I'm officially a student teacher, remember growing up and having student teachers in your class and you always wanted them to go away because they didn't do things "right" like your real teacher. Well I'm the one "doing things all wrong" now. Haha. Actually as it appears, the last couple of classes I have been in have seemed to enjoy having me there so I hope this continues.
I am teaching in a first grade class which isn't a grade I ever saw myself teaching. It's fun so far but I'm starting to feel intimidated. I really like my mentor teacher and I love picking her brain in all aspects of teaching. I love the students, they make me smile at all their fun comments such as..."My Grandpa fought in the Tsunami war, he died last year when he was 82." I heard that this same student told someone else that his Grandpa fought in the civil war. They make me smile. and I get excited about their successes I see everyday.
I feel like I'm being exposed more to what it takes to be an elementary school teacher and it honestly scares me. If all teaching was was teaching this would be the greatest job in the world but I'm really worried about all the extra stuff such as the random commities you must participate in. the many protocals that need to be noted (many of which don't make sense) the way the education is turning into "memorize this becuase it will be on a test," the many required tests that leave no time for quality teaching, and the increasing workload to go along with a decreasing paycheck.
I also know that there is a ton of value in teaching and there are so many wonderful rewards I can look forward to. I love that a seven year old boy, out of nowhere asks.."you know how right now its night time on the other side of the world, I don't get that." I love that these students are curious and excited to learn and it would be my privledge to work with them but I fear I will be incapable, I fear I could fall into the trap of giving one good lesson for every 5 "know this for the test" lessons.
In August when we move back to Oregon, I hope to do some substitute teaching as far as my body let's me with my growing baby. Then, depending on our baby and Max's work situation I plan to sub for the rest of the school year and maybe apply to fulltime jobs the following school year. If Max is working as a firefighter, this is very realistic as he only works two days a week. So this is the plan thus far. Subbing can give me a better idea if this is really what I want to be doing. I sure hope it is because I have spent a lot of time in school preparing for this.
So I don't mean to sound like a downer here, I truely am happy to be teaching and I feel I get to teach in a great class, I only just worry about the teachers of the future and if I will really be able to handle it.
Hey Rebecca! I just finished my student teaching in December and I am here to tell you that I think your worries are every teachers worries deep down inside. I remember thinking the exact same things over and over and over again. I love to teach, but teaching is now much more than just teaching simple arithmetic lessons, etc. I remember feeling so overwhelmed, and eventually you get the hang of it. You may not feel any less busy or even less overwhelmed at the amount of things you have to fit in a day, but you make it work simply because it has to work. :) Despite all of the hard things that come with it, it is the most rewarding job and after working in a second grade class for six months, i can truly say that they are the ones that helped me become a better teacher. You're going to do great... just take it all one step at a time.
ReplyDeleteyou're not a downer, its the hormones. ;) just kidding...
ReplyDeleteand stop talking about Oregon like you're really going to move there. thanks.
yeah teaching is a lot more than "teaching" huh? you'll be awesome though! we miss you guys.
ReplyDeleteMy Sister who is a teacher in Orem says having your own class is so much easier and funner than subbing or student teaching. I think you will be a great teacher and once you get your classroom set up the way you want it, the rest of the negative stuff about Teaching will hopefully be out weighted by the good stuff. And making sure you teach the age group that you feel most comfortable with. I know that if I was a teacher the younger ages would be harder for me but some teachers live for the K-3 grades.
ReplyDeleteI'm still hoping you'll move up to Tacoma and than you can be Gwenevere's Teacher. :)
First grade, your amazing. I think the younger grades are seriously harder! I have forgotten all those management things we learned in our first cohort because I really didnt have to use them last semester! I'm sad were not at the same school, I miss seeing you! Anyways, I am glad you had a fun first week, and I do love hearing all the funny things the kids say too. Just as it will be for you in a few months, im sure, the most common thing the kids ask me is if they can touch my belly. haha They think its very interesting, haha Have another good week!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary little one, I hope you and Max will have a chance to celebrate
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