I am blessed to live in a small community just outside of a university town.  With this comes the opportunity to have pre-service teachers in my classroom.  While learning to teach, they are also my students.  I have had the opportunity to work with early field students just beginning their educational work, students in their “block” classes beginning to teach […]
The Student Teacher Diaries
Student Teacher Diaries: My Wish For You
This semester flew by and it was an amazing gift to see my students through fresh eyes.  Having a student intern gave me the chance to reflect and think about my own teaching, as well as help my students in ways only possible when you have more than one adult working together in a classroom.  Having […]
Student Teaching Diaries: Through the Teacher’s Eyes
Teaching is the greatest job on the earth.  It is not the most respected or highest paying and it does not bring you power, wealth or fame, but it is the toughest job that has the most impact on our future.  Each year teachers enter the classrooms and meet students with stories.  We make a connection. […]
Student Teaching Diaries: Bringing the World Into Your Classroom
Today there are many ways to expand your classroom walls. Â Field trips, virtual trips, Skype conversations, and traveling trunks can all provide your students with experiences and expertise that help their learning. Â As an educator you need to be able to match your objectives with resources near you. Â Inviting visitors into the classroom is another […]
Student Teaching Diaries: Is This For a Grade?
When students enter preschool and kindergarten they are excited by learning. Â They explore and engage in activities for the sake of what is happening. Â Teachers set up experiences and lessons that develop skills and provide learning for students. Â As students progress through elementary school, however, they begin to see the association of work for “a […]
Student Teacher Diaries: Classroom Management
This weekly series features the observations and experiences of a veteran teacher and her student teacher as they learn together this semester. At the beginning of the year it is important to establish the tone of your classroom.  I like to select a theme that ties things together.  For the past couple of years I […]
Student Teacher Diaries: Parent Teacher Conferences
Twice a year the school system demands we stop and reflect. Â This is not enough, but I love this time of year when I look at the growth all students have made. Â Not everyone is where I want them, but it is important to focus on how far students have come in the year and […]
Student Teacher Diaries: Building Each Other Up
There is always a point in the year when the students have become comfortable with each other and I know. Patience runs out, words develop edges and group work becomes unbearable. I have an activity I pull out each year to help students build each other up and look at each other with grace and […]