Weekly Reflection - January 4th

Overall Reflection

My first week back in the classroom was so exciting, and I was so glad to be back in the classroom with my students. Although I am nervous about student teaching beginning, I am excited to see what is in store as well. This week, I would rate my overall experience of the week as a 5. Since I was only observing this week, I did not encounter very many difficulties and I enjoyed my time in the classroom. I believe my biggest accomplishment throughout this week was simply becoming extremely familiar with the entire day and how everything in the classroom works. Although I observed and became fairly familiar with the classroom last semester, being there every day for the entire day has given me a lot more insight into the classroom. As I have learned more about the classroom and what each lesson consists of, I have learned the importance of being extremely prepared. In order to teach a successful lesson, you must have your materials prepared, be prepared for what students will need, be prepared for what student will misunderstand or not understand at all, and be prepared to assess the students on their understanding. Each lesson requires an immense amount of preparation, which also means being proactive is extremely important as well. My short-term efforts at the moment are to stay ahead on my school work and learn as much as possible about the classroom before I begin teaching. This is aligned with my long-term goal of being a successful student teacher because in order to successfully teach my students I need to be as prepared as possible. Although I feel as if this week was a successful week, I do think I could have spent more time working on edTPA. Since student teaching has begun, I am beginning to focus more on lesson plans and the specific student teaching requirements coming up more than edTPA. I need to make sure I do not let this fall behind in the future. One thing that I feel I was apprehensive about during this week was speaking up during planning meetings with the other second grade teachers. Last semester, I sat in during planning meetings while the students were at specials, but it was just to listen and observe. Now that I will be teaching, I want to make sure I am an active part of these meetings and include my ideas and thoughts. In the future, I want to be less apprehensive about speaking up, and make sure I am actively participating in these meetings. The next logical step for next week is to begin perfecting my lesson plans that I will be teaching in week three. As I plan, I need to clear my mind of stress and worries of not being able to do well enough and just have confidence in myself and what I have learned thus far, as well as prepare myself to learn and grow even more as I begin this experience.

I did not analyze any data this week due to this being an observational week. Although I did not analyze any data myself, my CE has allowed me to observe the TRC testing that she is doing with the students this week, and has shown me the data that she is using from their TRC tests to inform her instruction.

One piece of advice I would like to give other student teachers is to have confidence and to remember that we are here to learn how to become even better educators. It is easy to be worried about not being a good enough teacher for your students, but each day we learn how to be a better educator.

NC Teacher Candidate Standards

Standard 1a: Teachers lead in the classroom.

This week, I have observed my CE teaching her students about goals, and helping them set goals in the classroom. The students have set a class goal for their AR percentage, and have also learned about "dreaming big" and setting goals beyond the classroom.

Standard 2a: Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing environment with caring adults.

This week, I have observed my CE taking the time to have important conversations with each of her students about not only their learning, but their lives in general. This is important in order to create relationships with the students and create a safe environment.

Standard 3a: Teachers align their instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.

This week, I have observed my CE as well as the other second grade teachers aligning their instruction with the NCSCOS during planning meetings. During these meetings, they talk about which standards they are teaching, how it aligns with their pacing guide, and what they feel their students need.

Standard 4f: Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities.

This week, I have observed my CE intentionally grouping students in order to work on skills such as working together and leadership. My CE often groups students together in a particular way in order to give specific students an opportunity to lead and take charge who may not normally get to.

Standard 5a: Teachers analyze student learning.

This week, I have observed my CE utilizing the TRC testing scores from each student to help inform her instruction. TRC testing gives my CE a lot of data to work with, and has helped her analyze student learning in reading tremendously.

Other

This week I have begun working on my portfolio by thoroughly going through the rubric and beginning a checklist of everything that has to be included in the portfolio. I do not believe my CE and I need any support this week from my university supervisor at the moment.