My overall week I would have to give it a 4! I'd say it was a good week, getting to know my schedule as well as be in the classroom with the kids was very exciting for me. A very pleasant surprise for me was in my 1st period class, percussion. I was worried about being able to teach them so my CT and I had a discussion about how most of it was rhythm. So Thursday in class while my CT was working with them I actually assisted and felt confident in what I was saying. This week I really had to learn that even though I am the student teacher, my CT does want me to start making comments and assisting more. So that is something I want to aim for next week. Instead of just observing, I want to start helping sections at a time when needed. Also to not be afraid/nervous but have more confidence when speaking to the whole band. I don't have my SMART Goals or PDP created yet for goals. But that is something my CT and I have decided we are going to make ours similar because he has to have the same thing for his job. This week I have felt very productive! I have tried to make myself be pro-active with the student teaching experience. I really have no time to waste because I have stuff every evening dealing with the band, including some Saturdays. My biggest apprehensions thus far in the process would definitely have to be me stepping on my CT's toes. He is very particular with the way things are done. Him and I had a conversation about the fact he has to get used to me being around because he isn't used to having student teacher. So he said he would be conscious of me being here but I also have to step up and take initiative. Going into next week I really want to start hashing out some of the harder assignments in the portfolio. I want to have sort of a timeline for myself for these assignments. I have already started a lot of pieces of the portfolio and finished the things I could do now, such as the website, and leadership/collaboration project. Right now things are going pretty smoothly, I am still just trying to process everything and get used to being at the school like it's a full time job, rather than just classes. Also what would everyone thinking about all of us creating a PLC with a mission, vision, and some goals? I know this really helped me in Ed 316.
NCTCS:
Standard 1: This week I really was not heavily involved in the classroom. However; I felt like all times in front of the class I demonstrate high ethical standards at all time.
Standard 2: I am beginning to get to know the students on an individual level. So I feel like this will help me in the future to treat them as individuals.
Standard 3: I typed up a document with all of the NCTCS so I will have them by my desk. This will also help with adding pieces in my binder for these standards.
Standard 4: This week I signed up to use plickers within my classroom. This will be an awesome technology tool to use within the classroom.
Standard 5: I feel very accomplished ad excited for the NCMEA conference. This week I signed up to attend this awesome professional development!
Katie,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad it was a positive, productive week for you! It sounds like you are learning a lot already and that you are making the most of your student teaching experience. I admire that you are already in front of the classroom helping to give instruction. You are gifted with a confident, welcoming presence when you speak in front of people. I am sure the students are really enjoying you in the classroom.
I agree that having a timeline for the portfolio assignments is very helpful. I have tried to formulate one for myself in order to stay on track. Great job already finishing a couple of the components.
Congrats on finishing week 1!
Chrysalis
Katie,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that this has been a really positive week for you. It can be tough stepping out of your comfort zone by working with a group of instruments, or a section that you're not used to working with, so great job stepping out there, and doing it! I'm sure that you had some positive parts of that experience, and also some things you could learn from after doing that, which is great! Feeling as though the classroom is "Yours" or feeling like you're NOT stepping on your CT's toes might be hard to achieve. A lot of times, very successful CTs are successful because they have a lot of control of the learning environment. Feeling as though you're disrupting that is totally natural, and it's okay if it never 100% feels okay. That's totally normal. Those aren't your kids, and they never will be, 100%. So, just lean in and get as comfortable as you can. As for the relationship with your CT and his expectations, just be open. Ask questions. "Am I doing what you'd like me to? Would you like me to do more, less, etc.?" If you're open with him and create that environment, it will be hard to be confused about his expectations of you and whether or not you're meeting them. Be proactive about THAT! :) As far as feeling comfortable in front of the class, I would try a "flipped perspective". Think less about you, and more about what the students need. What do they need to be successful, how can you either: a. give it to them, or b. help them create it for themselves. When I consider that, I usually: a. talk less, b. say things more directly, c. provide a better experience for my students. See if flipping your perspective doesn't help you feel a bit more comfort in front of them.
Keep up the good work on the portfolio. Making a plan and sticking to it (to the best of your ability) will be really effective. It's tough during marching band season to feel like you're not working all the time, because you are essentially working all the time. Don't forget to take a break every once in awhile. Schedule them if you need to, but make sure to take them every now and again. :)
Would you be willing to do a little bit of an addition to this post and addressing the part of the blog response where you let me know what progress you've made toward part of Standard 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5? I like to give some feedback on that if I can, but I may have missed it.
I also think the PLC would be great! If there's a way to do it with your CTs too (if they can swing it) that would be wonderful!
I updated my blog some including the standards! I found out that even though I did not teach in the class, I have made progressions for the NCTCS.
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