Student Teaching Journal

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...

I can't pinpoint the exact reason today felt distinct from any other day, but there was a notable shift in my attitude. I reached a point where I was done with the distractions and took charge of the situation. I set clear expectations and confidently led the way. It's an empowering feeling, but it's not about exerting control over the students, the school, or the environment. Instead, it's a newfound sense of self-empowerment, as if I've finally discovered my voice.

Hello, dear readers! Monday has rolled around again, bringing with it the promise of a fresh start. It's the last full week before the well-deserved break, and I'll be honest, it's the thought of that upcoming respite that's keeping me going. Today was a productive day, filled with opportunities for learning and growth. However, there's a dilemma that's been weighing on my mind—one that many educators face. How do you strike the balance between guiding your students and allowing them to make independent decisions? Productivity and Progress Today's classroom was a hub of activity and learning. We covered a significant amount of material, delving into the depths of knowledge. It was a day where the potential for progress hung in the air, ripe for the taking. The Challenge of Unfinished Work However, there's a looming issue that has been on my radar. Despite our collective efforts, most of my students have made little to no progress on their assignmen...

Hello, dear readers! In the world of teaching, every day is an adventure, and today's journey was a rollercoaster of emotions that swung from one extreme to the other. Just like in the movies, where one moment is all rainbows and butterflies, and the next feels like the world is ending. Buckle up as I share the contrasting experiences of yesterday's serenity and today's chaos. From Rainbows and Butterflies to Chaos Unleashed Yesterday was a day of tranquility and delight. Sweet little humans filled the classroom, diligently working on their tasks, and it felt like a harmonious symphony of learning. It was the kind of day that warms a teacher's heart and reaffirms the beauty of their chosen path. But alas, as the saying goes, "The only constant in life is change." Today arrived like a storm, wreaking havoc and disrupting the serenity. It was as if the world had suddenly flipped upside down, and nothing made sense anymore. Navigating Uncharted Territory I...

Greetings, dear readers! Today has left me physically exhausted, not from the usual challenges posed by the students, but from the emotional rollercoaster that teaching often entails. Surprisingly, it was a great day, one of those days that affirm why we educators choose this demanding yet rewarding profession. A Moment of Unexpected Apology As the day unfolded, I experienced a heartwarming encounter that rejuvenated my spirit. A student, who had been distant and occasionally unkind, approached me with a sincerity that caught me off guard. "Ms. J, I'm sorry that I have been so mean to you. I used to hate you, but you are actually really cool, and I don't hate you anymore. I'm sorry." My heart burst with a mix of emotions—gratitude, joy, and a profound sense of connection. It's not every day that a student acknowledges their actions and offers a genuine apology. This moment was a reminder of the impact educators can have on young minds, and how, sometimes, ...

Greetings, readers! Another day in the realm of teaching brought a sporty twist and unexpected victories. From a borrowed Chicago Bears sweatshirt to surprising progress in student papers, yesterday was a testament to the unpredictability and triumphs that come with the territory of education. Sport-Themed Vibes: Channeling the Chicago Bears Yesterday's dress code took a sporty turn, prompting me to don a Chicago Bears sweatshirt. Admittedly, it wasn't technically mine; it belonged to Alek. But hey, sharing is caring, right? The students seemed to enjoy the switch-up, and the Bears' spirit added a dash of enthusiasm to the classroom. Surprising Success in Paper Outlines The main event of the day was the commencement of the students' papers for the conclusion of our unit. To my delight, the majority of the students embraced the challenge and excelled in outlining the three required paragraphs. What made it even more satisfying was that many of them completed the ta...

Hello, everyone! Today, I had the unique experience of flying solo in the classroom as my teacher was out for the day. I knew about this in advance, so there were no surprises, just an opportunity to take full control of the class. It was a day filled with both independence and a hint of chaos due to "swap day." Let me share the highlights with you. Embracing the Responsibility The day began with a few substitute teachers checking in on me to ensure everything was running smoothly. Having their support and knowing they were available if needed was reassuring, but there was a certain sense of pride in knowing that I was in charge for the day. It was a chance to put my skills to the test without the safety net of having someone just outside the door. The Quirkiness of Swap Day But, as they say, there's never a dull moment in a school, especially when it's "swap day." This is a day when the students are encouraged to dress like teachers and teachers dress...

Hello, dear readers! If there's one thing I've learned in my journey as a student teacher, it's that a single day can be a mix of highs and lows, embodying the essence of life's unpredictable nature. Today was a prime example of this duality, offering both moments of joy and classroom challenges that put my teaching skills to the test. Dress-Up Week: Twin or Triplet Day This whole week has been a delightful departure from the usual routine, with a fun dress-up theme each day. Today's theme was "twin or triplet day," and it brought a wave of creativity and camaraderie to the school. My teacher, the other 6th-grade English teacher, and I all embraced the theme, donning matching outfits consisting of black leggings, tee shirts, and black-and-white flannel shirts. It was a cute and playful way to connect with our students and share some laughs. The Joy and Challenges of Dressing Alike The sight of our synchronized attire brought smiles and laughter, and ...

Greetings, dear readers! As I reflect on the week that has just passed, I can't help but feel that it was a true test of my abilities and patience. The challenges I faced were, at times, overwhelming, and I found myself in uncharted territory. But with every challenge comes a valuable lesson, and I'd like to share what I've learned. Finding My Teacher Voice One of the most significant revelations from last week was the need to find my teacher voice. I realized that, while my usual friendly and approachable tone is important, there are moments when a sterner tone is necessary. It's not about yelling or being harsh, but it's about setting clear boundaries and expectations for the students. I've discovered that, for reasons I can't entirely explain, a more serious tone can be surprisingly effective. The students seem to respond better when they understand that there are rules and expectations to be met. Thursday: A Glimpse of Progress Amid the challenges...

Hello, dear readers! Today, I am excited to share a more positive update from my student teaching journey. After some challenging days, it appears that progress and understanding are finally on the horizon. There's a newfound sense of hope and determination in the air as we navigate the path ahead. Four Weeks Left: A Commitment to Teaching With four weeks remaining in my student teaching placement, the reality is settling in. I am here to teach, and while it's not mandatory for the students to love every lesson, it is essential that respect remains a cornerstone of our interactions. This newfound clarity has set the stage for a more productive learning environment. Embracing Imperfections: Learning from Mistakes It's crucial to acknowledge that, like any learning journey, we have had our share of messy issues and misunderstandings along the way. Mistakes have been made on both sides, but it's through these experiences that we find opportunities for growth. Every m...