I've come a long way baby

On my way out the door to substitute for a special education class, I said to myself..."I've come a long way baby..."

It was only January of 2007 that I sat in a room with my advisor and fellow student teachers. As each of us opened our student teaching journal and syllabus, we all had an overwhelming feeling linked with excitement as we started the beginning of our teaching career. We were to student teach that spring semester. For me, this meant I would work with 23 students in a third grade class and add classes one at a time, until I gained full responsibility of teaching. I knew it would be a great semester, but would be a lot of work. I did enjoy being with my students and I learned much.

So, what made me think I've come a "long way" from almost two years ago was... a) in my senior year of college, I was so worried about impending interviews and now I've already been on three...and one coming up on Tuesday! b) I had no clue how to put together my resume or portfolio, and now I have both of those completed and they have accompanied me to my interviews. c) I was very nervous when my cooperating teacher or the principal would observe me, but I have had so many people observe me and now I can focus on teaching the students and not who's watching me and critiquing my every move. d) I didn't know how or when I'd get my teaching job or experience in teaching, but since graduation I have learned so much about pedagogy, teaching reading, comprehension strategies, classroom managment/discipline.......and more...

I've learned to keep pressing on, to keep persevering and stay "in the school system." I know I am called to teaching and have confidence that I will be a great teacher. I know this because I am able to quickly establish rapport with students, I enjoy helping students see their potential, encourage children to act maturely and responsibly, reward positive behavior and consistently implement fair consequences. I genuinely care for my students and want them to do well. I believe this affects their work ethic and behavior.

When I say "my students" I mean my students during substitute teaching. Even though I do not have a permanent position right now, I still treat these students as if they were my own students. This works because when I subbed for a school in E.Hartford for 1.5 weeks, I enjoyed my time with the students. One of my students said, "Miss Brown....are you too old for recess??" I think it's awesome how I have the opportunity to build positive relationships with students and recess is a great time for that. Yes, I was taught how to throw a football by a friend in college and this comes in handy at recess. :) The kids are quite surprised that a "girl"...especially a "teacher" can throw so well. hehe

Teaching is so rewarding. I love when kids (during an argument) say, "I'm going to be the mature one and stop arguing", after I've instructed them to stand up and be the mature one. It is exciting to see them making the right decision that will not only effect them in the classroom but in their daily life, now and in the future!