Student Teacher Diaries: In The Beginning

This semester, along with leading 24 fourth graders through the second half of the school year, I will be mentoring a student teacher.  It was 20 years ago I went through this journey on the other side.  Things have changed drastically in education during that time.  First of all, the vocabulary.  Tomorrow I will begin with my "teacher intern".  My plan is to journal this experience from my viewpoint, as well as the viewpoint of my intern.  We hope to provide you with a glimpse into our journey including the expectations and interactions with our students as well as the personal expectations and experiences of a mentor and intern.

Mentor:  Lori Rice--My first reaction when I learned I was going to have a teacher intern was of extreme excitement.  I was overjoyed at the possibilities this would bring to our classroom.  The first month of co-teaching will allow me to better meet the needs of 24 different learners.  I am excited to be able to interact more deeply with each child as well as re-teach and extend learning.  Having a second person in the classroom will allow for learning to grow and happen at an even more individualized level than I can provide on my own.  When I am teaching, my intern will be able to sit with groups to help with focus, directions, questions and make learning meaningful for students who need more assistance.  When she is teaching, I will be able to observe my students with new eyes.  I have always thought classrooms could benefit from having more than one adult in the room at all times and I am excited for this opportunity.

In preparation I have read the handbook and already established an open communication with my intern.  We met once before break and have started an email conversation.  It is an interesting process to reflect through the eyes of a new teacher versus the lens of my experience.  I know this process will push me to think about my teaching on a different level and push me to become better.  I am excited for the changes I will find.

Intern: Lauren Laudan--While most of my friends in college are either basking in the sun on some Caribbean island or catching up on their beloved Netflix show, I am setting my alarm for 6 am and working an eight-hour day (or more).  And to be honest, I couldn't be happier about it. There’s a quote that has always stood out, “Let what you love be what you do”. And despite long days and early nights, I am doing just that--what I know I am called to do.

Today was a busy day filled with faculty meetings and team planning. There were definitely points throughout the day where I questioned if they were even speaking English. I got a wonderful tour of the school from the darling reading specialist and I was amazed at the kindness of the teachers as they went out of their way to introduce themselves to me. The faculty and community at West has embraced me with open arms and I could not imagine a better environment to grow as a teacher. I know I am going to learn so much from my teacher, Lori and I cannot wait to meet my fourth graders tomorrow morning and start my journey alongside them.

Learning is a life-long journey.  Having a teacher intern this semester is going to allow learning for everyone involved. My excitement tonight is an uplifting start to the new semester.  I look forward to watching this process and developing a relationship that will impact the future of many, including myself.