Well it must be getting late in the semester because everyone in my family began passing around a nasty cold, time to "fall back" on the clock, and teachers' attitudes at my cooperating school are showing signs of stress. If it weren't for the inspiring Kansas Assoc. of Teachers of English conference last week, I might be a little discouraged as well.
I am still having a great time in my cooperating teachers' classrooms though. The ongoing conversation between myself and both CT's has been about student expectations. My LA cooperating teacher said as he was reflecting on the last expository writing unit, he realized students did not follow the citation examples because it was new information to them; therefore, they needed more support than we gave them. My Social Studies CT shared his reflection as well-the students are testing his classrooom management techniques. He has had to give several reminders lately.
As the days fly by, I will continue to stay positive and reflective. As the KS Teacher of the Year stated at the KATE conference, systematic inquiry gets results. So, I plan to implement some of his ideas into the classroom and try to help my CT's improve as well. How blessed I have been to have them both because they respect my opinion and encourage me to be involved with many of the day-to-day decisions.
In my thoughts daily....student teaching will be here very, very soon! Thankfully, my LA cooperating teacher has been SYSTEMATICALLY training me for the day I will take over his classroom. Last week, one of my tasks was to enter grades for independent reading and participation/behavior. I had to assign the grades somewhat subjectively, so it was my first taste of what a teacher goes through when grading students.
Time continues to pass...too fast! Oh wait, I remember saying I just want to be finished with school and teaching my own classroom. So...note to self....relax and enjoy the ride!
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