Quirks

I don't really have much to report for today, but I thought it would be fun to share these lists with you.

You know you're a student teacher when...
-You wear black pants, black shoes, black socks, with a black dress jacket and you're not going to a funeral.
-You go to bed way earlier than any of your other roommates.
-You don't have to pay for Spring Break housing...cha-ching!
-You start speaking in education terms and your friends give you an odd look.
-You become a copy machine master.
-You learn way more in 7+ weeks about teaching than all four years at Dordt combined.

You know you're an ESL student teacher when...
-You realize that without differentiation you're pretty much a failure.
-You start reading things in the accent of your students in your head.
-You get the biggest grammar review of your life.
-Your students tell you that something is the translation of a word in their language, so you say it but the word turns out to mean something foolish instead. (It's important to keep a good sense of humor.)
-You have the ability to talk to your students in both English and their native language (kind of).

 "Those who can, do. Those who understand, teach." Aristotle

Broken English with a Side of Humility

There are many things I love more than anything in this world, one of them being a good slap of realization.

As I sit at my kitchen table eating pot-stickers from Fareway (Asian food gods please don't smite me), I can't help but to reflect on everything that has happened this past week. Let me first start with saying that I have so much respect for my cooperating teacher (we'll call her CT).

I can't even describe how well she works with these students. Her expectations are high, but the way she teaches makes it possible for her students to meet her standards. She's constantly figuring out different ways to help her students succeed in a way that works best for them. Something all teachers should aspire to do. But the thing I like best about watching her is how she interacts with the students. CT treats them like real people, not just students but real people. That might sound weird...let me explain. Instead of talking at students she talks with them. She allows time for simple, personal discussion. By doing so her students can relate to her, which leads to trust and comfort. A safe and comfortable environment is a necessity when working with ELL's (English Language Learners). Honestly, I hope I can have as a good of a relationship with my future students as she does with her's. Being an ESL teacher is more than just a classroom job. You're constantly playing mediator between classroom teachers, parents, administrators, and other students. You're the parent. You're the encourager, the punisher (is that a word? well it is now...), and on top of that you still have to teach.

I must say though, listening to Spanglish all day does have a certain charm to it ;).

Another thing that kind of hit me hard this week was the reality that when I'm a teacher, I can't put my needs first. I know that sounds kind of vain, but bear with me. As a college student, at least in my case, it can sometimes be hard to not get a little self-absorbed. I need to get MY homework done, I need to find MY future job, I need to go to MY classes, I need to have money for MY food, I want to make time for MY friends and ME. Are you sensing a reoccurring theme here? I am. Earlier this week when I was observing in the classroom I started thinking about how tired I was and how I wished I had gone to bed at a more reasonable hour. Then I stopped, looked up, and saw CT sitting there teaching four NC's (new comers). Though her eyes looked a little sleepy she still had an encouraging attitude toward her students. With each broken English word they spoke and each correct answer they gave she kept pushing them a long. It was then that I realized my attitude needed to change. Education is about the students. If we can't help our students succeed then we aren't doing our job. No matter if it means lack of sleep or staying at school long after the final bell rings. Being a teacher means more than just receiving tenure, benefits, and money. Whether a student passes or fails may or may not be your fault...but no pressure.

Your teachers (at least most of them) care more about you than you might think.

Lessons Learned this Week
-So many.

Goals for Next Week
-Start teaching small lessons.
-Be patient.
-Be encouraging.
-Speak slowly and enunciate.

Estoy la Profe.

And so another session of student teaching begins...

First of all I apologize if half of this doesn't make any sense, my brain is a little fried.

My carpool and I drove up to school at about quarter to eight. Opening the large, glass doors of the entrance we saw the smiling faces of teachers and students. We introduced ourselves to the elementary principal and he was gracious enough to walk us to our classrooms. Through the library door I ventured and found a room, smaller than my bedroom, with the letters "ESL" printed on the side.

I talked with my teacher for a bit before the day began. Once the bell rang we walked into our cracker-box sized classroom and elementary aged students made their way in. Before I continue let me remind you that I am going to be teaching in an ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom. My students range anywhere from elementary to high school. And as, I learned today, their English range is even more all over the place. Anyway, where was I....oh yes elementary ESL. Each of these students (all three of them) are either on or going to be on an Individualized Education Program. Which brings some extra challenges. This basically means that they are behind in someway and need extra help, most common amongst Special Ed. students. Keep in mind though, ESL is not a form of Special Ed.

Honestly the whole day was kind of a blur. Students (all of Hispanic origin) constantly in and out, it's definitely different having classes by period instead of the whole day. The class I really enjoyed observing was the beginners. They're just starting to speak English so there is a lot of Spanish mixed-in with their conversation. But the cool part was that I could understand a good majority of what they were saying. Granted there were times where they spoke so quickly it was kind of like...uhhhhhhh? It's both scary and a confidence booster. I'm excited to be able to converse with them in two languages, but worried that they'll ask something in Spanish that I won't be able to understand. It'll work out though.

Once 1:30 rolled around my cooperating teacher, supervisor, and I all sat down and had a chat about expectations. It was a great meeting, they're both very encouraging and willing to help with anything.

This is going to be a teaching experience like nothing I've had before. It will require more thinking, planning, and stamina than my prior one...and I couldn't be more excited :D.

Goals for this Week
-Remember the names of all my students.
-Get to know my students.

Lessons Learned from Today
-I'm so thankful I took Spanish classes.
-Teaching doesn't mean you need to be a tight-wad.

Praise God for Loving Students

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.

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.

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.

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).