Week 12

This past week, I continued to move forward in each of the two units. I have noticed that some students are improving and moving on the right path of progression on skill level and the general rules and procedures while other classes are not as advanced. I am now at a point where I have developed a few different activities for the same grade level because of the difference in growth of the students learning. I have been giving students extra time for practice, constant feedback, and modifying equipment in order for students to gain a better understanding of the activity and the skills required to actively participate with others. According to the IPTS 2, I have supported the understanding of student development and the individual growth of students by observing all classes and students on an individual basis.

Last week, it was a goal of mine to develop a collaborative relationship with my cooperating teacher that would support my own learning as well as the students learning. Despite the great difference in teaching styles of my teaching philosophy and my cooperating teachers philosophy, their should be a joined agreement that we are both teaching students to create a learning environment that support individual, intellectual, and social growth in students. In that agreement and alignment with the IPTS 9, there must be a mutual respect of one another in order support each other and their decisions for the well being of the students. I feel that I have shown my cooperating teacher respect, commitment, and leadership in being active with communicating with him and other teachers to support student learning.

This past week, I noticed a flaw directly between my cooperating teacher and myself in our relationship to cooperatively teach. All my life I have worked in a team setting, whether it is in a sport, at school, or amongst my family members. I have always worked with others and learned how to respect others ideas and opinions, even it they very different from mine. I noticed that my cooperating teacher is not being a supportive team member in our co-teaching relationship. For instance, a student walked up to me near the end of class and asked to use the water fountain. I replied, “we are going to wrap up in a few minutes, and we will take a water break as a class.” The student nodded with the understanding that we would take a water break as a class. As the student returned to activity, my cooperating teacher approached the student and asked him what I said he could not do. The student replied by saying “I asked to get water.” My cooperating teacher then said, “Well, I said it is okay to get water, so go ahead and get water.” The student turned and looked at me, unsure of what to do. Of course, I told him he could go since my cooperating teacher wanted him to have a drink of water. Now, my issue is not about the student getting water, but the fact that I gave a student instruction, and my cooperating teacher went against my word and allowed the student to get water. I am not a teacher who does not allow water breaks or rest during activity, I make sure that I manage my class appropriately so large numbers of students are not asking to use the bathroom or water fountain, just to get out of class. This particular student that asked for water student did not seem exhausted or desperate for water. I was bothered that my cooperating teacher tries to step in at any time he can to go against my direction during the time I am teaching and tells a student to do the opposite of the instruction I give. Since I am a team player, I will continue to respect my cooperating teacher not only as a teacher but also as an adult.  I can now see why many students do not listen to all teachers in the building, it seems that they have an understanding if a teacher is not their teacher then they don’t have to listen to their instruction. 

Because of my reflecting as a practitioner I have been able to better evaluate how specific choices made and the actions given affect the students and their learning. Reflecting a bit deeper this week has allowed me to come up with different strategies I would like to use in the class. Also, I want to communicate with my cooperating teacher on the issue of working together as a team. I feel that is important that students respect me as their teacher even if I am only at the school for a few more weeks. At that time, I could ask my cooperating teacher what I can do to help if he would like me to do something more, less, or not at all to work better together while we are co-teaching. With my refection and growth I am meeting IPTS 10, I feel that I am beginning to grow as a professional by addressing my concerns or worries directly, in order to create more opportunities for learning and growth.

This next week, my teaching placement will be on spring break. I am going to take this time to relax, reflect, and plan creative lessons for a bowling unit when I return from break. I am hoping this week off will give my students, my cooperating teacher, and myself a fresh start to the last five weeks of my student teaching experience.