This class was extremely insightful for me. I feel like I
learned not only lessons about teaching literature to adolescents, but also how
to think practically about being a successful teacher. I learned many things
about learning techniques, and different theories that exist within teaching
literature. This class helped me to think through the type of teacher I want to
ultimately be, and what type of school I can see myself teaching in.
One of the biggest pieces of advice that I
will be taking with me this quarter is to read what students are reading. In
order to keep students are engaged, a good teacher relates the things we are
talking about in class to what students are doing out of class. As a teacher, it
is important to never lose sight of what it’s like to be a student. Students can see this effort, and I think they respect us a lot more when they realize that we actually care about the lives they are living.
Another
thing I want to make sure not to forget is that I will be interviewing schools
just as much as they are interviewing me. I think a lot of the time student
teachers are so hungry to get a job; they don’t take into account that if they
don’t mesh with the school. Then, sometimes the poor experience may lead them to a career change. I have already started doing research on different schools in the area where I see myself putting down roots. I am excited to begin the application process and I think employers will be surprised to see the amount of time I have taken to look into each of their individual philosophies and protocols.
Of course,
it wouldn’t be a full reflection if I didn’t bring up the unit plan. As
stressful and long as it was, it was really helpful for me to get experience in
the science of teaching rather than just pushing it aside to make room for more
of the art. Although I am comfortable with teaching students material, making
sure to learn the fundamentals and the individual pieces of the process were
absolutely vital. Before this class I had only done individual lesson plans and
had never seen a unit through start to finish. This process was very eye
opening for me, and I think it will serve me well come time for the Ed TPA.
Overall,
this class was a big part of helping me decide what I want post graduation as I
near the finish line. Talking with the many colleagues I did, and the conference
talks I was able to have, helped guide my decisions toward ending up where I
really want to be after this year. I appreciate all of the knowledge I gained
in this classroom, and this was one that really was worth my time.
