Student Teaching: Can you believe it?
Posted by jplatt on December 13, 2008
Yesterday I attended a seminar held by the organization I am a part of, ASCD, on how to create a portfolio and land a job. I felt it was really informative because the person presenting was a recent graduate (2007) and is teaching in her very own classroom, making it seem possible that we can actually get a job. It was nice to see how other people put together their portfolio, and although I started mine, I am looking forward to student teaching so I can add more to it.
Speaking of which, I will be student teaching in the Half Hollow Hills school district, right next door. On Wednesday I went to their district office and met the assistant superintendent, Kelly Fallon, who was so nice and very approachable. It was a group “interview” where we all introduced ourselves. We were told to say our name and if this was a career switch for us, and why we want to be a teacher. I was one of the few who was not an alumni or current employee, and oddly enough not a career switch — I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. We were even offered to participate in their professional development program which I am really excited about.
I then spoke with Arlene, who put the whole event together. She was very nice and told me Vanderbilt Elementary requested a Hofstra student (so luckily my university left a good name, even in this school district that has excellent ratings). I was told to call Vanderbilt on Monday, but I was too excited, so I waited until the next day and called on Friday. The receptionist was so nice it made me even more excited to be accepted there. They seem very accommodating and it looks like I am going to be student teaching kindergarten, first grade, and fourth grade (not in that order). I should find out who my cooperating teachers are on Monday, and I am thrilled.
Jamie said
I think It is wonderful you want to become a teacher.
My name is Jamie, and I’m 14. I also want to become a teacher (well actually, I want to become an author, but I should probably get a job I can enjoy :] ). At my age and wanting to be a teacher, people think I’m stupid.
Now that I’m thinking of it, I’m not really sure what the point in this comment was, but you seem very accomplished and I wish you good luck :]
jplatt said
Thank you so much for your comment, Jamie. Actually when I was younger I wanted to be an author too. I always envisioned doing that on my summers off. I remember writing short stories all the time but I’d constantly challenge everything I wrote so it became less fun as I got older. But I still love to write and it’s one of the reasons I just applied to get my master’s in literacy teaching children how to read and write
institutrice said
Hmmm, what is it about teachers and authors? I want to be an author, too, and so do quite a few teachers I know!
(Of course I also know a few who absolutely HATE writing.) I wonder what the connection is? I’m looking for a publisher or agent for my children’s book if you come across any! 