The first two days of school were interesting to see. Since I started before the students came back (Thursday, August19), I got to see what goes on the few days prior the actual first day. It was pretty much what I thought it would be…..housekeeping. However, I didn’t realize that you go over and analyze the previous year’s test scores. Despite some boring parts, which you cannot escape, I really enjoyed going these few days because it gave me some insight on what I can expect when I start my first year as a teacher. Plus, it helped that there were a few new teacher there so I could see how they reacted and did things.
Once the students actually started, things were back to the same old. I am with the same mentor teacher that I have had for a while. So, we are both very comfortable with each other and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Thus, this is beneficial to the students because we can help each other out to give them the most out of the class. The students are a good bunch of kids. I have some of the same students that I had last year due to me having 9th and 10th graders.
So far, I have a pretty good rapport with the students. They respect me, while thinking I am the young teacher that they can relate to. Yet, there are a few students that I can foresee thinking I am their friend, but I need to show them that I am their teacher and not their friend. Along with having a good relationship with the students, I am starting to develop a good relationship with some of the faculty and administrators at FSHS. They offer their assistance and guidance, which makes me feel that I am part of the community. Hopefully, this continues because this seems like the making of a good year.
The classroom is run the same way as before, we like it loud and for the students to participate. So if someone came into the room, they might be shocked but it works. This is something that I think I will continue into my classroom once I have my own. Looking back at my first semester of the program, I have definitely improved my teaching methods and confidence. I am no longer nervous at the front of the room and I can teach a lesson without planning, if needed. In fact, this week I took the reins and started teaching a few lessons without planning it out because my mentor teacher was busy. I still need to be a little more assertive and develop a solid management plan nonetheless I think it will come in time.
Thinking about AR, I am still kind of at a loss on what to do. After thinking about some of the ideas I saw last year, portfolios, bell ringers and primary sources are a few that I am looking at. I would use the bell ringers to see if they affect how the students’ attention, while the primary sources would be used to measure achievement, and portfolios would measures organization. I am still not 100% sure what one I am going to use, if any of those, but it will come, ready or not.
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