See You Later Not Goodbye

The semester is now over and I just wanted to write a final closing blog for now. This class has taught me so much and opened my eyes and mind up to different techniques and practices for my future classroom. This class was definitely not easy. You need to put in long hours and pace yourself if you wish to succeed. As I wrap up this semester I want to thank my colleagues and Dr. Smirnova for all of the things you taught me. Now when I look at a group of students I will always hear in my head "do not say guys" and thus I will be more professional. To future students taking this class good luck and just know it will all be worth it in the end. Until next time bloggers!

Interview

Today in class we had a mock interview. My colleagues acted as principals from four different elementary schools seeking to hire new teachers from our Social Studies Methods class. Each school had it's own values and specific style of teaching. At first I was very nervous with the first principal, but once I let the nerves out the rest of the interviewing process wasn't that bad. I learned to be more confident when responding to the principal candidates. I have always been soft spoken and I quickly learned when having an interview within a group that I need to speak up or I will get talked over. Having the interview within a group is one aspect I did not like. I think that this was unrealistic and certain group members spoke for longer not giving everyone else enough time to talk. I enjoyed the open-ended questions asked by the principal candidates because it gave me the opportunity to express my opinion on the topic. I think that my colleague Erin was the most professional principal candidate within the group. She made the interview process authentic and serious. As I quickly learned to answer questions right away and not look as if I was confused the process went much smoother. I liked the question one principal asked "What color comes to mind when you think of Differentiated Instruction" I immediately answered with a rainbow. The reason I chose a rainbow is because every student is different just like a rainbow. Therefore differentiated instruction assists every student in the classroom in its own unique way. This interview process prepared me for whats to come in my future. 

& That's a Wrap

So it's the last week of class and all we have done for it seems like is work on our e-folios. I actually really enjoy having time in class to work on mine because Dr. Smirnova is right there when ever I have a question about anything she ALWAYS has the right answer. Knowing that there are only two classes left is bittersweet. This class has taught me a lot and I think together we grew and became better teachers. Although I still have a lot to learn before student teaching this class will always remain near and dear to my heart. I learned so many new technology tools for teaching that I never even knew existed. I created an entire unit plan and an e-folio to present at future job interviews that I know will wow my employers. Last, but certainly not least, I was introduced to edTPA. This is one of the hardest things I hear about from upperclassmen, but now that I have practiced it I feel much more confident. I know that when student teaching comes I will be fully prepared to take on edTPA without a scare. Thank you Dr. Smirnova and class for everything you have taught me in such a short amount of time!