April 25, 2012
When you read this again, I want you to remember all the hard work and times you doubted yourself so you can pass that on to new teachers. Also, keep in mind that you enjoyed many successes along the way and developed a calm, confident feeling finally...although, that feeling did not come until shortly before graduation! Remember when it finally clicked and you could actually picture yourself teaching in a classroom with your very own students. That was a great feeling. I hope you continue to appreciate the good times and begin each day feeling refreshed and energized. Don't let any negative thoughts crowd into your brain when you are overwhelmed or frustrated with some students. After all, they are only kids and sometimes enjoy getting a reaction, even if it is negative.
The year was full of many great moments and most of those were when you least expected it. One of your favorite moments was when each student in your homeroom wrote a nice note to you and they presented them on a key chain. The paper was even heart shaped. So, even if they are acting like crazy fools, they still care and appreciate you. Perhaps you could do something similar for your students when they least expect it. It is sometimes the smallest gestures that mean the most. This is a great reminder that you can be creative when trying to connect and motivate students...and it is also cost-efficient!
Another realization this year was that most parents want to know what is going on and they can help when you need them. You have seen the negativity in other teachers when it comes to contacting parents. Please don't stop trying to communicate with parents even when you think it won't help.
Keep seeking out new resources and mentors who love teaching. Surrounding yourself with positive people inspired you this year and if you feel like you are in a rut, find other teachers who are excited and want to keep improving. Don't ever stop being reflective. Sometimes you feel like you overthink thing,s but it is usually during those times that you find something to be inspired by.
You discovered that it is easy to fall into the politics and gossip that are evident in the school. No matter what is said, don't get involved in that. Your cooperating teacher was a great model and he taught you to stay out of other teachers' drama because it can be like a bad infection. We should be there for the kids and they deserve to have a dedicated team to be role models for them. You can't do that if you are part of a culture who focuses on drama.
This year, you felt like you had some great ideas but weren't sure how to bring them up since you were just a student teacher. I hope you will be a leader in your school, suggesting new and innovative ideas. Don't get stuck in old ways and be courageous!
The part of this "Letter to Me" that really stuck out was the bit about collaboration and reflecting. I believe at times through Student Teaching, we all had great ideas but were scared or unsure to share them. Don't hold back next year! Try it out. At worst, you will know NEVER to do it again. At best, you educate your students, build understanding, and have fun while doing it.
ReplyDeleteSome times, your ideas you have may need to be fine-tuned, and that's where that collaboration comes in. Introduce your ideas to mentors/veteran teachers and ask for their advice. They may take your idea and expand on it in a positive manner.
Lastly, I agree with you about staying out of teacher drama. However, I do believe you need to listen and reflect on what you are hearing. Sometimes, listening to teachers complaints about how they did something wrong or how a policy is unfair can help you in the future. I guess my advice is just to be keen and aware of what is going on around you at all times.
Great post. Have a great Thursday and Friday!
Spencer
Nancy, thank you so much for sharing this letter!
ReplyDeleteAs I read it, I found myself smiling and nodding, as I had experienced many similar things in my student teaching semester.
For instance, I, too, did not develop my confidence until later in student teaching. I think that having more opportunities to interact with our students will continue to make us feel more confident. Next year, when we are fully in charge, we'll gain even more experience that will hopefully boost our confidence. Check out some different teaching resources, such as ed.gov, for tips for first year teachers.
I also had a hard time feeling comfortable enough to share my ideas with other teachers since I'm only a student teacher. Next year, I hope to develop my courage as well.
Good luck to you, Nancy!
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteYou do have GREAT ideas!!! And I wish you wouldn't have been so shy to share them. Although, I do understand why you didn't as we have talked about it.
You have been a great encouragement to me this year. And I think the main thing is to surround yourself with like minds. People who view the students in the same way as you and who have similar teaching philosophies. Even if those people are at different buildings!
I wished we could have been at the same building but I know that we will remain friends. And hopefully will collaborate in the future. I look forward to hearing about your future students and lessons!
Your friend,
Amy Haight