It was a time just seven years ago when I had the unique opportunity to be a student teacher at Weyauwega High School under the supervision of Mr. Pat Fee. It was a 4-1/2 month experience which I will forever relish and reflect back on in a positive way. I discovered much about the classroom environment, and it served as a springboard for my eventual landing at BDHS in the fall of 2012. I made a personal commitment to one-day open my classroom for future teachers so that I could serve as their role-model and mentor.
At the end of January I welcomed what I hope will be the first in a series of student teachers into Mr. D's classroom, and after six weeks it stirs my passion for good teaching- not only in providing a laboratory for a prospective teacher, but to invigorate my desire to seek excellence in my teaching skills. Almost two months into the process it has proved to be everything I sought and more, especially when it comes to demonstrating good classroom management, but the entire process is not as easy as one might think. It's more than just allowing a college student to observe and teach a few lessons, rather identifying what will be a series of transitions which impacts learning and classroom chemistry.
The first stage required me to model assorted teaching styles and communicate expectations to students in ways that were easily understood by the ST (student teacher). I've always felt consistency in my message, lesson planning, and approach with classroom management were key ingredients for being successful with students, They are the first to recognize inconsistency, and will call you out either publicly or in private if they sense wrong doing. They will make or break you!
ST is quickly learning the ropes, sometimes discovering this insight on his own, sometimes pointed out by yours truly, and occasionally revealed when students see indifference. Together we've tried some new things, which is what classrooms should be for. Every once in awhile we discover something wonderful....be it knowledge, technical in nature, or new insight on managing the classroom. This is just one reason as to WHY I love teaching!
I should also note that sometimes it's not easy stepping away from something I love to do. When I "teach" I discover that I also learn in the process. I consider it a win-win-win situation. This is a great time to explore and update my lesson plans, reflecting on what works and what could be improved (win for ME). It provides my students with a fresh perspective on our curriculum by inserting a new voice (win for STUDENTS). And it gives a future teacher the opportunity to discover what 21st century teaching is all about (win for ST). Life is good.
