost let me apologize for not writing earlier this week. As I dive deeper into the depths of student teaching life becomes busier and busier. Don't be surprised if I only write one post a week from now on (at least for the end of this session).
This week seemed to move both really fast and really slow. The time slipped away quickly but the days didn't seem to move much. As I began this week I felt like I had a million things to do. I started my Africa unit and I'm happy to say that the kids were as excited as I was to get things going on it! I'm teaching them about both the different regions and one country in each. So far we've covered Northern Africa and Libya, as well as Eastern Africa and Kenya. In each lesson I've taught them about each people group, some geography, "staple" foods, as well as how to say hello in each language. As of right now they can say hello in Arabic and Swahili. I can tell that I'm opening doors to a whole new world (cue Disney music) for most of them. It's really neat to see their reactions to some of the things they've learned. What's even cooler for me is that I get to learn just as much, if not more, about Africa with them!
The principle also came into to observe me this week...dun dun dun. Actually he's a pretty chill guy and was super encouraging when I went to talk with him afterwards. It was still nerve wracking, but once I started teaching it was like he wasn't even there.
I was granted the chance to do some observing this week as well. Our school's second grade class is kind of infamous this year. Their teacher, we'll call her 2nd T, has told us many a horror story about behavioral issues she's had to deal with. I prepared myself for the worst. Little did I know that such preparation was not necessary. They sat in their desks and listened to everything she had to say, it was almost like being in my 3rd grade class. Granted there were a few answers shouted out, but they're 2nd graders...what are you going to do? It was kind of funny because later in the teacher's lounge she was like "Today was a very abnormal day! You should come in and see what they're really like!" I plan to, it'll be good to see how she handles things.
My students asked me some funny questions this week too:
"Do Zombies live in Zombia (Zambia)?"
"Do you guys have teacher parties while we're out at recess?"
Teaching-wise there's not much else to report. My parents are off to Mexico this week for a romantic getaway for their 25th anniversary that was...9 months ago. I'll take the "me time" while I can ;).
Lessons Learned This Week:
-Teaching is a lot easier and more fun than I expected.
-I love teaching math...I never thought I'd ever hear myself say that.
-It's important to find your own ways of doing things in the classroom, just because you see it done one way doesn't mean it's the only way!
Goals for Next Week:
-Teach about Southern, Western, and possibly Central Africa.
-Videotape myself teaching a lesson (meh...awkward).
This week seemed to move both really fast and really slow. The time slipped away quickly but the days didn't seem to move much. As I began this week I felt like I had a million things to do. I started my Africa unit and I'm happy to say that the kids were as excited as I was to get things going on it! I'm teaching them about both the different regions and one country in each. So far we've covered Northern Africa and Libya, as well as Eastern Africa and Kenya. In each lesson I've taught them about each people group, some geography, "staple" foods, as well as how to say hello in each language. As of right now they can say hello in Arabic and Swahili. I can tell that I'm opening doors to a whole new world (cue Disney music) for most of them. It's really neat to see their reactions to some of the things they've learned. What's even cooler for me is that I get to learn just as much, if not more, about Africa with them!
The principle also came into to observe me this week...dun dun dun. Actually he's a pretty chill guy and was super encouraging when I went to talk with him afterwards. It was still nerve wracking, but once I started teaching it was like he wasn't even there.
I was granted the chance to do some observing this week as well. Our school's second grade class is kind of infamous this year. Their teacher, we'll call her 2nd T, has told us many a horror story about behavioral issues she's had to deal with. I prepared myself for the worst. Little did I know that such preparation was not necessary. They sat in their desks and listened to everything she had to say, it was almost like being in my 3rd grade class. Granted there were a few answers shouted out, but they're 2nd graders...what are you going to do? It was kind of funny because later in the teacher's lounge she was like "Today was a very abnormal day! You should come in and see what they're really like!" I plan to, it'll be good to see how she handles things.
My students asked me some funny questions this week too:
"Do Zombies live in Zombia (Zambia)?"
"Do you guys have teacher parties while we're out at recess?"
Teaching-wise there's not much else to report. My parents are off to Mexico this week for a romantic getaway for their 25th anniversary that was...9 months ago. I'll take the "me time" while I can ;).
Lessons Learned This Week:
-Teaching is a lot easier and more fun than I expected.
-I love teaching math...I never thought I'd ever hear myself say that.
-It's important to find your own ways of doing things in the classroom, just because you see it done one way doesn't mean it's the only way!
Goals for Next Week:
-Teach about Southern, Western, and possibly Central Africa.
-Videotape myself teaching a lesson (meh...awkward).
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