Week 1 Reflection
This week has been a learning
experience for me as a beginning teacher. We spent the first week interviewing
a number of individuals who work in the school to support the learning of the
students. The principal, the other teachers, the secretary as well as some of
the school’s support staff all gave us enormous insight into the workings of
the school. As a beginning teacher one of the most important things that I have
learned is to be aware of the resources that are available. There were hundreds
of people in the school willing to give us advice, let us use their resources
as well as help us with anything we needed around the school. The people in the
school were incredibly inviting.
One of the things that struck me the
most, that I will take away from this experience, is the overwhelming sense of
community that the school had. The teachers, the students, the administration
and the support staff all worked together in harmony. They were a cohesive
movement throughout the school. The teachers communicated readily about
students and were in contact with each other about anything that may have
caused them concern. They all worked together with the intention of making each
other’s lives easier. I felt incredibly welcomed and as though I were already,
in mere days, a part of their community.
Something else that I will take away
from this experience is the important of befriending those who can help you
with obtaining information or resources. The librarian, a wonderful resource
for example. Whilst we were interviewing her, she showed us a hidden resource
that we were all unaware that the school had. She brought us to a section of
the library that had resource packages for the teachers, much like the
curriculum lab that the university has for us to use. The librarian as well as
the secretary are great resources who are both willing and able to answer many
of our questions, and find and provide us with resources.
As a newly integrated member of the
educational community at this particular elementary school, I feel that there
are a few ways that would be the best methods for me to become a part of their
school culture. The parents at this elementary school are incredibly important,
they play a big role in the school culture. Participating in extra-curricular
activities, getting involved in sports teams or after school activities would
be the best way to form relationships or become a member of the school culture.
The teachers at this school are very involved and I think that being equally as
involved is exactly what we will have to do in order to be good active
participants in their culture.
The most important thing that I am taking away
from this experience is to always be adaptable. My Teacher Mentor had an interesting
week getting two assemblies sprung on her where she had regular lessons planned.
She adapted incredibly well and shifted her lessons around to be able to make
up for the lost time. From watching her adapt so quickly, I learned how
important it is to not overreact and to be flexible to the changes that may
need to be made. It was a life lesson that I learned about teaching. A
teachable moment for myself, never believe that your lesson plan is set in
stone because anything can happen. It can always change.
