Professionalism as we
discussed during our workshops on Monday is composed on many parts. One aspect
of professionalism which I believe is essential is self-care which is necessary
to perform at the highest of our abilities. That’s because when we feel good
emotionally and physically we have a better chance of making important
connections necessary for student teacher relationships as well as teacher to teacher
relationships. Dressing well, being timely and knowing how to choose our
battles are other important aspect of professionalism.
Day 1
I’m
going to ruin the end of my first day of my student teaching story by spilling
it right now that I had an AMAZING first day! I arrived at Solon Middle School—my
morning home for the next 7 weeks—at 7:45 am.
Immediately I was greeted by warm, friendly smiles by the people in the
front office. Every teacher and staff member that crossed my path either acknowledged
me with a smile or greeted me with a “good morning”. It felt nice to be
welcomed.
In the classroom I got the opportunity to introduce
myself to the students. I used a PowerPoint with a couple of pictures to help
with my short introduction. I proceeded to ask them about activities they are
involved in, interesting facts about themselves or their family. Without a
doubt I learned pretty amazing things about them. My second day was no
different. I have met and held short conversations with other faculty in the
building as well as with the students.
I
have been arriving early to the school because that gives me an opportunity to
interact with the other teachers. It has also given me the opportunity to allow
some students that want extra study time for their geography test into the
classroom. Arriving earlier and interacting with other members of the school
shows my professionalism in a way that shows that I care. It also tells me much
about the professionalism about the faculty and staff of the school. They
demonstrate it each day by welcoming me warmly. In addition, so far I have not
heard any bashing of students in the teachers’ lounge. It is not that they don’t
talk about students, because they do, it’s that they talk about students in a
positive way.
This
has been beneficial for me because it has shown me how a professional community
supports and aid’s each other to succeed. All the positive energy can be felt
and it really has an impact on how my day goes. This environment has allowed me
to feel comfortable which in turn has allowed me to be confident. The openness of
the school has allowed me to feel like I can go up to anyone and start up a
conversation which is important in networking. Another amazing thing that has
showed that they care is them giving importance to how to pronounce my last
name. This not only shows me that they recognize that names are important to
people’s identity, but it also shows that they are welcoming through their
actions. This has really allowed me to feel part of the school in a short
period of time.
My
goal is to follow their example where ever I go. I am already a friendly
person, but this experience has really shown me how far a warm smile can go.
This is important for me to model because it will help create the professional community
that I am currently immersed in. I will continue to arrive early to make sure I
do not miss out on networking opportunities and bonding with the students
because it is essential to establishing relationships.
Sounds like your placement is also off to an amazing start (as is mine)! I also enjoy arriving early so that I can get settled as well as interact with other teachers and staff plus just to continue getting my bearings at the school. Have you taught anything solo yet? I have been solo once already and nailed it! Looking forward to reading more about your experiences!!
ReplyDeleteThe school your at sounds like a very welcoming place. I too have enjoyed the positive interactions with the staff members. Like you said, they are very friendly and open. I have also been showing up early. Since there isn't very much down time during the day, this gives me a more productive experience.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog and how you have seen so many examples of professionalism within your building. What really stood out to me was the fact that teachers do not bash students in the teachers lounge. I have heard many horror stories of this practice over the years and it was refreshing to read about your experience being a positive one. I think you are off to a wonderful start. It is so important that you are going above and beyond by showing up to work early everyday. That will not only benefit your students but staff will see this and it will go along way as you begin to look for employment!
ReplyDeleteI think you did a good job at taking what we learned at the workshop and applied it to your classroom experience so far! I agree that smiles can go a long way! Now that you have seen the impact of maintaining a professional community among teachers and staffs? I'm curious to know how you will pass that knowledge onto your students?
ReplyDeleteThat is such a good idea to arrive early and work with other faculty but I love even more that you offer to help students study. This is a great way to build relationships with students and really shows that you geniunely care about them. Isn't it great when everyone is so welcoming? As student teachers you never know what you will get but it sounds like most people have had really great experience so far. I think the smiling goal sounds great, especially with middle schoolers and the emotions that flow through each day.
ReplyDeleteMaria, it sounds like you are having a great first week! I hope that the next few weeks are also wonderful. I liked how you applied professionalism to your experience at Solon. I am eager to see how you are able to work with the other teachers in your building.
ReplyDeleteI have met other teachers in my building and it has reassured me that I have support everywhere I go. I hope your second week is even better your first week!
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