So this is the end..

My final week at Nathan Bishop was definitely bittersweet. I felt like I finally came into my own during my time there. I believe it happened because of Jennifer Jerome. She was absolutely amazing and the best CT a student teacher could ask for. I didn't want to say goodbye to her because it was more like playing and hanging out together than working. We understood each other from the beginning and I feel like our time was cut short. I can only send a million thanks to her for all the confidence she helped me find. She is definitely someone I will miss seeing everyday because she made me laugh from the time the day started until 2:45 when the last bell rang. She is definitely someone who I will call for a dinner date during my first year teaching.

As for the kids, I love then all. They drove me crazy right up to the last day, however, I wouldn't have had it any other way. They kept me on my toes the entire time and it only helped me as a teacher. I found my voice so to speak. I learned how important it is to create community as you work your way through the year, as well as a clear set of rules for the students in middle school. Without a clear set of classroom rules and the building of community, I don't think a successful year would happen for myself or the students. I also learned that no matter how many times you give a direction you need to repeat it five times after that. they have their moments but I know as humans we all do and I wouldn't want them any other way.

As for my entire semester- WOW! I feel like I am bursting with stories, happiness, and knowledge. I couldn't have asked for a better profession to be invested in for the rest of my life. I know I belong behind the desk, at the front of the room, and working on my white board handwriting. I know that this is the one thing that puts a smile on my face everyday and also has be hot like lava in my core when people say "gooooood luck being ac teacher". It's not going to be an easy journey but I am willing to take the risks I need in order to grow even more. I love the look on the faces of my students when I teach them something new or when they figure it out on their own.

The biggest reward I received this year has been my time with the students at Central High School. Last night I had the opportunity to chaperone their Senior Prom. The amount of love I received through hugs and pictures was overwhelming. I couldn't have asked for a better learning experience with a better group of students. The respect they have for me is within equal amounts that I have for them. I consider each and every one of them my children having been the teacher of just about all the seniors at Central.

This semester has left will with nothing but positivity and optimism. I feel I can take on the world and I definitely plan to do just so. I've met amazing people, hopefully future colleagues, and I've become a mentor to many. I am so thankful for my student teaching experience, my classmates for all support, and my family. I never gave up because they never gave up on me.

My first field trip...as a teacher.

Last Thursday was my first field trip as a teacher. I had no idea what I was signing myself up for. A trip to RISD seemed harmless. Who would have thought I would be dying for food, water, and a chair.

The students on the Silver Team were going to the RISD museum in Providence and I was invited to go. They were going for their social studies class. I felt honored to be invited to attend the trip. I was also excited to hang out with my CT outside of the classroom.

Sadly, my CT has two seventh grade classes that she could not receive coverage for and because of that she was not able to go. Ms. Burns on the field trip all on her own. Who would be my buddy? Who would I learn from? Let’s face it this was a learning experience for me. I don't know how to take kids on a field trip. I was in for a treat.

By 10:00 I was ready for a comfortable chair, a coffee, and some food in my system. I could only imagine how the kids were feeling. Thankfully, the group of students I spent most of my day with were excellent. Of course, they had their moments, but I couldn’t have been happier with them.

There were a few students who thought they could do whatever they wanted because they were on a field trip and it was a gateway to no work. Mr. Audette knew this would happen, which is why he planned for each visit to include a small activity for the students. Had I known this I would have brushed up on my history- I truly hope I helped the students rather than hurt them.

Overall, the trip was a great way to get to know my students on a more personal level. At one point a student who I do not teach asked if she could transfer into my class. I had a lot of fun with them on the bus and waiting for each exhibit to allow us to enter.

The trip was definitely a success. It helped me see how much work really goes into a field trip and how hard teachers need to hold it together. If the teacher loses it then the whole trip will end up in chaos.