Who's idea was it to extend practicum beyond 9 weeks in February? Whoever it is, they are a genius! The opportunity to connect with my mentor teacher, the students, the school, and the families right from the "get go" is a blessing! I am being woven into the quilt right from the start instead of being some vagabond who pops his unshaven face into the classroom in February and attempts to get his thread into the quilt after it is mostly woven! I am thankful for the budding relationships I have found thus far and for the real, live, learning that I am receiving!
So what are my goals here? I suppose big picture it is to learn how to be an amazing teacher and to get a job, but big goals are always built from much smaller ones. During this practicum, areas I really hope to experience and grow in might begin as follows:
- Building relationships. True relationships. Relationships with everybody... well maybe not everybody, but pretty close!
- Absorbing the knowledge and experience of others. The wealth of knowledge and experience that is available to me at Gateway is astounding! My mentor teacher, the staff and admin, the students, the families, and everybody else attached in someway to Gateway has something to teach me. Lord, help me to have eyes to see and ears to hear!
- Reducing my anxieties. Remembering names, lesson planning, start of the school year stuff, assessment practices, and administrative duties are a few on my list. Growth comes with experience and reflection, so bring it on!
- Learning to serve others better. Serving and sacrifice are at the center of my view on teaching. These are tall orders and I hope to grow in my abilities to do both.
These feel like a start. In my head and heart I'm sure there are a thousand more swirling around, but these are a start.
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