On August 18th,
I began the third and final school year in my journey toward becoming an
English/Language Arts teacher. I began
my pre-student teaching at a local high school this week as well, and will be a
full-time student teacher in the spring. As anxious as I am to graduate and get
a job, I know that this exciting year is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I
intend to savor every moment. I have been told that senior year in the
education program is when you stop feeling like a student, and start seeing
yourself as a teacher. That is my plan.
Student
Teaching Goals
1.
Fearless Creativity.
I have played it very safe in my lesson plans up to this point, but now I feel
it is time to be bold. I should have enough experience and knowledge at this point
in my education to blend the methods I have learned in classrooms and textbooks
with my own innovative ideas. I no longer want to be a textbook teacher, but
use the proven strategies I have learned as a foundation to explore unique ways
to reach the unique students in my classes.
2.
Eloquent Under Pressure. When a lesson is planned weeks in
advance, rehearsed every day, possible student reactions imagined, jokes
embedded, content mastered…I can teach with elegance and poise. On the other
hand, when unexpectedly asked to jump in and teach, or when a student asks a
question I do not anticipate, I tend to ramble. I would like to be more
articulate when speaking to my cooperating teachers, colleagues, and students--especially
when put under pressure.
3.
Confidence.
I have a bachelor’s degree and am working on a second one. I have had seven
years of undergraduate education. I am being trained by educators who are experienced,
knowledgeable, and believe in my teaching abilities. I have made it THIS far.
No more excuses. No apologies. Throughout this school year, I plan to become confident
in my teaching abilities, and allow my confidence to shine through in my
teaching, class work, and discussions.
4.
Impact.
Although I am still learning and working toward my own educational and
professional goals, I cannot forget about the reason I am becoming a teacher in
the first place—the true goal that is listed as #4 but should always be first
priority: to make a difference in the lives of young people. If I can help even
one student succeed this year I will feel like I am on the right track to
becoming an effective teacher.
In section 4 of your goals you echoed some of the sentiments that have been going through my head recently. I find it is easy to forget, at this stage, why I decided to become a teacher. Then I think of the impact I can have. There is nothing more satisfying that when a student (that may have been struggling) finally gets what you are teaching. The transformation is noticeable and ultimately extremely exciting. When things seem difficult this year, it is my intention to refer to my roots, my desire for impact. It sounds like you have the same plan. Have a great semester!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, yes. To each goal you laid forth I say 'Yes!"
ReplyDeleteYou articulated and organized your goals eloquently, but the passion and enthusiasm you possess shines through in this post and makes it quite inspiring. Though I echo each of your goals, I identify most with the first and the last. Our lack of experience makes finding the nerve to be creative a daunting task--especially when the possibility of failure looms overhead. However, I think if we keep the most important goal in mind as we attempt our other goals, we might find that our plans, even if they fail, will allow us to become better teachers who have a greater impact.
I'm on board with fierce creativity and I hope to share ideas with you as we try new and exciting things!