Dear Self, (That’s you Chris! I know you were about to say, “Who
the hell is Self?”)
You’re
about to start your first observations as a student teacher. I know you’re a
little nervous, but don’t worry the kids are going to love having you there. Do
not doubt me. Just do what you plan on doing and be yourself. They will love
hearing all of hose personal stories about your childhood and Air Force career.
I know you knew this, but I am telling you that it worked and if you have any
doubts just remember that I was already there and it will all work out. You
will continually work to stay ahead of the game, that is good thinking and it
will serve you well. I know you feel like it’s never ending, but don’t loosen
up. Stay a little stressed out because you have a tendency to procrastinate.
Although
you do work hard, it is this procrastination that leads to some unwanted
stress. You will think you have plenty of time to figure out what you will
teach when you start those observations, but you don’t. One of the first things
you should start planning for is the lessons or unit that you will teach. Start
the conversation early so that your cooperating teacher can figure out what is
best for you and the student’s. Now in your final semester as a student teacher
you are going to get really pumped about teaching Reservation Blue’s. DON’T! Just tell her that you want to teach To Kill a Mockingbird. This will save
you a lot of heartache. If you choose this ahead of time you will have much
more time to prepare. You might even bring this up during your pre-student
teaching since you will be with the same cooperating teacher.
While
all of this information may come in handy, you should remember that you still
have classes to take. The program is awesome and you are going to love most of
them. A new class is going to be added to the curriculum after you are done,
but you should take it in the summer. It is Young Adult Literature and it will
be taught by your university supervisor. It is not only a great class, but it
will be a good way to get to know your university supervisor. I know you didn’t
like some of your other professors, but she is awesome.
Finally,
you are going to wish you could change some things about the program. Here are
a couple of things you can bring up. First, start by having an electronic
bonfire with all of the KEEP forms. I know it sounds crazy, but the KEEP is
just a huge waste of time. Second, it should be mandatory to plan the unit you
teach toward the end of your pre-student teaching unless things don’t work out
with your CT. If you can bring these things up it would be great. Just keep all
of this in mind and you will do great. You already have, but you can always
hope for better.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteIf only we knew then what we know now! Haha! It's amazing as we write to our eager past selves how much we have grown and changed during this experience. It would have been so wonderful to have been able to prepare for the frustrations, and disappointments; however, life would be too easy if it were that way. I want you to know that you have been such a wonderful support for me during this process. I have gone through so many life changes and I can always count on you to help me out. I'm so happy for you, your future as a teacher is shining bright! I've enjoyed this ride with you. Best of luck in all of your future endeavors!
Ms. Aden
Excellent advice sir! "Who the hell is Self?" haha The beginning of your letter is so you. I love it!
ReplyDeleteYou have done such a wonderful job this semester and I've been constantly impressed by you. The lessons you planned were wonderful, and I can tell that you connect well with your students. It's been so great to work across the hall from you, and you have helped me out a ton! I don't know what I would have done without you and Amber, because you guys have been the best!
I definitely agree with you about those program changes though. I'll join in on the electric bonfire, and we can throw in the KPTP too. That thing is just ridiculous! But regardless, we got it done, passed, and all survived. I'm so proud of all you have accomplished, and I can't wait to see all of the awesome things you will do in the future. Thanks for being fantastic!
I completely agree about burning the KEEP forms and I want to be invited to said bonfire. I also think that you might have been sucking up a bit about our awesome teacher for Literature for Adolescents, even though I agree with you :) I have to say that our CT's deserve a huge thank you because they put up with and embraced all of us this semester; they completed every feedback form; and they had our backs when students rebelled against a new authority figure. I'm so grateful for having this experience, no matter how challenging, because I know that we've all grown this year. Good luck to you Chris, and to everyone else in our class. Hopefully everyone will be happy in their new teaching jobs.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree about those obnoxious KEEP forms! Too long, repetitive, time-consuming, annoying!
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right about lesson planning, too. It would be smart to plan the unit as part of the semester plan we did in pre-student teaching. Of course, we all know plans change, but you have to start with something!
I think you have it all as a teacher, that personal relationship and the authority. You're going to be great!