And it is finished. I walked out of Central Middle School today with a bitter-sweet taste in my mouth. All of those hours of experience, frustration, planning, implementing, and joy are all wrapped up and finished. On the one hand I am so excited to be done, do have my day a little freed up, but I am also already missing those students. One student told me today, "You better come back!" an offer I could hardly refuse. It is so interesting to see just how attached a student is to you. They wouldn't otherwise say a word to you about it but when you're halfway out the door their true feelings about you rush forth.
Tuesday I presented a peer editing lesson that would be later coupled with a peer editing activity but unfortunately the activity never came. The biggest struggle that I had with my class was to motivate them to finish their work. Every single student had missing or late assignments. A big theme that I was working over in my mind was how to motivate and encourage students to finish their work. Frivolous assignments not being turned in was understandable but large essays and projects was unthinkable. Challenging students to develop good work ethic and demonstrate importance is all on my shoulders as a teacher.
There was not a day that went by during this experience that I thought to myself, "why am I doing this?" Every single day was an affirmation that I want to become a teacher and make lasting impacts academically and emotionally on all of my students. Thank you so much to Central Middle School, Ms. Danger, the 4th period Language Arts class, Ashley Jorgensen, and all of those who helped encourage me and challenge me throughout this whole process.
So glad to hear that you walked away from this experience only feeling more challenged and excited to enter the teaching profession. The experience you gained from Ms. Danger's class and the knowledge you've taken from your work at Central will continue to shape you as you finish up work and continue to reflect as a future teacher. While the challenges in our midst (ie, turning in work, motivating students, balancing interests and passions with district standards/curriculum) will continue to be challenges down the road, your excitement, passion, and relationships you build with your students must remain at the center.
ReplyDeleteFantastic job this semester. I know Central is going to miss you!