Student Teaching Internship: 1st grade, Magahay Elementary:Utica Community Schools, Sterling Heights, MI.
Student teaching is an experience I will never forget. I was fortunate enough to work with my mentor, Andrea Finkel. I learned many important aspects of teaching during my internship. For starters, educating my students, my class ranged from special needs learners to high learners. This wide range of students gave me the opportunity to prepare lessons based on my students needs. I had to plan lessons that were suitable for students that supported instructional goals and set high expectations. I was able to implement different approaches for learning and assessing. There was no greater joy than watching my students grow. I attended several student needs assessment committee meetings, aiding and viewing individual educational plans for my students. I also grew strong bonds with my student’s parents; I did this by daily communication during pick up, weekly newsletters and a private classroom website.
I as well learned how to work as a team working with the Magahay staff. I attended several staff meetings, professional development seminars and a Utica Community Schools board meeting. The Magahay staff helped me improve as a teacher by sharing lesson ideas and giving me tips. I feel privileged to have learned from and worked with such a wonderful team.
During my internship I was asked by my principal, Steve Slancik, to plan and run an after school Title I mathematics and reading program for struggling students. This was the greatest opportunity for me because I was able to teach a new group of students at the fourth and fifth grade level. It was also wonderful to be able to help these students grow and become stronger in the areas of reading and math. This opportunity helped me grow as a teacher. I will never forget my year at Magahay and all the great endeavors I encountered. I look forward to implementing all this internship has taught me into my future career of education!
January-April 2010:Student teaching internship: First Grade · Use different approaches for learning: applying a variety of instructional activities. · Plan lessons suitable for students that support instructional goals and set high expectations. · Develop and manage a private classroom website. · Produce weekly newsletters. · Organize and teach an after school Title I Reading and Mathematics program. · Incorporate enjoyable and peaceful practices to build classroom community. · Planned for a Dental Hygienist to come in and educate both first grade classes on oral hygiene. · Aid in planning individual disciplinary behavior plans. · Attend several Student Needs Assessment Committee (SNAC) meetings. · Attend Utica Community Schools board meeting. September-December 2009: First grade yearlong field placement. · Assisted in designing physical arrangement of the classroom for new school year. · Attended staff meetings and open house. · Volunteered at after school Fall event. · Developed strong bonds with students, cooperating teacher, and staff. · Familiarized self with differentiating learning styles of students. · Coordinated and implemented classroom behavior plan. · Facilitated and assessed multiple lessons. |    |
