The End of Week One

After a draining and emotional week, I finally finished my first week of senior year. When I was dismissed from class this morning, I went straight to dreamland; a.k.a. I took a much needed nap. I already appreciated the work of teachers, but after this first week I realized they’re superheroes. I just sat and listened while they stood and performed their magic, and I’m the one who’s tired? This helps me comprehend the amount of stress this next year will bring. To be honest, I’m terrified!

In our cohort there are twenty inspirational student teachers. I believe each of my classmates are going to kick butt this year. We met this morning for our first practicum class of the semester. Dr. Noden began teaching promptly at 8:00 AM. We stumbled through the door in sweats with coffee/ energy drinks in hand. To outsiders it might seem as if it was the end of the semester instead of day five of week one. I took pictures to document the extreme exhaustion of my classmates. A lot of us are still taking a full class schedule, keeping a part-time job (or two), and juggling extra-curricular activities. O and did I mention we start student teaching this semester too? I think you can understand why we are all a bit tired.

As I stated before, week one is completed, checked off, gone for good. I hope I don’t send the wrong message though. Yes we wanted to hit the snooze button a few more times this morning. Yes we are all a bit stressed. Yes we are all nervous to begin the semester. Even though this is a “negative Nancy” attitude; all of us are putting ourselves through this schedule because we believe in our students. We know all of this is necessary in becoming the best teachers possible. When I stand in front of my class next year as a first-year teacher, I know all this anxiety, exhaustion, and stress will be completely worth it!

My First Day

Today was my first day at Jackson High School. I woke up early and carefully picked out my outfit. Before I left the house, I took a quick look in the mirror to make sure everything appeared just right. The fifteen minute drive to the school was filled with nerves and pump-up music. Yes, you may think it was a bit much, but to me it fit the situation. I arrived around 8:15 a.m.; at this time in the school day it was class change. I entered the hallways with butterflies going crazy in my stomach. To make matters worse, every hallway I turned down led me to a dead end. I was lost without a finish line in sight. I looked young and clueless. I don’t think anyone thought I was an older college student; I look as young as sixteen. After roaming the hallways, I finally found Mrs. Mann’s lovely classroom. While she attended to her homeroom students, I walked a few doors down to Mrs. Barnes’ room- a former classmate of mine. It was great to see a familiar face. I am thankful she will be only a few doors away this year. She is a great teacher and her students are fortunate to have her. After a fun chat with her, I returned back to Mrs. Mann’s room. A few minutes later the students I will begin my student teaching with began to filter into the room. High school freshman filled the classroom with nerves and laughter. Mrs. Mann began reciting names and making the kids laugh with her witty remarks. Before the end of class, I introduced myself. I told the students they have to be nice to me otherwise they’ll fail- a joke none of them found funny. I can tell there are some interesting characters in the class; they definitely made me laugh quite a few times. My butterflies escaped by the end of the period; I became very excited. I stayed for the next class which is accelerated 10th grade English. It was another great group of kids. Each of them gave Mrs. Mann their full attention. After the class ended, I began to exit out the back. I needed to head to my college class; otherwise I would have loved to stay a bit longer. I never expected to learn so much on my first day. Mrs. Mann is cool and confident with her teaching style. I can tell this is going to be a good experience, but thank goodness I got the first day over with!





Jackson High School
http://jackson.stark.k12.oh.us/JacksonHigh.cfm?subpage=314137