Professionalism

I am growing as a professional. Everyday at school is new and I am gradually becoming more aware that teachers are some of the most hardworking professionals. Everyday I am surrounded by teachers who dedicate their lives to children, but also to all of the paperwork, planning, conferencing, mediating, sorting, distributing, collaborating, assessing, and grading. My classroom teacher, Jo, and I have had many brief reflections about the complexity of teaching. It is so complex, and at times really overlooked by the community and other professionals. I like the time that Jo and I have just to discuss about the career field that she has been part of for ten years while I am only just entering it. We have similar opinions about the value of education and the roles that teachers play in it.

Right now I would say that my role in the school would be defined as supporter. I am supporting students who are at a really confusing point in their lives. They are changing physically and mentally (and this is the one that is the most complicated). I try to think back to the time when I was 12 years old and what I was thinking, feeling, and also acting like. It is so hard for me to do, but I must try to understand what is going on in their lives and be a compassionate supporter. I also am the students' support for learning. Learning about life is most critical for students this age, but academic knowledge will also get students very far in life. I have found that I can't teach maths, reading, writing, or any academic subject when students are not feeling supported emotionally. Jo and I are focusing on developing the students to be a whole, well-rounded, respectable individuals because that is what they need right now in their lives.

Today, Jo and I had Circle Time with the students. This is a time for the class to speak their mind in a safe area. Lately, students have been not respectful to others. Bullying and immature actions are the main concern at this time. These actions have been brought into the classroom and and have affected me. The students are not showing their full respect to me as a teacher. In circle time we spoke about how I am a teacher and they must respect me just as much as I respect them as students. It was good to talk with students instead of lecturing to students to problem solve what changes need to be make by them and myself. I am looking forward to the last couple weeks of class so our relationships can develop.

The students are working on descriptive writing. I am figuring out how it is best to have students work in leveled writing groups. I am a firm believer in students working in groups and at their own ability level, however as a new teacher I am still figuring out the best way to facilitate group learning. Everyday I try something new, adapt, and then see how it goes. Jo is really good at letting me learn through trying things out and then letting me reflect on it.

Bre and I are off to Sydney, Australia this weekend! We are really excited to visit an NEW country. I can't wait to see the Australia stamp in my passport.