Lessons Learned

The first couple days were uneventful. Because the high school is on a block schedule (minus Wednesday's) I only observed the first two days. It was interesting to see how the students reacted to the news of a student teacher. As I was talking to one of my mentor teachers about the previous class, the next class started to walk in. One girl said in a ugh-is that our student teacher voice, "is that our student teacher?" I decided to take matters into my own hands, not waiting for Molly to respond, replied with a- you better watch your tone with me, even though I might look like your age tone, "you bet I am." But, for the most part, as I suspected, students truly did not care if I was going to be teaching them.

On Wednesday, I was able to introduce myself to the students and begin to know them a little better. In essence, I stood 'took over' the classes. Dave told me to tell them a bit about myself, however, I figured that students would not care if I shared information about me. I remember being a senior, not really caring about that type of information. Instead, I opened the door for students to ask the burning questions they had about me. After I let them ask questions, I had them write a little about themselves... so I am able to know who I am working with.

After school on Wednesday was the first staff meeting. It is so unreal to walk into these because (especially the teacher lounge) where all of my old teachers are there and now they are MY peers. I was introduced to the staff as a whole, specifically letting them know not to give me a hall pass since I am not a student.

Then, Thursday was a day off since the flooding was so substantial around this area. And Friday, well, I had a seminar/student teaching meeting with the coordinator and supervisors. The majority of the meeting was informing us how not to get sued. Then the last bit was to meet with our supervisors (and mine does not like me as of now... for whatever reason).

Hopefully this week I will have more stories as I am becoming more involved. I will be working on the syllabus for the senior's today, perhaps if I am motivated to work on the unit for Hamlet.