A little about me
Two, seemingly very long years ago, I graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and English. I had this crazy idea that teaching might be something fun to devote my life to, so I decided to continue making payments to USD and hanging out on their beautiful campus to get a Masters in Education and teaching credential. Luckily and thankfully, I've had a really fun time so far.
For my first semester of student teaching, I taught a senior English class with 16 students. It was amazing. I loved having such a small class with such thoughtful, mature students. From the very beginning, I made it very clear that I was just starting out and that I needed their helpful, specific and kind feedback to help me become a better teacher. All of them took that to heart and would daily give me ideas on how to make the lessons better. Their input definitely helped me understand what worked and what didn't work for them. I think that input also empowered them and made them feel that they had a say in the classroom. Also, I had the best master teacher. She was always smiling. She also always took the time to talk to me and reflect about teaching. I probably would have ran for the hills to a life of Thoreau-like solitude if she hadn't been so supportive and helpful, and if those students hadn't been so entertaining and kind.
For my second semester of student teaching, I taught a 7th grade humanities class with 24 students. Seventh graders are incredibly different from seniors in high school. You're welcome for that obvious observation, but it's something that I had to learn for myself. I spent the first few weeks teaching like I was still with the seniors, going at the same pace and expecting higher results than they were dishing out to me. Through conversations with other teachers and my class, I slowly learned that I needed to sloowww down. I needed to meet those kids where they were currently, just like I met the seniors at their level. I needed to be okay with just making tiny improvements, not turning 7th graders into seniors overnight. I will say, I've never laughed so hard in my life as when I taught them. I had a class full of personality. They made coming to school stressful, but incredibly fun.
Currently, I am observing a senior English class during the day and taking classes for my Masters at night. On March 10th, I will take over for the teacher for two months. When this school year ends, I'll be off searching for a teaching position. I can't wait to have my own classroom and to officially start my teaching career. I can't wait to stock my room with colorful storage containers from Target's dollar section (this is a fairly common dream. I've asked many of my colleagues in the MEd program and it's not just me) and develop the reputation of the "crazy teacher" (come on, we all had 7 or 8 of them along the way). I'm excited to help students create excellent work, meaningful work, work they will remember and be proud of.
For my first semester of student teaching, I taught a senior English class with 16 students. It was amazing. I loved having such a small class with such thoughtful, mature students. From the very beginning, I made it very clear that I was just starting out and that I needed their helpful, specific and kind feedback to help me become a better teacher. All of them took that to heart and would daily give me ideas on how to make the lessons better. Their input definitely helped me understand what worked and what didn't work for them. I think that input also empowered them and made them feel that they had a say in the classroom. Also, I had the best master teacher. She was always smiling. She also always took the time to talk to me and reflect about teaching. I probably would have ran for the hills to a life of Thoreau-like solitude if she hadn't been so supportive and helpful, and if those students hadn't been so entertaining and kind.
For my second semester of student teaching, I taught a 7th grade humanities class with 24 students. Seventh graders are incredibly different from seniors in high school. You're welcome for that obvious observation, but it's something that I had to learn for myself. I spent the first few weeks teaching like I was still with the seniors, going at the same pace and expecting higher results than they were dishing out to me. Through conversations with other teachers and my class, I slowly learned that I needed to sloowww down. I needed to meet those kids where they were currently, just like I met the seniors at their level. I needed to be okay with just making tiny improvements, not turning 7th graders into seniors overnight. I will say, I've never laughed so hard in my life as when I taught them. I had a class full of personality. They made coming to school stressful, but incredibly fun.
Currently, I am observing a senior English class during the day and taking classes for my Masters at night. On March 10th, I will take over for the teacher for two months. When this school year ends, I'll be off searching for a teaching position. I can't wait to have my own classroom and to officially start my teaching career. I can't wait to stock my room with colorful storage containers from Target's dollar section (this is a fairly common dream. I've asked many of my colleagues in the MEd program and it's not just me) and develop the reputation of the "crazy teacher" (come on, we all had 7 or 8 of them along the way). I'm excited to help students create excellent work, meaningful work, work they will remember and be proud of.
Why I love teaching
I've worked and interned in many professional settings, from leading patients through computer-based treatment for anxiety, to staring at a computer in a gray-walled cubicle, to carrying trays full of french fries for booths full of hungry customers. In all of my experience, I've never got to work with cooler people than teachers and students. Teachers are awesome! In the schools I've visited, I've seen such thoughtful, motivated, intelligent, entertaining people who come to work everyday bringing their best. I've often wondered whether the job attracts these kinds of people, or whether the job shapes them to be that way. I think it's a little of both, but I think it's mostly the kids who shape the teachers. Kids are hilarious. I come home with the funniest stories. Kids can also be mean. The brutal comments they make to each other never cease to amaze and sadden me. They can often be flat-out pains in the butts. I'll say it. I love that they demand to know why they are doing the things we spent so much time and effort planning, because they want real world applications. They are endlessly optimistic. They want to make a difference, and they want to make that difference now. The challenge of teaching these people keeps me interested and engaged in my work. I never stare at a clock. I never pray time goes faster so that I can get home. If I am praying for something, it's that my lesson goes well and the kids take away something valuable.