Week 12 - Second Placement - Part - Time Teaching

I officially love 3rd grade. Don't get me wrong some days do have its challenges but all in all, I am in an extremely positive classroom with down to earth teachers who sing and dance with the kids all day, District 97 provides amazing resources and support for its teachers. This past Tuesday I attended a coteaching institute day, this coteaching institute day was the last in a series of I believe 3 coteaching institute days. The day was definitely interesting and supplied teachers with resources and tools to ensure that they cotaught effectively. A big push during this institute day was movement. They had tons of research supporting student movement in learning. Many techniques and tools were demonstrated throughout the day. The very next day when we returned to the classroom we implemented the techniques learned and were extremely surprised how effective they were and how receptive the students were to learn how to learn and while moving around. I have taken over whole group instruction for math. Given that this is the time for me to learn I have asked for and I receive effective feedback from both teachers in the classroom regarding my contribution to the classroom and specifically my teaching. Thus far comments are positive and have helped me focus on key points to improve which I am told only will improve once I am familiar with the curriculum. Teaching continues to be a team effort, and I have continued to be included in weekly grade level meetings and discussions regarding planning. 

My focus continues with the implementation of Standard 4 - Learning Environment and Standard 5 – Instructional Delivery as I am teaching, Standard 6 (Reading, Writing, and Oral Communication) continues to be addressed in all lessons as reading, writing, and oral communication are integrated into every lesson. I continued to observe Standard 8 (Collaborative Relationships) and Standard 9 (Professionalism, Leadership, and Advocacy) through the daily professional behavior of both teachers. Throughout each day Standard 1 (Teaching Diverse Students, Standard), Standard 2 (Content Area and Pedagogical Knowledge), Standard 3 (Planning for Differentiated Instruction), and Standard 7 (Assessment) are addressed through daily planning and grading of papers. My beliefs about teaching or learning continued to remain the same. 

Week 11 - Second placement - Introduction to teaching

 This week I have begun to teach small group reading. It is engaging and a fantastic learning experience working to help students reach individual goals. Within the whole classroom, the students are constantly reminded that their actions have natural consequences. One way the teachers work to keep the students on task with whole body listening and during activities is with Dojo. However, the teachers never take Dojo points away as they have expressed that studies show taking things away from students can contribute to a negative classroom environment and it is better for the students to deal with the natural consequences instead of the shame that comes from being called out with Dojo points being taken away. Students in the classroom all average around 600 Dojo points and work toward rewards such as reading to the class or having lunch with the teacher. Teaching continues to be a team effort, I have been included in weekly grade level meetings and discussions regarding planning. I will continue to take note of the whole class math instruction as next week I will take it over.  

My focus continues with the implementation of Standard 4 - Learning Environment and Standard 5 – Instructional Delivery as I am teaching, Standard 6 (Reading, Writing, and Oral Communication) continues to be addressed in all lessons as reading, writing, and oral communication are integrated into every lesson. I continued to observe Standard 8 (Collaborative Relationships) and Standard 9 (Professionalism, Leadership, and Advocacy) through the daily professional behavior of both teachers. Throughout each day Standard 1 (Teaching Diverse Students, Standard), Standard 2 (Content Area and Pedagogical Knowledge), Standard 3 (Planning for Differentiated Instruction), and Standard 7 (Assessment) are addressed through the discussion of how grades are determined and how lessons are planned to ensure standards are being met. My beliefs about teaching or learning continued to remain the same. 

Week 10 - Second Placement - Introduction to teaching

The second week at my second placement was a short 3 day week. The week started off with a full edTPA writing day which was followed by a field trip day which I was not able to attend due to the amount of walking required and my health.  The remainder of this week was mainly observation with an introduction to teaching. For 3^rd grade, the students are given a lot of responsibility. The teachers encourage this environment by constantly reminding the students of natural consequences. For example, they are required to label their lunch on a board each morning, this is encouraged with vocal reminders as the students enter the classroom. The lunch board is also the attendance board, with each name on a fish, so if they fail to mark their lunch appropriately they are marked absent for the day. A couple day marked absent or receiving the wrong lunch and students remember to move their fish to indicate which lunch they are having I think I really going to like 3^rd grade. Teaching is a team effort. The ongoing discussion within the classroom is what is being done to ensure instruction reaches all students. I have been given the responsibility of attendance and lunch selection. I assist teachers at all possible times.

My focus continues with the implementation of Standard 4 - Learning Environment and Standard 5 – Instructional Delivery as I am observing teaching, Standard 6 (Reading, Writing, and Oral Communication) continues to be addressed in all lessons as reading, writing, and oral communication are integrated into every lesson. I continued to observe Standard 8 (Collaborative Relationships) and Standard 9 (Professionalism, Leadership, and Advocacy) through the daily professional behavior of both teachers. Throughout each day Standard 1 (Teaching Diverse Students, Standard), Standard 2 (Content Area and Pedagogical Knowledge), Standard 3 (Planning for Differentiated Instruction), and Standard 7 (Assessment) are addressed through the discussion of how grades are determined and how lessons are planned to ensure standards are being met. My beliefs about teaching or learning continued to remain the same. Next week I look forward to beginning to teach. 

Week 9 - Second placement - Introduction

My first week of student teaching at my 2^nd placement was nice! I think I really going to like 3^rd grade. My cooperating teacher and co-teacher are amazing! They do not have desks or work areas just storage areas. They are up and assisting in the classroom throughout the entire day. There are more students with IEP’s and challenges in this classroom, but the classroom was directable. Students gave attention to the teacher and worked to complete work. There was no yelling! Co-teaching was with 2 teachers both up and teaching at the same time – this was not the case at my first placement. The classroom also has various specialists who push in throughout the day to assist students. Students are pulled out with the sped co-teacher for small group work instead of being at a side desk which was extremely helpful in keeping the students who are receiving the small group intervention and other students from getting distracted. This week was extremely busy and only observation took place as this week was report card pick up and the instruction and school schedule were both altered.  I did, however, get to experience report card pick up which was scheduled for all students in the classroom.

My focus continues with the implementation of Standard 4 - Learning Environment and Standard 5 – Instructional Delivery as I am observing teaching, Standard 6 (Reading, Writing, and Oral Communication) continues to be addressed in all lessons as reading, writing, and oral communication are integrated into every lesson. I continued to observe Standard 8 (Collaborative Relationships) and Standard 9 (Professionalism, Leadership, and Advocacy) through the daily professional behavior of both teachers. Throughout each day Standard 1 (Teaching Diverse Students, Standard), Standard 2 (Content Area and Pedagogical Knowledge), Standard 3 (Planning for Differentiated Instruction), and Standard 7 (Assessment) are addressed through the discussion of how grades are determined and how lessons are planned to ensure standards are being met. My beliefs about teaching or learning continued to remain the same. Next week I look forward to more observation and possibly beginning to teach. 

Week 8 - Increased Teaching

This week was my final week at my first placement. For the most part, this week was a normal week and went well. My responsibility continued with lessons. Although I am more comfortable, I am still working to improve my classroom management with simple/direct language and taking dojo points from students.  Students seemed a bit distracted about me leaving and have asked many questions, including if I could stay. On Friday, students greeted me with goodbye cards which found their way to me throughout the day. At one point in the day, the students were super sweet, and all wrote me letters of recommendation to my future Principal. While writing the letters I was constantly told about how much they enjoyed me teaching them and how I will get a great job and be a fun teacher.  We spent some time in the afternoon where I was able to show them pictures about me. I showed them pictures of my boys, my cats and my dog who they heard about often. The day ended with gifts from my cooperating teacher and her co-teacher. I was grateful and humbled with the donations given to me to start my first classroom.

My focus continues with the implementation of Standard 4 - Learning Environment and Standard 5 – Instructional Delivery as I am now teaching subjects on a daily basis Standard 6 (Reading, Writing, and Oral Communication) continues to be addressed in all lessons as reading, writing, and oral communication are integrated into every lesson. I continued to observe Standard 8 (Collaborative Relationships) and Standard 9 (Professionalism, Leadership, and Advocacy) through the daily professional behavior of both teachers. Throughout each day Standard 1 (Teaching Diverse Students, Standard), Standard 2 (Content Area and Pedagogical Knowledge), Standard 3 (Planning for Differentiated Instruction), and Standard 7 (Assessment) are addressed as there is constant discussion about lesson planning and assessments to ensure the learning needs of all students are met and students are progressing as needed. My beliefs about teaching or learning continued to remain the same. Next week is my first week at my second placement. I can’t wait!!! 

Week 7 - Increased Teaching

This week was a short week. This past Monday was Columbus Day, so teachers and students did not have class. On Tuesday we had another teacher institute day. Although institute days, in general, have mixed reviews. The institute days in my district are informative and engaging.  I’m sure after a while they all mesh together and seem to be repetitive but from my perspective, they help to keep everyone on the same page in terms of the bigger picture within the school district. The students only had a three-day week but had no school fever. It took students time to adjust back to the routine, then Friday arrived, and everyone had the weekend fever. Instruction this week is chugging along I am more comfortable with the routines and classroom management. On Friday I had another teaching observation which was helpful.  I really appreciate the feedback I get from my professor as she is positive, encouraging and honest.  

At this point, my responsibility is continued. Students, although, extremely talkative at times seem to respond to my lessons and have commented on how they enjoy certain subjects.

My focus continues with the observation of Standard 4 - Learning Environment and Standard 5 – Instructional Delivery as both teachers model their own effective method of teaching. Standard 6 (Reading, Writing, and Oral Communication) continues to be addressed in all lessons as reading, writing, and oral communication are integrated into every lesson. I continued to observe Standard 8 (Collaborative Relationships) and Standard 9 (Professionalism, Leadership, and Advocacy) through the daily professional behavior of both teachers. Throughout each day Standard 1 (Teaching Diverse Students, Standard), Standard 2 (Content Area and Pedagogical Knowledge), Standard 3 (Planning for Differentiated Instruction), and Standard 7 (Assessment) are addressed as there is constant discussion about lesson planning and assessments to ensure the learning needs of all students are met and students are progressing as needed. My beliefs about teaching or learning continued to remain the same. Next week is my last week at my first placement. I look forward to learning as much as I can this week and observing a couple other classrooms while I am at the school. 

Week 6 - Part - Time Teaching

WOW! What a week this has been! I think this may have felt like the longest week yet. The week started off with a full day Ed TPA writing session. Then continued with the remainder of the week being composed of regular schedules and routines. Classroom management is challenging not only for me but for my cooperating teacher and her co-teacher. Our students are just different. They refuse to quiet down, we have even experienced a few displays of extremely inappropriate behavior. However, with everything, there is a lesson. I am learning to take everything day by day and to endure as kids will be kids. I try my best to remember that this is the time for students to make mistakes and when they do they need to have an understanding, positive yet firm adult to rely on. I am still working to improve my classroom management with simple/direct language and have begun to take dojo points from students and provide an explanation in the app for the parents to view when a point is taken away for behavior such as disrespect.

I am continuing to increase my responsibility in the classroom through teaching. My cooperating teacher is extremely supportive, answers all my questions and makes herself available during off hours through text messages if I should have a question.

My focus continues with the observation of Standard 4 - Learning Environment and Standard 5 – Instructional Delivery as both teachers model their own effective method of teaching. Standard 6 (Reading, Writing, and Oral Communication) continues to be addressed in all lessons as reading, writing, and oral communication are integrated into every lesson. I continued to observe Standard 8 (Collaborative Relationships) and Standard 9 (Professionalism, Leadership, and Advocacy) through the daily professional behavior of both teachers. Throughout each day Standard 1 (Teaching Diverse Students, Standard), Standard 2 (Content Area and Pedagogical Knowledge), Standard 3 (Planning for Differentiated Instruction), and Standard 7 (Assessment) are addressed as there is constant discussion about lesson planning and assessments to ensure the learning needs of all students are met and students are progressing as needed. My beliefs about teaching or learning continued to remain the same. Next week I look forward to writing my continuing my lesson plans in PlanBook (lesson plan software) and developing focus groups during the writing lessons.