Week 4 Student Teaching

Week 4


Well, its almost one month since we started the new semester. It doesn't feel like that much time has passed. I guess its because of all the delayed openings and snow days. Its been a good week with a lot of new experiences.

Rate your experience: This week was much better I would rate it a 4 overall.

Observe: This week I was asked by my Asst. Principal to proctor benchmarks for my assigned school. I found the whole process interesting. I had to fill out the form and sign to be a proctor. I was assigned 4th grade and administered the test. The student I had all have special accommodations such as separate location. I was able to review a copy of the test and was surprised at the level of the content. The school had tested for several hours and my students were finished within the first hour to an hour and a half. The students behaved well considering how long they had to wait to return to class. The test is created by teachers of the same grade within the district. Several of our teachers had also take the test during this time. The teachers found several questions that they had found to be either unfair or incorrect. They will report the findings to the district to have theses questions omitted. I had never imagined that teachers would be taking the test as well. I found the experience very interesting. I was very proud of these teacher for advocating for their students.

Reflect: This week I made a plan to stay more consistent with my classroom management. Many of my students are blurting out, leaving their seats, and talking back. I have made my expectations known and explained the consequences for their actions. For some this was enough, for others they continued to challenge and had to face the consequences. After a few students lost points in classroom dojo and weren't able to participate in some activities it gotten a little better. I admit its been difficult but after several days of being consistent their behavior has improved greatly. Today, we had an assembly to celebrate the generous donation of a piano to our school. my students transitioned quietly and behaved very well during the entire assembly which ran 15 min. over. I award a whole class point to my students and praised them. I realize that one great day doesn't mean I'm out of the woods yet. I will continue to work had at my classroom management skills and prepare for my edTPA week.

Focus: My short term goal is to complete my context for learning and continue to work on my lesson plans. My long term goal is to continue to refine my edTPA lessons and plan for my edTPA week. I also would like to complete more of my portfolio.

Be Productive: This week I could have spent less time working on my classroom management. The dynamic in my classroom changes quite often. I have several students out every other day and has an  effect on their behavior. I could have spent more time planning my lesson plans. lets be honest it doesn't feel like there are enough hours during the day. During the day I'm in class so not much time there. Going home I've got to pick up my son and help him with his homework. Before you know it its time for dinner. I vote we petition for a 48 hour day. ( I'm joking of course.)

Have Courage:

Begin Anew: Id like to clear out my mind for next week. I like to review each document I've written and ensure each component in my lessons are concise.

What data have you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions? This week reviewing the math bench marks helped me dial back my lessons a bit more. My assigned class has had quite a bit of content in such a short amount of time due to the inclement weather limiting class time. Id like to focus on one subject in math for few days to ensure mastery is achieved.

What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?
Take a deep breath, keep your composure, and never give up.

Standard One: Teachers Demonstrate Leadership
This week I had the opportunity to work with other teachers with the preparations for benchmark testing. We also met collaborated on finding a new reading program for intervention. I never thought this would be that difficult. Unfortunately,  several of the programs we wanted to use were out of print or sold to another publisher. I was proactive and volunteered to find a new affordable program. I did find one and although they did not pick mine I thought it gave me a great opportunity to work with others.

Standard Two: Teachers Establish a Respectful Environment for a Diverse population of Students
I continue to ensure that my classroom is a warm, inviting, and safe atmosphere. You would think this is an easy task. I find it not to be. In some students cases we are their last hope before going to an alternative school for behavioral issues. I've worked hard with these students to establish a rapport and help students understand our expectations.

Standard Three: Teachers Know the Content They Teach
For each lesson I've prepared I find myself continuously researching information that may help me teach. I often google the most asked questions, or misconceptions. I was really surprised that there aren't more websites concerning most common misconceptions. I also like to pick my CE's brain and ask her questions of problems or concerns she's come across. I've been very specific about the books I've chosen to read. I've grabbed several books from the library that have many different cultures in them. I've looked into places like Mongolia, Ghana, and the Middle East. Often looking up culturally specific words and finding their definition to better explain to my students. Some of my students lack knowledge in areas do to limited resources. Very few of them have more than five books at home and some have no television. I want to bring the world to them when they set foot in my classroom.

Standard Four: Teachers Facilitate Learning for Their Students
I find that all student learn differently and that I need to be dynamic and adapt to their learning styles. Now that I'm in class everyday I'm beginning to learn more about each student in my classroom. I've found that data is helpful but it doesn't tell you how he/she learns. This is something you need to observe and experience with your students. I've gotten better at noticing their strength and weaknesses and using this knowledge when  I plan my lessons. While teaching I use different techniques with each student to help play on their strengths. For example, One of my students struggles in reading I will often use choral reading with this student. I will also collaborate with their EC instructor after they have completed their session. The EC instructor knows this student well and often can provide data I do not have in the classroom.