Online Reflection #4 Option #2 Book Outline with Chapter
Synopses
It’s Dangerous to Go Alone! Take this… (and this, and that, too):
a student teacher survival manual
Chapter One:
Plan, over-plan, and re-plan
Start early! Work with your
cooperating teacher to build a schedule that allows you plenty of time for collaborative
planning. You need to know what your CT wants of you, but your CT needs to know
what you have to do and what help you need. Learn about being assertive,
polite, and organized. Create lesson plans that any sub off the streets can
take and teach, let alone your CT. Get pointers on grading, class culture, and
classroom management, before you are introduced to class. Have a strong,
interesting introduction!
Chapter Two: A rose by any other name…
Names come easy
to some, hard to others. Know your weaknesses and strengths. You will mix up
names and students…apologize and move on. Set up the class to best facilitate
your ability to learn class culture, student names, and promote learning.
Chapter Three: I don’t always have teachable moments, but when I do…I miss ‘em
If something
goes wrong, use it to show how human you are, and to teach problem solving and
patience skills. Ask for help if it available. Be flexible. Do not be ashamed
to say you don’t know, or you are sorry – but move on.
Technology is a iffy, iffy thing in most modern schools. Be prepared for everything to go wrong. Have a back-up plan, and a emergency back-up plan to the back-up plan. Roll with the punches and don't blame it on the IT or technology staff. Sometimes they do not have access to solutions and are struggling just like you. If it makes you too angry: buy what you need , write a grant, or write a senator.
Chapter Four: Gotta catch ‘em all!
Just because it
feels like utter chaos to you, does not mean learning is not happening.
However, pick the battles that are important to you and that promote learning. You are not a cop or a prison guard. You are an educator. Do what is in the best interest of that particular position.
There will be those students who hate you, who push your buttons, or who cannot
stand to be in your class. Make a connection with them and keep your calm.
Sometimes those are the students you have the biggest positive impact on!
Chapter Five: Consistency is hard in real life
We all have
those moments when we act or speak against our accepted rules. Stop, adjust,
and move on. Do not be a constant hindrance in the classroom by changing policy
and procedures for students. When students are unsure, they cannot make the
best choices. Students will have a million reasons to “break” the rules for
them, be careful when and how you make these decisions. Get advice from trusted
mentors and take any accommodations into account, but in the end you have to
decide if their need is greater than the class seeing a consistent teacher.
Chapter Six: Now for a taste of things to come...
It will get
worse before it gets better. It will get better. Take time for yourself and
de-stress regularly. Find a mentor that can help you, even if it isn’t your CT
or even a teacher. Put into the class what you want to get back. Be ten times
more organized and planned than you ever think you will need to be. Smile.
Breathe.
