Over these past 15 weeks I feel that I grown so much. I walked
into Northern Burlington County Regional Middle School feeling nervous and not
sure what to expect from this experience. I had so many questions running
through my mind, “are the students going to like me?” “How am I going to do
this?” I had so many thoughts buzzing around my head. When I first started
teaching I was nervous and I fumbled a lot with my lessons. As the days passed
I became more comfortable and everything seemed to start coming a little more
natural to me.
I began to shift the focus of my lessons onto wildlife and
environmental sciences, something that I am so passionate about. I also made
sure that incorporated “Place Based Education” in my lessons as well. I felt
like I took my students on a journey about what was around us, here, in New
Jersey. We talked about native and invasive species, reptiles, mammals, birds,
insects, and so much more. As we talked about our “place” our New Jersey, I
realized just how much I knew and could tell my students. Talking about
wildlife and the environment came so naturally to me. It was really amazing to
know the feeling of being able to answer a challenging question that a student
had.
I also had my struggles with my student teaching experience as
well. In the beginning I would only teach to one side of the room. It was the
weirdest thing and I have no idea why I would do it. It took a lot for me to
work on that skill and I was finally able to correct it. Classroom management
was also an area that I know I personally struggled with; I struggled
constantly with the question “is that something I should correct?” I was so
thankful that Dr. McLean helped me work on that skill as well. I know that I
still need some work on it but I know it will come with time. I worked hard on
my lesson plans to make sure that they were the best they could be. Sometimes
my lessons could have been better and if I had the chance to do them over again
I would change some things to make it more concise and there were lessons where
I could have added more interactive pieces. Lastly one thing that I know I need to
continue working on is making that meaningful connection to real life for my
students. I could tell that I hit the nail on the head with some lessons and
not so much with others. I also think that the more I “practice” the more this
will come naturally and the more I teach the easier this will become for me to
incorporate as well.
The top 10 things I will take away from this experience and some
advice to future student teachers:
1. Lecture,
although easiest, may not be your best friend…especially with middle schoolers.
2. Be
prepared for whatever students say, sometimes they will say the weirdest things
and sometimes you just have to go with it (unless it inappropriate!)
3. Students
really enjoy youtube clips that go along with what you are teaching. Even if it
is a 30 second clip that depicts what you are talking about, the information
will stick with them much more.
4. You
will really get to know your FFA members, they will be the students that you
will connect with first because you see them most often
5. Don’t
be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and do something BOLD and CREATIVE
in one of your lessons, maybe it’s a game, new type of lecture, notes, etc.
make it different
6. Students
would rather have interactive lessons; get them out of their seats and moving
around…sitting is BORING!
7. Sometimes
you just have to laugh with your
students
8. Own
up to your mistakes!
9. Get
involved with the school. Participate in spirit weeks, pep rallies, assemblies,
and go to some activities that your students are involved in, help out with the
committees your teacher is involved with. It will make your time more fun.
10. HAVE
FUN! Your experience is what you make of it, make it positive, make it real,
and enjoy it while it lasts because it will be over quickly!
I think that my student teaching experience has opened my eyes
to the world of FFA as well. Having not had the chance to be in an agriculture
program I was only able to see the world of agriculture education from the 4-H
standpoint growing up. Everything I have learned about FFA I have learned in
college. I did not even know what it was until I walked into my AEE 100 class
fall semester Junior year. I knew FFA existed but I had no idea what they did
or how important they were to the agriculture industry. Through my experience I
have been able to work with some amazing dedicated students. They welcomed me
with open arms, allowed me to help them and work hand in hand to complete their
goals for the year. I was able to help with fundraising, CDE events, and SAE
visits; it really gave me a chance to get my feet wet and get a taste of
everything FFA. I think I have made an impact on them because they have been
threatening to not let me leave, throw me in the closet, and they also promised
to “feed and water me,” and they keep asking me if I am going to come back. I
cannot help but smile. It is amazing how much you can help a student in such a
short time working with them.
I also have to say a HUGE thank you to Dr. McLean. She has been
such an amazing mentor throughout this whole experience. She has challenged me
to step out of my comfort zone, provided me with constructive and positive
feedback, and helped me to become a part of the Northern Burlington Middle
School family. We have had so many laughs and a lot of fun while on FFA trips
and in the classroom each day. I am so thankful that NBC was suggested to me
last year as a potential place to student teach. I feel like it was the perfect
fit for me. I also want to say thank you to Mrs. Sankey-Rice. She has been such
a great University Supervisor she has also made such a great mentor for me as
well, giving me great suggestions and making sure I was on track. Finally, I
have to thank Dr. Foster and Dr. Ewing for all of their support and providing
me with the experience of a lifetime over the past 2 years. All of my
supervisors, mentors, and professors have really pushed me and made me reach
higher for my goals. They have made me determined to succeed. I feel like I
truly have been provided with an experience that no one else will ever get to
have in another college Agriculture Education program. I have been able to
travel to different places, attend different conferences, and do things that I
never thought I would get to do in college.
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My time as an undergrad is rapidly coming to a close. As I take
off the cap and gown and put on the alumni hat I will always remember the
values and information that I have gained over my last 4 years. I am leaving
college as a totally different person than I was 4 years ago. I have had so
many experiences that have shaped me and mold me and help me discover what I
want to do. Although I will not be going into the classroom right away, I will
be finding the perfect classroom for me eventually. Right now I think that my
classroom needs to be nontraditional because I want to bring those extra skills
and information to my future classroom students some day. I also think that
grad school may be in my future as well. As this chapter closes and I begin
another one, I can only hope that the next adventure will be as great as this
one has been. I feel so blessed to call everyone I have met in my major a
friend and a colleague. I know that we will all find “adventure out
there…somewhere, someday, somehow.” As I walk across the stage on May 11th, I know that looking back all of the hard work, determination, and stressful hours of preparation will have all been worth
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