Student Teaching-Blog One

Hello, friends!

There has been a lot to happen in my life since I last blogged. I got married, traveled out of the country for the first time, changed my name, and started student teaching. This semester is going to be a good one, and I am excited about all the incredible students that I have the privilege of working with. My week was overall a 4. There were some trying times with a new group of students, but I learned so much. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to build so many new relationships during the first week of school. I knew that I would build some relationships, but they are being built more and more each day. Something that I learned from my work experiences is how to integrate procedures into lessons. Coming into the school mid-year last year, I was not able to see what the beginning really looked like. My cooperating teacher really showed me how to integrate procedures into lessons, walking down the hall, transitions, and more. I will build upon this next week during my lessons as well. Although I have not written a short or long term goal at this point, my short term goal is to successfully take over more lessons in the classroom next week. My long term goal is to continue making those lasting relationships with students. I could have spent less time worrying about what is coming next and taking it all one step at a time. I was a little apprehensive about taking over on the first week of school. I know that I could have incorporated more of the technology tools that I have learned about at Gardner-Webb, but I was a little hesitant with it being the first week. Next week, I want to incorporate plickers, kahoot, or another tool that I have learned about at GWU. Next week, I will begin teaching more substantial subjects. The logical steps that I have to take are preparing any and all materials, having ALL permission forms for video if possible, and conferencing with my CE to go over any last minute things that may arise.

DATA

Overall, I looked at EOG data, MCLASS data, and homework data that showed me where my students are. Although I did not teach a subject that was informed by test data this week, it helped me to prepare for next week as I was writing my lesson plans. I don't believe that my EOG scores define my students, because to me they're more than a test score. However, it does give me a starting point to point their learning (and my teaching) in the correct direction. 

One Piece of Advice:

If I had any advice at all it would be to build relationships with your scholars as much as possible, and be yourself. It is okay for your students to get to know you and for you to be a little humorous. 

North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards 

1. Standard 1: I was able to exemplify leadership in my school by analyzing data with my clinical educator. I was able to also collaborate with school personnel in order to get students to their appropriate buses and homes. 
2. Standard 2: In the days leading up to school, I worked really hard to make sure that my students would walk into a warm, welcoming environment, so that they would be able to feel more comfortable in our home. As the students have come into our classroom, I have intentionally built strong relationships, and I plan to continue this practice. This connects to standard 2:a! 
3. Standard 3: Throughout the week, we have worked with our students to connect in our classroom economy. Each student has a job, pays rent for their desks, and has a bank account. This connects deeply with standard 3:D. We are giving students a chance to incorporate life skills in their learning. 
4. Standard 4: During Math Small Groups, MSG, we are helping students to work in teams and develop leadership qualities. Each day students worked  in partners or small groups to play an engaging math game. This aligns with Standard 4:F
5. Standard 5: I was not able to analyze a lot of student learning this week because there was not a lot of substantial evidence/ data for this, but I was able to reflect on my teaching on my lesson plans on the hard copy of my lesson plans which will help me with the plans in my future.  

Portfolio: 

I have taken all of my licensure tests in order to get that out of the way for this year. I have also taken care of my resume and gotten feedback from the wonderful people at the career development center. 

Support: 

My clinical educator currently does not have any questions for my university supervisor. I also don't have any questions for my university supervisor at this time.