Musings on the observation of a student teacher, one semester later...

[starya]

So today I had the opportunity to sub for a high school math class that had a student teacher. This, of course, lead to some thoughtful musings as someone who was recently a student teacher, and had a few mixed experiences when a sub was in the classroom as opposed to my co-op.

Comments

[starya]

Every teacher/student teacher I've spoken to said the same thing about their classroom management, so you are definitely not alone. Having done more research on the topic post-graduation I realize how much I did wrong, and why my students didn't really respect my authority in the classroom. Sure, it wasn't a train wreck, and the students liked me, but I was a bit too passive and doormat-like. There is so much I would have changed if I could go and do it again.

Which is why I want to start teaching already! I want to try these new ideas and actually put my subbing experience to good use. I have had no discipline problems while subbing because I am much more assertive and take a lot less crap because I'm expecting the worst...

And so far I've subbed in two special ed. classrooms. I was waaaaay out of my league. I hesitate to accept those calls now because I feel completely unqualified to work with these students. It has been good experience, but I feel like I need a few more degrees before anyone should place me in a special ed. class, sub or not.

And now I have a job interview for an office job. So is life for us recession grads.

[b1ackdea7h]

Work is work. I took my office job as long and they let me keep it. Now I have enough funds to hold my my loans so I can freely finish my Federal Career Training. Still want to sub should a good opportunity arise though. The extra cash would help too.

And yeah, I definitely hear you, there are some days where I do still want to go back and do it all again, but better and more refined (well, in theory anyway).

I had quite a few special education students in my classroom for student teaching. Made for an even more interesting experience for me. A whole class is a different story though. Given my experience with special ed. students, I'd definitely want to look at IEP's and have a chance to observe the students first before even trying to be their sub. Totally need more experience and education before comfortably going in to a new group of special ed. students and confidently knowing what to do and how to handle anything and everything.

Heh, I'm starting to sound like a teacher again.

[starya]

Hurrah! As you should.

I had mostly inclusion classrooms during student teaching, but I feel the entire process was still.. Different. I'm currently post-incredibly-long-interview, so I'll make a more coherent comment when my brain function kicks back in.

But yes, looking at IEPs made a huge difference in my inclusion classes, along with the help of the special ed. teachers and the aides. Subs should be aware of that material (Even if it is health related. I had a student have two seizures during a sub day and I had no idea what to do or if it was a common occurrence. Thank God for aides!)