So I Started Student Teaching

I am finally a senior. Finally in my last semester of getting my degree. Finally about to become a real teacher. But first, student teaching.

Now what is so bad about student teaching, you ask? Not much. Just that we are still in the middle of a global pandemic learning online and I have no idea what the heck is going on basically ever. And also, 5 hour long sessions to write 1 lesson plan!!

Teaching is already a really difficult profession. Add the fact that all of your students are struggling with so many new problems (and so are you), it becomes a whole new ball game. I spend almost all my time trying to make content more interesting/appealing in an online platform, crafting my google classroom page into something that is digestible (which means using color coating emojis and making a whole key for students), and commenting on as much work as possible to remind students just to turn assignments in.

I have been placed at Tacony Charter High School, which is apart of American Paradigm schools. My host teacher is an amazing person who has done so much to make sure that I am learning and doing as much as I feel comfortable with. It feels so lovely to work with someone who feels just as driven as I am to make sure the students are successful. I am very lucky to have been placed in such a place where I feel safe to explore and implement as much as I want.

With all that being said,

I want so badly to use all of my best practices all the time. I want my students to have fun and be happy, but it feels so impossible right now. How can I make sitting behind a screen for 6 hours a day, interesting? How can I make a child not feel overwhelmed when they have to still pass the class?

I am teaching AP Language and Composition with 11th graders and 3 English classes with 12th graders. I do love it. I love creating lessons and I love making things as interesting as I can, but it is so hard. Students in AP feel really overwhelmed with the work we give out, but if they do not prepare, they won't pass the AP exam. Students in 12th grade English have to pass the class to graduate, but so many of them do not turn in the easiest of work (even when it is just copying a powerpoint into a guided notes sheet).

I want to write more about student experiences and student work, but it has been difficult to step back and start writing. This post is really just some word vomit of me documenting what is going on right now. What I'm thinking about and what I am struggling with.