It is hard to say what I gained most from the student teaching experience. I feel like I have learned so much from the experience in terms of classroom management, dealing with students and working with others. In terms of classroom management, I learned how to juggle many things at one time. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming when there are a million questions being flung at you at one time. I gained the patience and resolve to work through the questions till they are all answered. I have also gained the insight into working with students. Most importantly, feeling comfortable saying no and asking students to keep working on their projects when they think they are done. Keeping all of these other things in mind the thing I gained the most would be confidence. All of the time spent in the classroom reassured me that I choose the right profession and that I can be a confident and capable teacher. I can now enter a job feeling like I’m prepared for the challenge ahead.
The student teaching experience exceeded my expectations. I feel like I was lucky two have two great cooperating teachers who I could go for support and ask questions. I did not expect that I would build such strong relationships with the students and miss them so much when it was time to leave. This has by far been the most enjoyable semester in college for me and I’m pleased that my experience turned out to be so great.
