Final Reflections Student Teaching
I grew both professionally and personally through student teaching.I learned the importance of volunteering for school functions such as the talent show and the theatre production. I understand that volunteering for various events can help to foster connections with students and colleagues. I also learned that supporting students in other academic subjects, like I did by leading interventions, shows students how much teachers care about their well being. I learned that students are more engaged in learning when they feel they have a connection with their educators. I enjoyed every moment I spent student teaching. These experiences confirmed my desire and passion to teach music.
I was surprised by several experiences in my student teaching placements. First, when I began student teaching I thought that implementing culturally responsive teaching would be easy. However, I found this challenging to incorporate into lessons. This is one professional goal that I would like to refine when I begin teaching. Second, I was also surprised at how my classroom management skills improved. I realized that generally, students appreciate an environment that is not chaotic. When my students became rowdy, people in the class would police each other. I was able to figure out ways to communicate behavioral expectations with my students. I found that when I was able to communicate my expectations I still stayed calm, joyful, and patient. Furthermore, I found that when behavior is well managed my students were more engaged in the learning process. I saw that students appreciate consistency and communication of expectations.
I made many discoveries and gained many tools that I will take with me when I begin my career. The greatest discoveries I made were ones about connection and community. I learned that my participation in the community and school community helps to foster connection. Furthermore, I learned that connection is what students are needing at this time in their lives, they want to be with people they can trust, they want to be in safe environments. Building healthy relationships with students and supporting them in their interests, or other academic areas is incredibly important. I want to continue to support students and their growth and take part in the school community. Additionally, I have a philosophy of continuous improvement and look forward to participating in continuing education for the benefit of my students.
I was surprised by several experiences in my student teaching placements. First, when I began student teaching I thought that implementing culturally responsive teaching would be easy. However, I found this challenging to incorporate into lessons. This is one professional goal that I would like to refine when I begin teaching. Second, I was also surprised at how my classroom management skills improved. I realized that generally, students appreciate an environment that is not chaotic. When my students became rowdy, people in the class would police each other. I was able to figure out ways to communicate behavioral expectations with my students. I found that when I was able to communicate my expectations I still stayed calm, joyful, and patient. Furthermore, I found that when behavior is well managed my students were more engaged in the learning process. I saw that students appreciate consistency and communication of expectations.
I made many discoveries and gained many tools that I will take with me when I begin my career. The greatest discoveries I made were ones about connection and community. I learned that my participation in the community and school community helps to foster connection. Furthermore, I learned that connection is what students are needing at this time in their lives, they want to be with people they can trust, they want to be in safe environments. Building healthy relationships with students and supporting them in their interests, or other academic areas is incredibly important. I want to continue to support students and their growth and take part in the school community. Additionally, I have a philosophy of continuous improvement and look forward to participating in continuing education for the benefit of my students.