2008
This past week (and one more to come), I have turned over my 20 energetic and quite unique, kindergarteners to my student teachers. It's not something I would say is easy to do, but when you have two very capable future educators, it's not that hard. The great benefit in it is that I get a chance to do some BTSA observations and also spend time in the new teacher's classroom next door.
Being a Guiding (UCLA's term) or Master (USC's term) Teacher is not something that I find many of my colleagues jumping at the chance to do. I have to admit, I am not sure I want to take on the responsibility for two consecutive semesters. Maybe it's because having student teachers, you have to step back and let them fly on their own. They are not you and therefore will not teach the way you would or have the same interests, share your strengths, weaknesses... And that's a good thing sometimes. In the end, I always find myself learning from them as much as they may learn from me.
If you work as a team, it's even more rewarding and how can that not benefit the students? My students and I were very lucky this year. We had two warm and caring educators join our class. They will be missed when they don't return after winter break. They are missed when they are not here on Mondays, so you can imagine the questions I will get in January.
New educators bring so much energy and enthusiasm to the profession. It is my responsibility, as an educator who loves teaching, to make sure that I keep that light and excitement in their eyes... because I know too well what the system can do to even the most dedicated teachers. I believe in the profession and students need good teachers. Teachers I would want Daniel to have. I always feel that if you are a teacher, you should want to be the kind of teacher you would want your own child to have. If we keep focused on that, we can't go wrong.
Being a Guiding (UCLA's term) or Master (USC's term) Teacher is not something that I find many of my colleagues jumping at the chance to do. I have to admit, I am not sure I want to take on the responsibility for two consecutive semesters. Maybe it's because having student teachers, you have to step back and let them fly on their own. They are not you and therefore will not teach the way you would or have the same interests, share your strengths, weaknesses... And that's a good thing sometimes. In the end, I always find myself learning from them as much as they may learn from me.
If you work as a team, it's even more rewarding and how can that not benefit the students? My students and I were very lucky this year. We had two warm and caring educators join our class. They will be missed when they don't return after winter break. They are missed when they are not here on Mondays, so you can imagine the questions I will get in January.
New educators bring so much energy and enthusiasm to the profession. It is my responsibility, as an educator who loves teaching, to make sure that I keep that light and excitement in their eyes... because I know too well what the system can do to even the most dedicated teachers. I believe in the profession and students need good teachers. Teachers I would want Daniel to have. I always feel that if you are a teacher, you should want to be the kind of teacher you would want your own child to have. If we keep focused on that, we can't go wrong.
Jade, Jane, and Jennifer (The J's have it this year!)Flashback to 2002
Six years ago, I had two amazing student teachers from UCLA. I am not just saying they were amazing educators, I have evidence to prove it! Ashley and Sandra first helped open a primary center in LAUSD. Then Sandra help open a successful independent charter school, served as a teacher leader, and with the development of the curriculum. (She is also newly engaged too!) Ashley and I actually help open Alexander five years ago before she moved on to middle school and just last week became National Board Certified! (Go Ashley!) They are also good friends too. How proud do you think I am?
Okay, this was just for fun. I learned how to scan old photos, so here is a picture of my student teaching class. I taught a semester in kindergarten with one of the most "famous" whole language teachers in Fresno. She pretty much trusted me with the class and let me teach with her side by side from day one. (She knew I had taught 3 years on an emergency credential in LA). I learned a lot about using literature and early literacy from being in her class. It was like magic! She was the queen of poems and chants and I charted them for her. I guess that is why I love poetry and rhyme so much. My second semester was spent "studying" sixth grade math lessons and trying to figure out preteens. It was also a wonderful learning experience. At the end, my master teacher pretty much just left me alone. They were a great class too. And yes, that was a perm!
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