Blog Post 1

I will begin teaching 1st and 2nd graders in the upcoming two weeks and I am very excited! One of my goals for the next two weeks is to continue learning the names of the students for both schools. My cooperating teacher travels between two schools in the district. I have noticed that when I say hello to students by saying their name they smile. I feel that by addressing the students by their name makes them feel cared for and respected. Also I will try my very best to be prepared for my first two lessons  and utilize my cooperating teacher's knowledge as I prepare to introduce a new lesson to 1st and 2nd grade. 

 This past week has been a joy! 

My cooperating teacher truly enjoys being an educator, she loves it! Her love for the children, teaching, and her content is evident. Her classroom is very welcoming and it is clear the students love the time they spend with her creating art. I have heard them say how much fun they have while they are in art class. Through this I have learned to by putting your love and enjoyment into your lessons the students will enjoy and love it too. All of the teachers speak so highly of my cooperating teacher and during week 1 I realized why. 

My cooperating teacher and I discuss what each class will be working on ahead of time.We both write in our plan books what project each grade will be introduced to or continue working on. We have started working on lesson ideas together, she is open to my ideas and suggestions. At the end of each school day we look over what we need to have set up for the following day. We have been working very well together and our way of communicating has been successful. We set time aside in the afternoon for any questions or concerns I may have. 

Becoming a truly accomplished teacher is a journey not a destination. 
Our expectations of our students will greatly influence their achievement in our class and in their lives. 

I have decided to complete my TPA Project during my second placement because I will be seeing the students more often. I have started to think about what grade level I would like to work with and what lessons will be used for my learning segment. I am still feeling a bit overwhelmed by the project. 

I think after my supervisor's first visit I may need help or constructive feedback on how I am doing thus far as a student teacher. My college supervisor may be surprised to know that my cooperating teacher will be utilizing a classroom management technique I found. With my cooperating teacher's permission, I tried it with one of the classes and it was successful. My cooperating teacher then asked me to teach all of the students at both schools. She really liked it!