Is it actually tomorrow? It feels like just yesterday I was moving into my freshman dorm. I remember everything about that day. Driving up to campus with two cars, one just me and Mike, blasting the summer radio. Meeting my roommate (that didn't go well in the long run, but who could've known then?). Saying goodbye - not that everyone was that far away, but an hour was still an hour. And I didn't have a car. And it was a very, very hot August, and there was no air conditioning in the dorm.
I loved college, but there were so many times I wanted to be finished. When I had to sit through math and science liberal arts classes and was literally counting down the minutes until they were over. When the work piled up so much that it was really difficult to comprehend that the semester would really, really (really) end. When it was pouring outside (or, more likely, a freezing wind tunnel) and the last thing I wanted to do was make the trek across campus. When I was sick much more than I used to be. When I couldn't see Mike for long periods of time, up to a month. When, during student teaching, I basically had to put my head down and work the hardest I ever have in my life for two months. When the job search seemed like the most daunting task ever (this is mostly right now).
Like I said, though, there were so many things I loved about college - that overpower the negatives. I loved performing with musical theatre freshman and sophomore years, before I decided to concentrate more on my work and my closest friends. I loved working for Phonathon and getting to talk to alumni (when they were nice - some of the most pleasant conversations I've ever had with other human beings occurred on those telephone lines). I loved working at the tutoring center and seeing the "lightbulb" go on for my history and writing students (which assured me I had picked the right career path). I loved quilting in my free time and when I got home - it was during college that I taught myself to sew and loved it from the beginning. I loved doing research and writing papers that really interested me (Holocaust, Berlin Wall). I loved the internship in NYC that I was able to do. I LOVED going abroad and seeing the places I had been studying for years - nothing beat that, except for all the things I did with my friends.
I loved going on the many trips, especially with Melissa, because we were so often doing that together :) I loved getting food out and just being lazy on the weekends (well, besides homework). I loved taking a risk and living with someone who turned out to be one of my best friends (Kristina) - living with someone who you really love is hard to beat (and when you don't really get on each others' nerves, even better). I loved playing bingo on Friday nights when other people were at parties (really!). I loved all the snowed-in days. I loved watching the final season of Lost with my friends every week. I loved hanging out in the library, in the student center waiting for finals week massages, outside at the tables, etc. I loved taking walks around our beautiful campus. I loved being able to meet several friends in one day over meals, or just for a chat. I loved eating with my friends at lunch and dinner - we would all find times to eat in the dining hall together. I loved going for coffee after morning classes, or after brunch on the weekends with my friends. I loved the period of time where I was right next to the gym and went there all the time - and controlled my eating habits, too! I loved the satisfaction of handing in HUGE assignments (90 page senior thesis, finishing student teaching). On that note, I loved my student teaching experience and wouldn't change a thing if given the chance. I've been so lucky. It was moments like these I felt like I conquered the world. And in a way, it really was the little things.
It's hard to think about the next stage. Yes, I'm getting married and *hopefully* moving out soon, with the love of my life - and I absolutely cannot wait. Once I get a job, I will feel much better. However... I have been waiting for graduation day for so long... and it's finally almost here!!!!!
-Jess (yes, the little turtle at the bottom of my page is actually at the finish line!)
Showing posts with label student teaching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label student teaching. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Reflections on the last week
It's been a crazy week! Friday was my last day of student teaching. I stayed the weekend with my friends. Tuesday night was my last final, and today I had a big job interview. I just feel like I need to write some things down, so here goes.
Friday was a really overwhelming day. I was really relieved/excited because student teaching, which was the most work I've ever done in my life in a consolidated amount of time, was over. However, I absolutely love the students and teachers that I have been working with, and I didn't want to leave.
They sent me off in a grand fashion. It felt like there was a surprise every hour. When I came in, my cooperating teacher and I exchanged gifts, and he gave me a very sweet card. He also gave me a bunch of cards the kids had made throughout the week. I actually didn't cry the whole day (don't ask me how that happened) but I did get a little teary eyed a few times - like when I read the cards.
At the beginning of first period, my co-op announced that the students should pass around the teacher textbook. They are retiring the old textbooks because the new series came in (they look amazing and I wish I could work with them!) - so he was using my book as a yearbook. The students wrote letters to me on whatever page in this 800 page book that they wished. THAT was a moment I almost cried, to be honest. I got to read some of the letters and they were so sweet. Some of the students left me clues on the first page in order to find their message... hahaha. It was one of the best gifts I've ever received. My in class support teacher also gave me this beautiful purple jewelry set.
Then, my co-op surprised me with a huge sheet cake during lunch. Most of the faculty came in to celebrate and brought food. Then, at the end of the day, I got a beautiful card from the faculty. In addition, the students filled out little evaluations for me (I liked... [one thing], I think you should improve... [one thing]). They gave me very constructive criticism but some of the things they wrote were very, very sweet (again - I can't think of another word to say.) I may have to share some of their comments another time.
Leaving was hard. My co-op gave me a handshake ("on a professional note") and a hug ("on a personal note"). Luckily I had somewhere fun to be - dinner with my friends down by the college. :)
We had dinner and Kristina and I shared all of our experiences from the day - she also left her student teaching placement. Then, we went to the carnival on campus, and that was a fantastic way to stop being sad and finally spend some time with my friends this semester. :)
The next day was very relaxing, spent with my friends. I had to do some work for my presentation, but that wasn't my main goal for the day. It was a lazy Saturday. That night we went to a fun. concert in Philly, and it was so awesome - the third time I've seen the band and the best. Everyone was so excited to be there and the band was so HAPPY (you could just tell by their faces). They just hit it big with their song, "We are Young," so they're understandably excited. It was a blast.
The next day I drove home and spent some time with my sister and with cleaning my room. Tuesday night was my final presentation on student teaching and now that it's over, I just don't care. :)
More soon!
-Jess
Friday was a really overwhelming day. I was really relieved/excited because student teaching, which was the most work I've ever done in my life in a consolidated amount of time, was over. However, I absolutely love the students and teachers that I have been working with, and I didn't want to leave.
They sent me off in a grand fashion. It felt like there was a surprise every hour. When I came in, my cooperating teacher and I exchanged gifts, and he gave me a very sweet card. He also gave me a bunch of cards the kids had made throughout the week. I actually didn't cry the whole day (don't ask me how that happened) but I did get a little teary eyed a few times - like when I read the cards.
At the beginning of first period, my co-op announced that the students should pass around the teacher textbook. They are retiring the old textbooks because the new series came in (they look amazing and I wish I could work with them!) - so he was using my book as a yearbook. The students wrote letters to me on whatever page in this 800 page book that they wished. THAT was a moment I almost cried, to be honest. I got to read some of the letters and they were so sweet. Some of the students left me clues on the first page in order to find their message... hahaha. It was one of the best gifts I've ever received. My in class support teacher also gave me this beautiful purple jewelry set.
Then, my co-op surprised me with a huge sheet cake during lunch. Most of the faculty came in to celebrate and brought food. Then, at the end of the day, I got a beautiful card from the faculty. In addition, the students filled out little evaluations for me (I liked... [one thing], I think you should improve... [one thing]). They gave me very constructive criticism but some of the things they wrote were very, very sweet (again - I can't think of another word to say.) I may have to share some of their comments another time.
Leaving was hard. My co-op gave me a handshake ("on a professional note") and a hug ("on a personal note"). Luckily I had somewhere fun to be - dinner with my friends down by the college. :)
We had dinner and Kristina and I shared all of our experiences from the day - she also left her student teaching placement. Then, we went to the carnival on campus, and that was a fantastic way to stop being sad and finally spend some time with my friends this semester. :)
The next day was very relaxing, spent with my friends. I had to do some work for my presentation, but that wasn't my main goal for the day. It was a lazy Saturday. That night we went to a fun. concert in Philly, and it was so awesome - the third time I've seen the band and the best. Everyone was so excited to be there and the band was so HAPPY (you could just tell by their faces). They just hit it big with their song, "We are Young," so they're understandably excited. It was a blast.
The next day I drove home and spent some time with my sister and with cleaning my room. Tuesday night was my final presentation on student teaching and now that it's over, I just don't care. :)
More soon!
-Jess
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Professionalism
Professionalism is one of the first things we discussed in my capstone class last week, and rightly so. I think that I have always presented myself well in the schools I have observed/worked in. I've been dressed right, on time, helpful, friendly, etc. But being a student teacher is a whole new level. You are in that school every single day for 7-8 hours. Everything you do, say, what you look like, etc. reflects upon your college and also your future career as a teacher.
It's a little intimidating to think about. Plus, we talked in class about how even outside of school, you have to remember that you are a teacher. You represent the students and the school district you work in. It's not something I'm worried about, but it's something I hadn't really thought about until last week. I guess I'm being forced to grow up (not that I mind) but I've taken on this whole new perspective.
No more is there an issue of really being a student and a teacher - in the school, at least. For example, when I was observing and doing junior practicum, I always wondered whether I should use the student or teacher bathrooms. I know that sounds silly, but it showcases the problem well. You're caught between two worlds.
However, with student teaching, you are faculty. You really are. You are treated like a school employee. You are responsible for the students you are teaching. Your cooperating teacher is in the room, but he/she is not in charge. You are (okay, for the most part).
Last week, I still felt like a student, but this week, I feel like a teacher. Part of it has to do with the fact that I've actually been TEACHING the first two periods of the day. My own lessons, too. I've been intricately involved in the planning and grading and behind-the-scenes faculty stuff since day one. And I really feel it now. But I'm really confident that I can assert myself. Professionalism is such a big part of this whole experience. I know that it will take me a while to fully develop myself as a teacher, but I'm prepared for that (I think).
On another note, today, my coop was ordering the new books for next year (he hasn't had new ones in almost ten years and I can vouch for their crapiness) - and the two in-class support teachers were encouraging him to order three teacher editions instead of just one, because he was trying to save money. That made me sad because I realized I won't be here past the end of April. I didn't realize how attached I've already become to the school =/ but hopefully I'll have my own school soon. And it will be great.
-Jess
Saturday, January 21, 2012
The first week is over!
And I'm taking a couple of days to rest. And organize.
I have learned so much in student teaching already that it's hard to catalog it all. I don't think I even can. A lot of it has to do with actually being in a school for 40 (unpaid) hours a week, behind the scenes and also front and center. I haven't taught yet but Monday is my test drive - I'll be teaching 2 of the 8th grade classes every single day until the end of April. And every week, I'll add on another class - which means I'll have less time to plan during the day and more time to teach. Which, I guess is the point!
Right now, since I'm just getting back into it, lesson plans are daunting. I'm procrastinating hardcore because I have a sort of writer's block - I'm stuck - how do I get my students to understand something, in an interesting and educational way? I'm really hoping that as I plan more, my teacher brain will kick in more than it ever has before and allow me to plan lessons with (relative) ease. Because once I add the 7th grade in two weeks, I'll be doing double the amount of work. And I'm already doing a lot.
But I'm not complaining - because that's what I have to do, to be a good teacher. Work hard. Plan lessons. Always take in the needs of the classroom and individual students. As much as teachers today get a bad reputation, I know I picked the right career.
-Jess
I have learned so much in student teaching already that it's hard to catalog it all. I don't think I even can. A lot of it has to do with actually being in a school for 40 (unpaid) hours a week, behind the scenes and also front and center. I haven't taught yet but Monday is my test drive - I'll be teaching 2 of the 8th grade classes every single day until the end of April. And every week, I'll add on another class - which means I'll have less time to plan during the day and more time to teach. Which, I guess is the point!
Right now, since I'm just getting back into it, lesson plans are daunting. I'm procrastinating hardcore because I have a sort of writer's block - I'm stuck - how do I get my students to understand something, in an interesting and educational way? I'm really hoping that as I plan more, my teacher brain will kick in more than it ever has before and allow me to plan lessons with (relative) ease. Because once I add the 7th grade in two weeks, I'll be doing double the amount of work. And I'm already doing a lot.
But I'm not complaining - because that's what I have to do, to be a good teacher. Work hard. Plan lessons. Always take in the needs of the classroom and individual students. As much as teachers today get a bad reputation, I know I picked the right career.
-Jess
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Student Teaching Day 2
Student teaching has been an eye-opening experience so far. As I thought/hoped it would be.
The students are so polite, and the teachers/staff have been nothing but welcoming. It's still a little awkward for me when I sit in the faculty room for lunch, and when I'm in the planning period with all of them (because I'm still learning the inner workings of the school and whatnot), but everyone is so friendly that it's not an issue at all.
I'm starting to teach one period on Monday!! This means that I have to have lesson plans on... Friday. Which is in two days. And I have barely been home for the last 48 hours... so I'm gonna do a little planning tonight and a lot tomorrow (AND I can come right home tomorrow at the end of the school day, instead of going to my college - YAY!)
Anyway, I'll start teaching Monday, and every week add another period. I thought doing lesson plans for one class was a lot of work... and now I'll have at least 2. For EVERY DAY. Ready in advance. I guess that's what real teachers do.
And I am, really, becoming a real teacher, and I'm really starting to embrace it.
More soon!
The students are so polite, and the teachers/staff have been nothing but welcoming. It's still a little awkward for me when I sit in the faculty room for lunch, and when I'm in the planning period with all of them (because I'm still learning the inner workings of the school and whatnot), but everyone is so friendly that it's not an issue at all.
I'm starting to teach one period on Monday!! This means that I have to have lesson plans on... Friday. Which is in two days. And I have barely been home for the last 48 hours... so I'm gonna do a little planning tonight and a lot tomorrow (AND I can come right home tomorrow at the end of the school day, instead of going to my college - YAY!)
Anyway, I'll start teaching Monday, and every week add another period. I thought doing lesson plans for one class was a lot of work... and now I'll have at least 2. For EVERY DAY. Ready in advance. I guess that's what real teachers do.
And I am, really, becoming a real teacher, and I'm really starting to embrace it.
More soon!
Monday, January 2, 2012
2012 was a great year!
I got this brilliant idea from this post at Single Dad Laughing, which is a blog I have been reading for a while now. Dan writes really thought-provoking posts - you should check out the blog. Anyway, I felt like I needed to do this - to get in the positive mindset for this crazy year coming up. I encourage you to do the same!
2012 was a great year! I knew there would be a lot to do, but everything ended on a positive note.
In January, I finished my senior thesis, which haunted me over the last year. It took a lot of hard work, but now I can say I have 60 finished, typed, original pages of thesis, titled: "The Mighty Man and the Victimized Woman: Traditional Gender Roles in Central European Holocaust Memorials and Their Potential Effects on Holocaust Memory" - sitting in the history department lounge, bound and ready to be opened. This was the biggest accomplishment of my college career (and, I suppose, all of my schooling), and it really transformed my writing and analysis.
January was also when I started student teaching, which was THE culmination of my entire college career. I've wanted to be a teacher since I was about three (along with a published writer, President of the United States, and a famous singer); this is the dream that stuck the most. I was finally in a middle school classroom, learning classroom management - something I've had trouble with as a new teacher. I also got to implement many ideas that I've had for projects and lessons. This is what I had been waiting for, in all those dreaded math and science college classes, waiting for the lectures to end.
Student teaching flew by, and I graduated at the beginning of May. My friends and I went on a short weekend trip to the shore to celebrate.
My awesome cooperating teacher and the experience I had at the school gave me confidence in the job search. By June, I was officially certified to teach K-12 in NJ and 6-12 in PA. I found a social studies job early on in the search, and it's not too far from my house.
The summer was wonderful. I already had a job by June, so I was able to enjoy myself and babysit most days. I substituted in schools nearby until the end of June. I quilted to my hearts content, finished preparing my wedding quilt, and came up with some new products for my Etsy shop. I continued to blog as well. I went to see my favorite band of all time - Coldplay - in August with Julie. I couldn't have asked for a better, more relaxing summer.
In September, it was with complete gusto that I drove to my first day of teaching. I'll never forget setting up my very own classroom in the couple of weeks leading up to the first day. While the first few months of teaching have been a challenge, I learn more every day, and I have a wonderful support system at home and at the school. And, I love the kids. I couldn't ask for more in a job.
On that note, Mike and I have been able to save a considerable amount of money this year. Mike moved into my house in August (before the craziness of school started) and we completely cleaned out my room. I got rid of a lot of clutter and I've never felt more relieved. It's also fantastic to be finally living with my fiance, even if we're not completely out on our own yet. We're planning to move around the time I finish my first year of teaching in June, so I suppose we'll start looking for a small house or apartment very soon - we haven't decided yet.
Our wedding in October was beautiful. Almost everyone we invited was able to come, and we saw people we hadn't seen in a long time. I was able to go DIY (do it yourself) crazy during the summer (under a budget, but still) - and I, along with my bridesmaids, made the perfect decorations. We enjoyed a fantastic day with everyone and we can't wait to go on our honeymoon to Hawaii this coming summer. I finally convinced him to leave the East Coast! ;) I just got all the documents changed to my new last name. I can't believe we're finally married!
The holidays just passed again, and even though I ate more than I should have, I plan to do what I did at the beginning of 2012 and modify my eating habits once again. I've gotten more exercise in since we got an elliptical as one of our wedding gifts... and I'm going to continue to use it at least four times a week. I'm in much better shape now than I was a year ago. Everyone in my family is doing well, too. My mom and grandmother are doing much better. We've been lucky to have good health this year.
Even though I didn't do any international travel like last year (which was the highlight), I had a fantastic year, and I can't wait to see what 2013 brings!
2012 was a great year! I knew there would be a lot to do, but everything ended on a positive note.
In January, I finished my senior thesis, which haunted me over the last year. It took a lot of hard work, but now I can say I have 60 finished, typed, original pages of thesis, titled: "The Mighty Man and the Victimized Woman: Traditional Gender Roles in Central European Holocaust Memorials and Their Potential Effects on Holocaust Memory" - sitting in the history department lounge, bound and ready to be opened. This was the biggest accomplishment of my college career (and, I suppose, all of my schooling), and it really transformed my writing and analysis.
January was also when I started student teaching, which was THE culmination of my entire college career. I've wanted to be a teacher since I was about three (along with a published writer, President of the United States, and a famous singer); this is the dream that stuck the most. I was finally in a middle school classroom, learning classroom management - something I've had trouble with as a new teacher. I also got to implement many ideas that I've had for projects and lessons. This is what I had been waiting for, in all those dreaded math and science college classes, waiting for the lectures to end.
Student teaching flew by, and I graduated at the beginning of May. My friends and I went on a short weekend trip to the shore to celebrate.
My awesome cooperating teacher and the experience I had at the school gave me confidence in the job search. By June, I was officially certified to teach K-12 in NJ and 6-12 in PA. I found a social studies job early on in the search, and it's not too far from my house.
The summer was wonderful. I already had a job by June, so I was able to enjoy myself and babysit most days. I substituted in schools nearby until the end of June. I quilted to my hearts content, finished preparing my wedding quilt, and came up with some new products for my Etsy shop. I continued to blog as well. I went to see my favorite band of all time - Coldplay - in August with Julie. I couldn't have asked for a better, more relaxing summer.
In September, it was with complete gusto that I drove to my first day of teaching. I'll never forget setting up my very own classroom in the couple of weeks leading up to the first day. While the first few months of teaching have been a challenge, I learn more every day, and I have a wonderful support system at home and at the school. And, I love the kids. I couldn't ask for more in a job.
On that note, Mike and I have been able to save a considerable amount of money this year. Mike moved into my house in August (before the craziness of school started) and we completely cleaned out my room. I got rid of a lot of clutter and I've never felt more relieved. It's also fantastic to be finally living with my fiance, even if we're not completely out on our own yet. We're planning to move around the time I finish my first year of teaching in June, so I suppose we'll start looking for a small house or apartment very soon - we haven't decided yet.
Our wedding in October was beautiful. Almost everyone we invited was able to come, and we saw people we hadn't seen in a long time. I was able to go DIY (do it yourself) crazy during the summer (under a budget, but still) - and I, along with my bridesmaids, made the perfect decorations. We enjoyed a fantastic day with everyone and we can't wait to go on our honeymoon to Hawaii this coming summer. I finally convinced him to leave the East Coast! ;) I just got all the documents changed to my new last name. I can't believe we're finally married!
The holidays just passed again, and even though I ate more than I should have, I plan to do what I did at the beginning of 2012 and modify my eating habits once again. I've gotten more exercise in since we got an elliptical as one of our wedding gifts... and I'm going to continue to use it at least four times a week. I'm in much better shape now than I was a year ago. Everyone in my family is doing well, too. My mom and grandmother are doing much better. We've been lucky to have good health this year.
Even though I didn't do any international travel like last year (which was the highlight), I had a fantastic year, and I can't wait to see what 2013 brings!
Monday, December 26, 2011
2011 into 2012
Things that were awesome this year:
-Internship in NYC and living there for eight days for free.
-GOING TO EUROPE. Finally. And falling completely in love with it.
-Almost finishing my senior thesis.
-Getting a great, regular, new babysitting job with great kids/parents that pays well.
-Starting my Etsy shop.
-Getting my first commission t-shirt quilts to make.
-Getting my student teaching placement.
-Choosing a date and place for our wedding.
-Starting to substitute teach for the first time.
-Living with one of my best friends again.
Things I'm looking forward to in 2012 (it's a big year):
-Student teaching in middle school.
-Coldplay, Blue October, and Fun. concerts (some of my favorite bands!)
-Graduating from college.
-Seeing my grandma and mom get better.
-Making a quilt with my mom, start to finish.
-Our wedding!
-Actually living in the same house as Mike.
-Looking for a teaching job and hopefully getting one.
-The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hunger Games (movies).
-Continuing to quilt/finishing my longest WIP (work in progress) - my wedding quilt.
Woo! Bring it on, 2012!
-Internship in NYC and living there for eight days for free.
-GOING TO EUROPE. Finally. And falling completely in love with it.
-Almost finishing my senior thesis.
-Getting a great, regular, new babysitting job with great kids/parents that pays well.
-Starting my Etsy shop.
-Getting my first commission t-shirt quilts to make.
-Getting my student teaching placement.
-Choosing a date and place for our wedding.
-Starting to substitute teach for the first time.
-Living with one of my best friends again.
Things I'm looking forward to in 2012 (it's a big year):
-Student teaching in middle school.
-Coldplay, Blue October, and Fun. concerts (some of my favorite bands!)
-Graduating from college.
-Seeing my grandma and mom get better.
-Making a quilt with my mom, start to finish.
-Our wedding!
-Actually living in the same house as Mike.
-Looking for a teaching job and hopefully getting one.
-The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hunger Games (movies).
-Continuing to quilt/finishing my longest WIP (work in progress) - my wedding quilt.
Woo! Bring it on, 2012!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Real Life!
It is literally 1 month and 3 weeks until I will be back to real life. College will be over (excluding student teaching). I will no longer live in a drafty dorm. I no longer will be out of the loop with everything going on in the outside world (as much as I try to keep up). I will never have to write a paper again for a class I couldn't care less about. I will never have to do statistics problems every week to hand in. I'll never (hopefully) be woken up again by drunk people stomping up the stairs at 3 am. I'll have all my stuff in ONE PLACE (and downsized). I'll be able to eat normal food; ie, not microwaveable oatmeal and cutting vegetables over the sink on a tiny bathroom counter. I will never again (hopefully) be woken up by a fire alarm at 2 am the night before an 8am final (freshman year... good times). Being able to sew whenever I have free time. NOt having to walk a quarter of a mile or so to get to my car.
There are things that I will miss, though. One of my best friends being ten feet away in the room next to me. Going to weekend breakfast at 12:30 pm with my friends. Going to dinner with friends almost every night. Not having to pay tons of bills. Getting ice cream or fast food or greasy food in general at midnight. Getting coffee at the library cafe and relaxing there. Walking and riding my bike around campus. Being a student (as much as I want a break from school right now, I will eventually miss this - at least, being in classes that interest me). Doing research on the Holocaust for my thesis. Working at the tutoring center and at Phonathon. Going on school-sponsored "free" trips. Using my ID to pay for things.
It's just a new chapter in my life. I was inspired by Julie to make the following visual representation of my life after college. They are all things I would like to do - but in terms of going back for my master's degree one day - possibilities.
This is really helping me write a career goal essay for a scholarship.
Thanks for reading.
-Jess
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