Having Noah Rubin presenting last week was a great experience. He is so enthusiastic about what he does that it was really fascinating to hear him talk about social-emotional learning. He was really sensitive to everyone's needs as well, and was able to turn almost anything into a positive, which was a nice breath of fresh air coming from a teacher; to see that new(ish) "progressive," idea of social-emotional learning.
I was also so embarrassed at how upset I was and became during class. I do not like to cry. I turn all red, blotchy, and puffy, and I really didn't want anyone's pity last week. I was just having a really hard week of student teaching and couldn't contain it anymore. I have to hand it to my class though; everyone was really nice about it. And Noah gave some really nice suggestions, like to write a letter to my cooperating teachers. I wasn't able to do that, however the whole class and a cross between my classmates, Professor Uy's kind emails, and Noah's nice suggestions really helped push me through the rest of the week and gave me the guts to talk about my personal struggles with student teacher with my cooperating teachers. It turned out they were really supportive and said "That's what we're here for!" and were able to help me out a lot.
I know we're supposed to post about our readings and experiences at Teen Coalition, however, last week was such a pivotal week for me, and such an emotional experience, that I wanted to post about how touched I was by last class. It really gave me a glimmer of hope for my student teaching and my pending professional future.
Erica,
ReplyDeleteDon’t be embarrassed for getting upset! We are all in the same boat (or similar one) and we are all understanding and supportive. It was actually good for me to hear your story because at the beginning of the program I was very upset and down on myself. I have been getting good grades but I am so down on myself. Sometimes I even think that I’m going to be awful and student teaching and teaching in general so where do I go from there? What we are going through is really difficult and extremely emotional. It is great that you have someone there for you just saying you can do it. Every day I had to wake up and just say “okay I can do this today.” It is definitely not just you – we are all struggling in one way or another. Keep your head up, you’ll get through it and just remember that you’re not alone!
I like that you are taking this time to write about something that was so important to you. I am sure you are not the only one struggling with your student teaching. I think it is important for everyone to see this and understand because we will all be in your shoes some days. Its nice to know that your cooperating teachers were so nice and helped you through the hard time as well. So although you don't like to be emotional I think you should just look at it as teaching us all a lesson for the day. I really appreciate you sharing this and I hope things are improving in your student teaching!
ReplyDeleteI also agree that this guy was great. He is just one of those rare people that exert positivity in every situation. I can't imagine the pressure he had in his school system, and the fact that he dedicated his life to helping his students is very admirable.
ReplyDeleteI am really glad you found some resolution to your student teaching problems. I don't think anyone is sure about everything at this point and comfortable, and things will get easier ahead. We are all having some rough times in the program in one way or another so no worries! I bet you will be a fine teacher!