3.31.17

My last blog... I want to start by saying that this is actually a very bittersweet moment for me. There were times when I never thought that this moment would come. However, it is here! I have successfully finished student teaching, and now all that is left is to present my portfolio. I will present my portfolio this coming Wednesday, April 5th at 2:00pm via Zoom. On April 6th, I begin working at Clear Creek Elementary School! (I was really hoping to have a whole week to do nothing but sleep, but I'm not complaining a bit!) I feel really so blessed to have been given this opportunity to student teach, but also to present early and begin working! I realize that it's going to be SO WEIRD to walk into my school everyday and not go to my normal classroom! But I'll just be right down the hall, so maybe the adjustment won't be so bad!

Weekly Rating: 5 out of 5

It was a bittersweet week again. I slowly gave instruction back to my CE throughout the week, and it honestly made me sad! But it felt nice too! I loved on my kids a little extra this week and enjoyed every moment that I spent with them. 

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• Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?
  
  
  My CE has been doing this a long time, so of course she just jumped right back in with no problem. I was really pleased that the kids adjusted so well to her teaching as well. I'll still be in my class some on Monday and Tuesday next week, but I have my health exam to begin working on Monday, and my intake meeting with the county on Tuesday, so I'll only be in there part of the day. I think because we split up into small groups a lot in our class anyway, it was no shock for my CE to take back over. 
  
  

• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?
  
  
  This week I really accepted the fact that you are never finished learning. As my CE started taking back over she would say something or have the kids do something I would think to myself "Wow... I would have never thought of that!" She is just so amazing. I know that I have come a long way and I do feel very prepared, but at the same time, I still have so far to go!
  
  
• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?
  All that is left to do is present my portfolio! WOW!!!!!!! I just want to pass that!
  
  
• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?
  
  
  I actually felt SUPER productive this week. I have gotten so much done! At this point its just finishing uploading everything.
  
  
• Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?
  My principal came in and observed me on Monday! AHHH! I was so nervous. But I had courage and tried to imagine that she wasn't even there. We met later that afternoon, and she actually thought it went really well. So, that was great!
  
  
• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?
  
  
  I want to practice walking through my portfolio presentation!
  
  
• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?
  
  
  I actually did report cards this week! My CE told me that I probably knew better than she did at this point, so she showed me how to do them, and I did! She of course went back to see if she approved of the decisions I made. Remember this is kindergarten so its mainly in reference to skills and they receive an "S" or "N".
  
  
• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

You can do this!!! Just keep going, but the end is here!

• What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?
  
  
  I'm finished!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!!!

• What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?
• What support do you need from your university supervisor?

No current support needed. Thanks for staying in constant contact with us, Dr. Sanders! Your feedback, encouragement, and support is appreciated!