Hello! I guess I should begin by introducing myself. My name is Erin, I am 24, and I am beginning Student Teaching in 7 days! I began this blog because I have been reading and finding encouragement in many other teaching blogs. One day I will be as organized, professional, and fabulous as them (I hope)! I want to document my journey to get to that point.
Transitioning from a college student to a student teacher has been an interesting preparation. The fact that I'm a little older has been a large help. Business clothes? Half my wardrobe is dresses or clothing from three years ago I just haven't been able to part with. The other half? Shorts, tank tops, and casual items. Not exactly a stellar teaching wardrobe. I have been online shopping Ann Taylor, Bloomingdales, and J. Crew so much they've started recommending pieces to me. Thankfully, I was in Chicago this past weekend and Nordstrom Rack had a rather large sale. I scored big on some Kate Spade and Milly skirts and dresses. I think this is a transition that most young professionals face. Tell me, what's your favorite place to shop for business casual teaching clothes?
I work at UPS during third shift, teaching new hires how to acclimate to the building and work safely. The schedule is not an ideal situation for a student teacher. I arrive home around 3:30 or 4:00 in the morning. By the time I shower and prepare for the next day, its 4:30 and I'm heading to bed. Student teaching requires me to be there at 9:00, at the latest. How will I manage this crazy schedule on 4 hours of sleep? I think my willingness to juggle and sacrifice sleep demonstrates my passion and desire to become a teacher. That being said, if my performance starts to slack or I feel I am not as engaged as I want to be in the classroom, I have no problem putting my notice in at UPS. Teaching is my calling and I want to make the most out of this important teaching experience.
A little about my placements: I am in a school 7 minutes from my house working with fifth grades for my first 6 weeks. I have met that teacher and she is great! I am looking forward to working with her. She has a lot of fun ideas and is a pinterest addict like so many of us! I went in prior to school starting and helped her design and set up the classroom. Student teaching hasn't even started yet and I have already had my first priceless teaching experience, setting up a classroom for efficiency and safety!
I've spoken briefly to my second cooperating teacher (2nd grade) and she seems very kind as well. I plan on meeting her Thursday or Friday at the Back to School Bash. I prepared a letter to give to the parents and students and I will share that here as my first student teaching document. I am so excited to meet the parents. I think most new teachers lack experience with parents. I want to focus on this during student teaching, as I have identified this as one of my areas of inexperience and weakness.
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