Student Teacher

Just 6 years ago I began my fall internship at Putnam County Elementary school in Eatonton, GA. I remember feeling so eager to help every student. I was still unaware of the every day problems teachers face, especially in Special Education.

Next Tuesday I will begin hosting a student teacher from the University of Georgia. Two of my colleagues will also be hosting student teachers.

I have already received emails from my Ms. M. (the student teacher). She will be working in my room 3 days a week throughout the fall semester. She seemed super excited and ready to dive right in. I have a really great group of kids this year. I think she will be able to learn a lot in my room as well as in our Special Education department.

It's going to be kinda weird having someone watch me teach. I feel like I have to have wonderful "teacher of the year" lessons planned for the days she will be in my room. But in the real world, those fun, cross-curricular lessons only happen a few times a month.

I see my kids for 45 minute sessions each day to work on reading, writing or math. We spend the majority of our time on the basics, using programs that are specially tailored to fit our student's needs. It's pretty cut and dry. That's why I mix things up each month. I need a change for fear that I might die of complete boredom. The kids need the change too. We read a novel (guided, very guided reading mind you), put on a play (Fractured Fairy Tails are a favorite choice) or we complete math and art projects. The kids look forward to our next project. I am able to use the projects as "carrots" to motivate my students through the daily, repetitive lessons.

I hope my student teacher is able to learn a lot in my room. She is going to bring her syllabus so I can look it over. I want to make sure she is able to get everything she needs to complete her assignments. I will keep you posted on Ms. M's progress...