Student Teaching Journal

Hello, dear readers! As I write this, I find myself in the last stretch of my student teaching journey, a bittersweet period marked by deadlines, farewells, and the inevitable wave of emotions. With just a few days left before I turn in my final assignments and bid adieu to my students, I wanted to share some reflections on this profound experience. A Milestone Approaches This Friday marks the culmination of not only my student teaching journey but also my undergraduate degree. It's a milestone I've been working towards for years, and it's now within reach. However, this achievement comes with mixed feelings, as I prepare to say goodbye to the students who have been an integral part of this journey. The Bittersweet Goodbye Saying goodbye is never easy, even when the relationship has been a challenging one. My students and I have had our fair share of ups and downs, but the bond we've formed is undeniable. It's a strange feeling to bid farewell to those who may...

Hello, dear readers! We're back, and it's an incredibly special week for me—a bittersweet mix of excitement, anxiety, and nostalgia. This is my last week of student teaching at Central Middle School, and it also marks the end of my entire student teaching journey. As I stand on the precipice of this significant milestone, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the journey so far and the emotions that come with it. The Finish Line Beckons After today, I'll have just two official days of teaching left before my cooperating teacher takes over on Thursday. The following day, there's no school as we head into the Thanksgiving weekend. It's an imminent transition that brings with it a whirlwind of emotions. Overwhelmed and Overjoyed To say that I'm overwhelmed is an understatement. This journey has been a rollercoaster ride of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments. As I approach the finish line, there's a mix of emotions that I can't quite p...

Hello, dear readers! As Thanksgiving break approaches, Tuesday marked the last day of school before the much-anticipated holiday. For most students, this meant a chance to unwind and enjoy some well-deserved leisure time. However, for a small group, it was a different story. The Split in Plans The majority of students were eager to kick off the break by heading to the sportsplex—a fitting way to release pent-up energy and enjoy some recreational activities. But for a handful, there was unfinished business in the form of past-due work that still needed attention. These students had to stay behind to catch up, turning what would have been a carefree day into a day of responsibility. Breaking Up into Smaller Groups To manage this situation effectively, we decided to divide the students into smaller groups, with about six students per teacher. This approach allowed for more focused attention and support as we worked together to tackle the overdue assignments. It was an effort to ensu...

Hello, dear readers! It's that time of the year again—the Monday before Thanksgiving. In schools across the country, there's a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. The staff is ready for a break, the students are eagerly awaiting their time off, and amidst the chaos, teachers like myself are bracing for a week of travel, hosting, and spending time with loved ones. A Much-Needed Break... for Some Thanksgiving break is a welcome respite for many, a chance to unwind and recharge in the company of family and friends. However, the reality for teachers is often quite different. While we may have a few days off, we know that this break comes with its own brand of exhaustion—whether it's the long journeys to visit family, hosting guests, or managing the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. A Different Kind of Exhaustion As teachers, we're well acquainted with exhaustion, but it takes on a different form when compared to the energy-draining experie...

Hello, dear readers! Sometimes, the life of a student teacher can be a whirlwind of experiences and emotions. In this blog post, I'll be combining two eventful days, Wednesday and Thursday, to give you a glimpse into the world of education, filled with surprises, observations, and moments of adaptation. Wednesday: Surprising Success Wednesday was a busy day in the classroom, but it was a pleasant surprise. Many of the students excelled in their papers, and it was a result I hadn't quite expected. As a student teacher, witnessing your students' achievements can be incredibly rewarding and reaffirming. A Visit from the Professor The highlight of Wednesday was the presence of my professor, who came to observe my teaching. It's always a bit nerve-wracking to have someone evaluating your performance, but it's also an essential part of the learning process. What stood out the most, though, was my last class of the day. A Surprisingly Well-Behaved Class In my fina...