This last placement has been in second grade at a Lutheran school. I absolutely fell in love with it the second I walked through the door. My cooperating teacher is amazing and the school welcomed me as part of the staff. I felt confident in my ability to teach. I was stretched beyond belief in planning for multiple subjects, helping at school and family functions, learning the rules/procedures, and more.
Every night, I would go home and want to tell all of my stories of what happened. I would share stories with friends and families several times. Sure, there were rough days or moments. But there were so many more incredible ones. I had the joy of learning what a snow day feels like as a teacher, experiencing field trips, simultaneously taking attendance/grade papers/serve breakfast/take lunch count, attempting to beat my colleagues in work week hustles, getting home completely exhausted, and starting/ending each day with a prayer. I could not be more grateful for the times I have had at this school and the wonderful God moments. The prayers alone made me want to go back every day.
As I think back on student teaching, I had some wonderful experiences. There were definitely stressful weeks, moments, and times I questioned if teaching was really what I wanted to do. Even in those moments, God granted me a sense of peace. I was able to see that the tediousness of student teaching paperwork and projects would end and eventually I would have my room where I could be more creative. In the moments where things went way better than expected, I was encouraged by staff, I got way too many drawings and hugs from kids, or I felt an overwhelming sense of a calming, I knew God was showing me that this is where I'm meant to be.
One boy very seriously told me he loved and wanted mac-and-cheese in the middle of chapel.
One boy wiped his booger on the carpet after I told him to stop picking his nose and said "But um, no" when I told him to wash his hands.
Almost convincing the kids that I played Elsa in Frozen.
Kindergarten:
One kid coming in and pretending to be the Hulk and dabbing everywhere he went.
One boy getting so excited when he got his clip moved up for good behavior. And then later that week attempting to run away from school.
Watching a girl turn around and hit her friend because she accidentally touched her hair.
Getting to share with the kids that one day I'll be getting married and that my last name will change.
Second Grade:
Explaining why I'm so short each and every day.
Realizing some students parents were the same age as me.
Having my first kid roll his eyes at me and tell me "whatever."
Watching kids give their first group presentation and straight up just reading from the poster.
Giving extra credit work and having three kids be super excited about more homework.
One boy shouting "Whoop, whoop!" in line after a firm reminder that there is no noise once you get in line.
Explaining what a fiance is and how I'll be getting married one day.
Stopping a social studies lesson to discuss how this world is sometimes unsafe, but through that is why we believe in God and should share the Gospel and also receive forgiveness of sins.
As I think back on student teaching, I had some wonderful experiences. There were definitely stressful weeks, moments, and times I questioned if teaching was really what I wanted to do. Even in those moments, God granted me a sense of peace. I was able to see that the tediousness of student teaching paperwork and projects would end and eventually I would have my room where I could be more creative. In the moments where things went way better than expected, I was encouraged by staff, I got way too many drawings and hugs from kids, or I felt an overwhelming sense of a calming, I knew God was showing me that this is where I'm meant to be.
Every teacher has their fair share of "stories" so here are a few of my firsts as a teacher and things I'll always remember!
Preschool:One boy very seriously told me he loved and wanted mac-and-cheese in the middle of chapel.
One boy wiped his booger on the carpet after I told him to stop picking his nose and said "But um, no" when I told him to wash his hands.
Almost convincing the kids that I played Elsa in Frozen.
Kindergarten:
One kid coming in and pretending to be the Hulk and dabbing everywhere he went.
One boy getting so excited when he got his clip moved up for good behavior. And then later that week attempting to run away from school.
Watching a girl turn around and hit her friend because she accidentally touched her hair.
Getting to share with the kids that one day I'll be getting married and that my last name will change.
Second Grade:
Explaining why I'm so short each and every day.
Realizing some students parents were the same age as me.
Having my first kid roll his eyes at me and tell me "whatever."
Watching kids give their first group presentation and straight up just reading from the poster.
Giving extra credit work and having three kids be super excited about more homework.
One boy shouting "Whoop, whoop!" in line after a firm reminder that there is no noise once you get in line.
Explaining what a fiance is and how I'll be getting married one day.
Stopping a social studies lesson to discuss how this world is sometimes unsafe, but through that is why we believe in God and should share the Gospel and also receive forgiveness of sins.
