Anita's Student Teaching Blog

 At prairie view I experienced a very academic focused building and I worked in a team that relied on each other a lot. The building had a sense of respect from both the staff and students. I enjoyed working in this building as I was able to focus on running a smooth and efficient classroom. At Westfield I experienced a culture that strives for whole student success. The staff focus on making sure real world experiences are incorporated into learning. My CT and her team do a lot more independent work. I liked being able to work in this school as I have been able to practice more creation when it comes to planning instruction.

I know that a different group of students will require me to change my classroom management strategies. I have received many compliments on my current classroom management. I wonder if I will be able to be flexible and adapt to using different techniques and strategies.  I an excited to keep exploring my classroom management. 

As of right now I will only have 1 year to work in the States if my application gets approved. Because of the timing of our program end date I will not be able to complete a full contracted year as a teacher. Because of that I will look for any longterm sub or para jobs. I would love to work in a school that is not too big. I would really just be happy to work anywhere😂. I look forward to see what is out there for me and I am sure wherever I end up will be a learning experience for me! 

 In my first placement I was able to attend the in service training at the start of the year. I was able to see the set up of a classroom and what is expected of teachers in the first few weeks. I was also lucky enough to sit in on a disability suspected meeting with the leadership team and the parents of our student. This gave me the opportunity to learn more about how to interact with parents when a difficult topic is of concern. I believe this was a valuable learning experience for me that will help me later on in my career. One of my favorite trainings at this school was the Core Board training that we did. When our student was diagnosed as deaf we had to take action and start using a core board during our instruction to make it more inclusive. This training explain how students who can’t hear need additional resources to help them receive additional communication skills and strategies. By modeling what we say on a Core Board we are opening up a gate to communication for this s...

 In my second placement I was surprised that the first thing I would take over teaching would be the history of Iowa! As an international student I never learned this in school. This is also the unit that my 4th grade team has no prepared materials for soil will all be creation on my part.  Another surprise in my placement was when I realized that I enjoy working with younger students more than I do older students. I look forward to see if this will change later on in my placement.

 It has been hard moving on from my first placement. I feel tired going into the 2nd placement. My wellness plan for this is to remind myself to stay as positive as in my first placement. I prep my meals in advance on a Sunday night. This helps me have more time for myself after student teaching and work. I look back at pictures of my time at my first placement to remind myself I will enjoy this placement just as much once I have found my feet in this placement.