The first day is always a little nerve-racking. Will they like me? Will they think I'm funny? Will they think I'm weird? Palms sweating, stomach in knots, knees quaking. I made my way into the classroom and let out a deep sigh. It's real! I am back in school. Homework, quizzes, tests and even paying attention. It's amazing how many things never change about your first day in school...even when you are the teacher!
I began my Student Teaching experience at the end of January. Much to my chagrin, it was in a 9th grade class! My certification will be 1-9 upon completion of the program. However, 9th grade was my least desired age group to teach. In my mind, kids this age were surly and testing their newly discovered individuality (code word: rebellion). And now to have 4 sections of English 9 and a Writing for Publications class! YIKES. Thankfully, the Writing for Pubs class is one that I mainly assist in...although I did just fly solo teaching them about Watergate and Investigative Journalism! Interesting stuff!
On that first day, as the students made their way into the classroom, I was taken aback at how young they all seemed. Reality check: I'm not 21 anymore...or 25...or 29!! Of course they seem young - I am twice their age. In fact, a few weeks ago, one student informed me that his mom was 32, which he felt was pretty close to my age! Despite their fresh faces, these students looked bored by the idea of thinking, participating and school overall. It was a bit intimidating at first. If they are like this for the real English teacher...what would they be like for ME?!?
Over the course of my 9 weeks in this classroom so far, I have learned so much about myself, my students and the teaching profession. My level of respect for the job teachers do has skyrocketed higher than I ever anticipated. I never realized how much juggling teachers do between planning, parents, after school duties, in-school duties, detentions, discipline and overall TEACHING. It's draining but that type of draining that energizes a part of your soul you never knew existed. My appetite for watching students learn and grow never seems fully satiated. The feeling when you see a student finally understand a new concept or apply the knowledge they have learned is indescribably rewarding. Don't get me wrong, there are certainly some students who pose some of the greatest tests of patience I will ever encounter! And some of the students lack of respect for education is astounding but I still try to reach them in some capacity.
I have two more weeks at this school after Spring Break is over. I can admit that my perspective on this age group has turned 180 degrees. I am fascinated by their interpretations, wit and humor. Their level of understanding is deep; though many of them have yet to realize that! I am going to miss these kids so much! I really feel I have made a connection with so many of them. I thought it would be impossible to learn 110 names and really know these students when I first began this journey. However, I know each of their names and know them well enough to start up conversations with them before the start of class. I believe this has helped me earn their respect as someone who takes their role seriously while trying to make a true connection to her students.
Not only has my experience with the students been generally favorable, but my cooperating teacher is fantastic! He has been an amazing resource and support through this experience. His feedback is most appreciated. It has made a world of difference in the way that I approach my lessons and handle the class!
The next adventure will be with 3rd graders! I'll keep you posted!
