Early Field Reflection

When my early field experience began, I really did not know what to expect. I knew that transitioning from the student to teacher role might prove difficult at first. Although first days can be quite intimidating, the moment that I stepped into the early field classroom, I knew that I had found my calling. For several weeks, I was able to build relationships with seniors and freshmen, and I had the chance to share my passion for English with them in the classroom. I learned that there is no such thing as the perfect classroom with perfect students. Instead, I figured out how to work closely with students and listen to their unique voices. By listening and expressing a genuine interest in their lives, I was able to engage students easily, but all relationships take TIME. I saw myself over the semester planting seeds in each classroom that I taught in. Progress as a teacher, I have learned, is not measured by students' grades alone. Progress to me, this semester, meant anything from keeping my male students awake in 2nd period to having seniors drill me with questions about the Renaissance.

If I am caught off guard with something in the classroom, I have learned how to relax and work with the available resources. If I know the material well, I can create a lesson only minutes before class if I need to. Being honest and real with students is also important. Giving students genuine feedback on assignments is just one way to incorporate this open communication in the classroom. I also learned the importance of sharing yourself with students. At different points, I incorporated two of my other passions (art and music) in the classroom, and students really responded to them. It was as though I instantly became someone they could relate to.

Each day, I can feel myself growing as a teacher. The early field experience allowed me to see some things that work and some things that fail in the high school English classroom. I learned that no matter how much you plan, you will never accomplish exactly what you would like to in any given day. This upcoming semester, I will have a better idea of how much to plan for each lesson. Working with high school freshmen this Fall has also prepared me for the Spring. I was able to observe their short attention spans and all the little things that can distract them in the classroom. I will work hard this Spring to keep students on their toes and engaged.

I believe that I am ready to make the transition into student teacher intern. I realize that I have so much left to learn, but it is that fact that makes teaching so exciting to me. I am always learning.