Student Teaching Week 16 Reflection

Week of Reflection: Friday, April 26, 2019
 
Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

• This week was a 5! It was amazing how much more energetic and happy I felt after having spring break! I also made a conscious effort to make this the best week because it was my last full week in my placement, and I wanted to make the most of it with my kiddos and my C.E.!

Seven questions to end your week:

• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

This week, I felt super accomplished to complete my last ever full week of reporting to my student teaching placement. Graduation is so close now, and it’s starting to really feel real! I cannot believe this is our last blog for the School of Ed. 💗

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

This week I observed kindergarten and 5th grade. I learned that I would be happy anywhere I am placed with a job-- I will just bloom wherever I am planted!

• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

My short term goals of finishing up all last assignments and my portfolio is aligned with my long term goal of graduating!!! I cannot believe it!!

• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

I was pretty happy with how I managed my time this week.

• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

I didn’t really have any apprehension this week.

• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

To make the most of my last couple of days with my kids and C.E., and to present my portfolio!

Adapted from: Cernoff, M. (2013, August 7). 7 Questions to End Your Week With. . Retrieved July 21, 2014, from http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/08/7-questions-to-end-your-week-with/

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

I analyzed some math data this week. I actually taught my 2nd graders about data, various charts, and how to analyze data in pictographs and bar graphs!

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

Enjoy every second you can with your students and your C.E.!

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

1b. “Teachers demonstrate leadership in the school.” This week in my placement, I have really analyzed data and the SIP as I have finished my portfolio. I have really begun to appreciate these elements throughout the completion of my portfolio.

• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

2a. “Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.” As I have finished teaching everything and all assignments, I have been able to finally take a deep breath and just enjoy my time with my C.E. and my students. I have been able to be there for them more and nurture them more as the stress of school work has subsided.

• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

3b. “Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty.” Completing my mock classroom website has really made me dive into 2nd grade resources, and it has made me more aware of content that is appropriate for my teaching specialty!

• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

4a. “Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students.” When I look back at the beginning of student teaching, I was a little bit clueless when it came to understanding the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of my students. I could teach good lessons and I cared about the kids, but that was pretty much the extent of it. Now, at the end of student teaching, I believe I am more patient, and I have a better understanding of all of these things-- not just how to plan and teach a good lesson!

• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.

5b. “Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals.” As this semester and student teaching experience comes to a close, I have been reflecting a lot over the experience and how I have grown. I feel more prepared than ever to have a classroom of my own!

Other:

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

The whole thing is now complete!

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

None that I know of.

• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

None that I know of. But I do want to say thank you so much for all of your support on this journey and I will forever be grateful for all that you taught me and how you have supported me along the way! You’re the best! 🙂