Week one of teaching is in the books!
What an awesome and exhausting week. I have been blessed with great co workers, mentors, and students.
My homeroom is made up of 16 students. They are a little (okay very very) chatty, but they are also very sweet and extremely helpful. My favorite part of the week was being greeted first thing in the morning with goodmorning hugs and left each day with hugs and "I love you'd."
While procedures, instruction, and curriculum are considered necessities in the classroom I took time to instill in my students over the course of the first week that no matter what we are a classroom family. My students thought it was silly when I told them that they have two mommas now- their home momma and their school momma (me). They also gasped when I told them that now they have 15 more brothers and sisters. However, I have seen my sweet babies embrace the classroom family model. They are quick to help a neighbor, they encourage one another like you would not believe, and they know without a shadow of a doubt that I will fiercely protect them, that I love them, and that I want to see them succeed.
I am looking forward to watching their growth this year and sharing it here with you!
Funny moment of the week:
I wore my hair like this on Thursday: Find picture here and...
One of my kids said "Miss Everett, you got pizza roll hair!"
Ways you can pray for my kiddos this week:
1. They have a quiz in thursday
2. Pray they are focused and attentive
3. Pray they feel loved and encouraged each day
Ways you can pray for me this week:
1. Rest each night
2. Patience
3. The ability to give consequences when needed (it's hard to punish consistently)
Thank you!!!
Monday, September 4, 2017
Friday, April 28, 2017
4.28.17
Rate
I would rate this week a 5 because we are so close to the end and I GOT A JOB!!!
Observe
This week, as I observed 5 other classrooms it was hard to sit back and just observe after teaching for ten weeks. However, I learned so much in these classrooms. It was a great experience to see other schools and see how other teachers do things.
Reflect
This week my observations taught me that each school is unique and has its own way of doing things, just like each teacher is unique and has their own way of doing things.
Focus
This week I only had to focus on my classroom observations and finishing up final edits my portfolio video. I stayed focused and accomplished my goals for the week.
Be Productive
This week I was very productive and accomplished the goals I set for myself.
Have Courage
I do not think fear or apprehension held me back this week.
Begin Anew
Next week I will spend my last few days of student teaching with my kiddos and prepare to present my portfolio. I am a little nervous about presenting the portfolio.
Data
This week I did not necessarily analyze student data because I was barely at my school, but I analyzed my observation data to determine what I learned from these experiences and what I would like to carry into my future classroom.
Advice
I would advise student teachers to get some rest and enjoy the little time we have left with our students! We made it y'all!
NCTCS
This week I observed NCTCS 4d, "Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction.” Two teachers I observed used technology tools I had not seen or heard of before. They used Clickers, which is similar to pluckers but the students have the technology rather than the teacher, and Hot Dots, a reading comprehension tool.
Portfolio
My portfolio is complete!
University Supervisor
My CE and I have no questions or concerns. Thank you for all you have done for us this semester!
I would rate this week a 5 because we are so close to the end and I GOT A JOB!!!
Observe
This week, as I observed 5 other classrooms it was hard to sit back and just observe after teaching for ten weeks. However, I learned so much in these classrooms. It was a great experience to see other schools and see how other teachers do things.
Reflect
This week my observations taught me that each school is unique and has its own way of doing things, just like each teacher is unique and has their own way of doing things.
Focus
This week I only had to focus on my classroom observations and finishing up final edits my portfolio video. I stayed focused and accomplished my goals for the week.
Be Productive
This week I was very productive and accomplished the goals I set for myself.
Have Courage
I do not think fear or apprehension held me back this week.
Begin Anew
Next week I will spend my last few days of student teaching with my kiddos and prepare to present my portfolio. I am a little nervous about presenting the portfolio.
Data
This week I did not necessarily analyze student data because I was barely at my school, but I analyzed my observation data to determine what I learned from these experiences and what I would like to carry into my future classroom.
Advice
I would advise student teachers to get some rest and enjoy the little time we have left with our students! We made it y'all!
NCTCS
This week I observed NCTCS 4d, "Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction.” Two teachers I observed used technology tools I had not seen or heard of before. They used Clickers, which is similar to pluckers but the students have the technology rather than the teacher, and Hot Dots, a reading comprehension tool.
Portfolio
My portfolio is complete!
University Supervisor
My CE and I have no questions or concerns. Thank you for all you have done for us this semester!
Thursday, April 13, 2017
4.13.17
Rate
I would rate this week a 5. It was an awesome week and now it's finally spring break!!!
Observe
This week I was pleasantly surprised by how much I am still learning from my CE as I sit back and observe her. Yes, I observed her before but it is different now that I have been the one in front of the classroom for 10 weeks.
Reflect
This week my work/experiences taught me that you are never finished learning. There is always room for improvement and bettering yourself as an educator. You can learn these ways to improve yourself by observing veteran teachers.
Focus
While I would like to spend break doing as little as possible. I need to do a little portfolio work so that it will be ready to fall into place upon our return to campus.
Be Productive
This week, I could have spent more time working on Portfolio work. I had a lot of other things going on and didn't make as much time for the portfolio. I feel a little behind now.
Have Courage
I do not think fear or apprehension held me back at all this week.
Begin Anew
My first logical step for next week is to get some rest. Then the next step would be finalizing my classroom management piece and philosophy for the Portfolio.
Data
This week, I analyzed Mock EOG scores and responses to help my CE determine areas students really need to focus on for review when we return from spring break. Our students completely bombed multi-step word problems on the Mock Math EOG. This was because students do not take the time to analyze the problem they are solving. When I taught math, we constantly identified what we knew and what we needed to know after reading a word problem, before ever solving the problem. However, when students work alone, they tend to "forget" to analyze the problem. When my CE reviewed with the students, they realized they made so many careless mistakes because they did not analyze. My CE plans to continue enforcing and practicing analysis of word problems. Though I am not currently teaching math, I was able to help my CE plan a lesson for review.
Advice
Take lots of pictures! These are the days you want to remember. When your students ask you to wear converses so you'll match, do it and take a picture. When the Tar Heels win the NCAA Championship, wear Carolina Blue and take a picture or when your students run in the Fun Run, go and cheer them on (and, you guessed it, take a picture).
I would rate this week a 5. It was an awesome week and now it's finally spring break!!!
Observe
This week I was pleasantly surprised by how much I am still learning from my CE as I sit back and observe her. Yes, I observed her before but it is different now that I have been the one in front of the classroom for 10 weeks.
Reflect
This week my work/experiences taught me that you are never finished learning. There is always room for improvement and bettering yourself as an educator. You can learn these ways to improve yourself by observing veteran teachers.
Focus
While I would like to spend break doing as little as possible. I need to do a little portfolio work so that it will be ready to fall into place upon our return to campus.
Be Productive
This week, I could have spent more time working on Portfolio work. I had a lot of other things going on and didn't make as much time for the portfolio. I feel a little behind now.
Have Courage
I do not think fear or apprehension held me back at all this week.
Begin Anew
My first logical step for next week is to get some rest. Then the next step would be finalizing my classroom management piece and philosophy for the Portfolio.
Data
This week, I analyzed Mock EOG scores and responses to help my CE determine areas students really need to focus on for review when we return from spring break. Our students completely bombed multi-step word problems on the Mock Math EOG. This was because students do not take the time to analyze the problem they are solving. When I taught math, we constantly identified what we knew and what we needed to know after reading a word problem, before ever solving the problem. However, when students work alone, they tend to "forget" to analyze the problem. When my CE reviewed with the students, they realized they made so many careless mistakes because they did not analyze. My CE plans to continue enforcing and practicing analysis of word problems. Though I am not currently teaching math, I was able to help my CE plan a lesson for review.
Advice
Take lots of pictures! These are the days you want to remember. When your students ask you to wear converses so you'll match, do it and take a picture. When the Tar Heels win the NCAA Championship, wear Carolina Blue and take a picture or when your students run in the Fun Run, go and cheer them on (and, you guessed it, take a picture).
NCTCS
This week I think I grew in the area of NCTCS 4c (using a variety of instructional materials). This week, I only taught Science. This was odd for me to only teach one subject, but I taught about animal adaptations. On Monday we read an article about animal adaptations and on Tuesday, students performed a skit about animal adaptations. We had a field trip on Wednesday, but today students will research an animal of their choosing to determine the animals adaptations, predators, behaviors, and how it uses these adaptations and behaviors to protect itself from predators.
Portfolio
Next week, I will finalize my classroom management piece and philosophy for the Portfolio.
University Supervisor
At this time my CE and I have no questions or concerns.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
4.7.17
Rate
I would rate this week a 4 out of 5. It was hard stepping back, even though I only handed back math. My kids don't seem to understand and ask each day, "Why aren't you teaching us anymore Miss Everett?"
Observe
This week I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that I applied for a job on Saturday afternoon and had a FaceTime interview with that same school on Monday afternoon. It is becoming real that in a few weeks we will graduate and in a few months we will have classrooms of our own.
Reflect
This week I was amazed at my kids' response to me stepping back. They adjusted well to my CE taking over Math, but still each day asked why I wasn't teaching it anymore and when I would teach math again.
Focus
This weekend I am going to focus on editing my Philosophy and adding to my behavior plan/classroom management piece.
Be Productive
This week, it felt hard to focus and get a lot accomplished. I felt like I was forcing myself to do work after school each day. I'm not sure why, but I hope to rid myself of this feeling over the weekend.
Have Courage
This week, I was a bit nervous going into the interview, but I was myself and shared what I knew with the principal. I feel that though apprehension and indecision can arise, student teaching has prepared me for interviews and a future job. The nerves quickly faded as I began talking with the principal.
Begin Anew
This weekend I am going to push myself to work and to get out of the mode of having to force myself to complete tasks.
Data
This week, I analyzed and observed student responses to review/study questions throughout our social studies lessons on Monday and Tuesday and modified my Wednesday lesson to best serve my students. I realized students either were not studying at home like they should or were not retaining the information. To combat this or balance this, we did an in class study session on Wednesday. First, students used their study guides to quiz one another. Then, I used Plickers to quiz students. Students still needed to study after school, but Plickers showed improvement from last week's SS quiz grades and Monday and Tuesday review/study responses.
Advice
I would advise you to stay on top of things and try to have as much finished before spring break as possible. None of us want to work on assignments over break!
NCTCS
This week I think I grew in the area of NCTCS 3b ("encourages students to investigate the content area to expand their knowledge and satisfy their natural curiosity"). My students were so interested in our reading lessons this week. We were reading myths and studying mythology. The students were excited about reading each day and came to class with facts about gods and goddesses they had looked up at home. Several students checked out mythology books while at the library on Tuesday and they even pretended to be gods and goddesses at lunch and on the playground. It was the cutest and coolest thing ever.
Portfolio
This weekend I am going to work on editing my Philosophy and adding to my behavior plan/classroom management piece.
University Supervisor
At this time my CE and I have no questions.
I would rate this week a 4 out of 5. It was hard stepping back, even though I only handed back math. My kids don't seem to understand and ask each day, "Why aren't you teaching us anymore Miss Everett?"
Observe
This week I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that I applied for a job on Saturday afternoon and had a FaceTime interview with that same school on Monday afternoon. It is becoming real that in a few weeks we will graduate and in a few months we will have classrooms of our own.
Reflect
This week I was amazed at my kids' response to me stepping back. They adjusted well to my CE taking over Math, but still each day asked why I wasn't teaching it anymore and when I would teach math again.
Focus
This weekend I am going to focus on editing my Philosophy and adding to my behavior plan/classroom management piece.
Be Productive
This week, it felt hard to focus and get a lot accomplished. I felt like I was forcing myself to do work after school each day. I'm not sure why, but I hope to rid myself of this feeling over the weekend.
Have Courage
This week, I was a bit nervous going into the interview, but I was myself and shared what I knew with the principal. I feel that though apprehension and indecision can arise, student teaching has prepared me for interviews and a future job. The nerves quickly faded as I began talking with the principal.
Begin Anew
This weekend I am going to push myself to work and to get out of the mode of having to force myself to complete tasks.
Data
This week, I analyzed and observed student responses to review/study questions throughout our social studies lessons on Monday and Tuesday and modified my Wednesday lesson to best serve my students. I realized students either were not studying at home like they should or were not retaining the information. To combat this or balance this, we did an in class study session on Wednesday. First, students used their study guides to quiz one another. Then, I used Plickers to quiz students. Students still needed to study after school, but Plickers showed improvement from last week's SS quiz grades and Monday and Tuesday review/study responses.
Advice
I would advise you to stay on top of things and try to have as much finished before spring break as possible. None of us want to work on assignments over break!
NCTCS
This week I think I grew in the area of NCTCS 3b ("encourages students to investigate the content area to expand their knowledge and satisfy their natural curiosity"). My students were so interested in our reading lessons this week. We were reading myths and studying mythology. The students were excited about reading each day and came to class with facts about gods and goddesses they had looked up at home. Several students checked out mythology books while at the library on Tuesday and they even pretended to be gods and goddesses at lunch and on the playground. It was the cutest and coolest thing ever.
Portfolio
This weekend I am going to work on editing my Philosophy and adding to my behavior plan/classroom management piece.
University Supervisor
At this time my CE and I have no questions.
Friday, March 31, 2017
3.31.17
Rate
I would rate this week a 5 out of 5. It was my last week of the 10 weeks, my kids were well behaved, and I got a lot accomplished today.
Observe
This week I was pleasantly surprised by my resume appointment. I made an appointment with career development to look over my resume. I didn't feel very confident in the resume just because I had never made one before, but the staff was helpful and only suggested a few changes to positively impact my resume.
Reflect
This week I was just amazed in the fact that I completed my 5th observation and that it was my final week of full student teaching. I am going to have a hard time sitting back and observing during math next week.
Focus
This weekend I am going to focus on making edits to my resume and philosophy, as well as making a list of video clips I would like to include in my philosophy video.
Be Productive
This week I spent my time wisely. I also used the work day today to work ahead on some things and rearrange my students' desks.
Have Courage
I do not feel that apprehension or indecision held me back at all this week. I feel confident in sharing my ideas with the 4th grade team, other teachers, and administration.
Begin Anew
This weekend, I am going to focus on revisions of my resume and philosophy, as well as getting materials ready for my week next week.
Data
Yesterday, after grading SS tests, I realized my students were struggling with the three branches of our state government and would benefit from more learning experiences and more time focusing on the material. I decided to completely re-write my SS plans today to focus on reviewing the material and some project based learning to really help students connect with the material. After spending another week with the material, students will take a re-test next week.
Advice
I would advise you to enjoy the time with your kids, even the little things, because even though student teaching can be stressful, you'll miss that time when you start stepping back.
NCTCS
This week I think I grew in the area of NCTCS 5a (teachers analyze student learning). Though I wasn't pleased with the outcome of the SS test, it felt good to call the shots and move things around to give students more time and practice with the material. I told my CE afterwards, but felt confident in my decision enough to where I did not first ask for permission. She agreed with my decision though and liked that I made the call on my own.
Portfolio
This weekend I will be editing my resume and philosophy.
University Supervisor
My CE and I have no questions at this time.
I would rate this week a 5 out of 5. It was my last week of the 10 weeks, my kids were well behaved, and I got a lot accomplished today.
Observe
This week I was pleasantly surprised by my resume appointment. I made an appointment with career development to look over my resume. I didn't feel very confident in the resume just because I had never made one before, but the staff was helpful and only suggested a few changes to positively impact my resume.
Reflect
This week I was just amazed in the fact that I completed my 5th observation and that it was my final week of full student teaching. I am going to have a hard time sitting back and observing during math next week.
Focus
This weekend I am going to focus on making edits to my resume and philosophy, as well as making a list of video clips I would like to include in my philosophy video.
Be Productive
This week I spent my time wisely. I also used the work day today to work ahead on some things and rearrange my students' desks.
Have Courage
I do not feel that apprehension or indecision held me back at all this week. I feel confident in sharing my ideas with the 4th grade team, other teachers, and administration.
Begin Anew
This weekend, I am going to focus on revisions of my resume and philosophy, as well as getting materials ready for my week next week.
Data
Yesterday, after grading SS tests, I realized my students were struggling with the three branches of our state government and would benefit from more learning experiences and more time focusing on the material. I decided to completely re-write my SS plans today to focus on reviewing the material and some project based learning to really help students connect with the material. After spending another week with the material, students will take a re-test next week.
Advice
I would advise you to enjoy the time with your kids, even the little things, because even though student teaching can be stressful, you'll miss that time when you start stepping back.
NCTCS
This week I think I grew in the area of NCTCS 5a (teachers analyze student learning). Though I wasn't pleased with the outcome of the SS test, it felt good to call the shots and move things around to give students more time and practice with the material. I told my CE afterwards, but felt confident in my decision enough to where I did not first ask for permission. She agreed with my decision though and liked that I made the call on my own.
Portfolio
This weekend I will be editing my resume and philosophy.
University Supervisor
My CE and I have no questions at this time.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
3.24.17
Rate
I would rate this week a 3 out of 5. The week just felt really long and I was exhausted after completing and turning in edTPA.
Observe
This week I was pleasantly surprised by how little I have left to do to meet all standards of the NCTCS rubric. After my 5th observation, I now need to focus in on 3c, 4a, and 4f.
Reflect
This week I felt like a big weight had been lifted when I turned in the edTPA assignments.
Focus
This weekend, I am going to focus on completing my resume and getting my philosophy close to being finished.
Be Productive
This week I think I spent my time wisely. I got a lot accomplished and am ready to take on Week 10!
Have Courage
I don't really feel like apprehension and indecision hold me back anymore.
Begin Anew
This weekend, I am going to clear all mental clutter of edTPA and put all of my attention on resume and philosophy work.
Data
This week, I realized students were not getting something we did in WIN and needed more time and explanation to complete the assignment. I decided to nix the next days WIN lesson so that I could use that time to work with students on the assignment and provide assistance where needed.
Advice
FINISH STRONG! We're tired and ready to be done, but Keep Pushing!!!!! Our kids deserve our best!
NCTCS
This week I think I grew in the area of NCTCS 2b (diversity in the classroom). I have a hispanic student and we have been incorporating Spanish terms into our science lessons. This student's face lit up when I first introduced the Spanish words, but seeing the way other students have taken to it is really cool! They love telling me the terms in Spanish when we review.
Portfolio
This weekend, I am going to knock out my resume and get close to finishing my philosophy.
University Supervisor
My CE and I have no questions at this time.
I would rate this week a 3 out of 5. The week just felt really long and I was exhausted after completing and turning in edTPA.
Observe
This week I was pleasantly surprised by how little I have left to do to meet all standards of the NCTCS rubric. After my 5th observation, I now need to focus in on 3c, 4a, and 4f.
Reflect
This week I felt like a big weight had been lifted when I turned in the edTPA assignments.
Focus
This weekend, I am going to focus on completing my resume and getting my philosophy close to being finished.
Be Productive
This week I think I spent my time wisely. I got a lot accomplished and am ready to take on Week 10!
Have Courage
I don't really feel like apprehension and indecision hold me back anymore.
Begin Anew
This weekend, I am going to clear all mental clutter of edTPA and put all of my attention on resume and philosophy work.
Data
This week, I realized students were not getting something we did in WIN and needed more time and explanation to complete the assignment. I decided to nix the next days WIN lesson so that I could use that time to work with students on the assignment and provide assistance where needed.
Advice
FINISH STRONG! We're tired and ready to be done, but Keep Pushing!!!!! Our kids deserve our best!
NCTCS
This week I think I grew in the area of NCTCS 2b (diversity in the classroom). I have a hispanic student and we have been incorporating Spanish terms into our science lessons. This student's face lit up when I first introduced the Spanish words, but seeing the way other students have taken to it is really cool! They love telling me the terms in Spanish when we review.
Portfolio
This weekend, I am going to knock out my resume and get close to finishing my philosophy.
University Supervisor
My CE and I have no questions at this time.
Friday, March 17, 2017
3.17.17
Rate
I would rate this week a 4 out of 5. My kids were very hyper/talkative today, I'm not sure if it was because it was St. Patrick's day or what!
Observe
This week, I was pleasantly surprised by just how sweet my students are. My students are constantly willing to help a classmate or me and are so encouraging to one another. We played a review game yesterday to review for our novel test today. Students were able to steal points from other teams by answering correctly and then were able to steal even more if they made a basket in an over the door hoop. When students went up to shoot, all classmates cheered them on and if they missed the basket, their classmates still clapped and told them good job. I was so proud of the love they have for one another.
Reflect
This week, I was a little stressed because of trying to get edTPA finished up. However, I do not have much left and it should all be finished tomorrow, which will be very nice.
Focus
This weekend I need to focus on finishing and uploading edTPA to TaskStream. I know that there are other things I could begin working on after completing and turning in edTPA, but this weekend I am going to take some "me" time when that is off my plate.
Be Productive
This week was very productive, despite how unfocused I felt because of the extreme quietness on campus. I was able to finish up my plans last night which gives me plenty of time to complete the last pieces of edTPA.
Have Courage
This week, apprehension and indecision did not really hold me back. I found some great ideas to contribute to the plans for the coming weeks in science, math, and reading. It felt really good to share these ideas with the 4th grade team and them to accept them and share that they don't want me to graduate and leave them.
Begin Anew
This weekend, I will not really begin anew. I will finish up edTPA and start fresh on Monday. Next week, I plan to begin anew by finishing my resume and my philosophy.
Data
This week, I used test responses from my math edTPA assessment to guide and plan my re-teaching lesson and re-test. This allowed me to see areas of the material that students needed more practice and teaching and meet them where they were.
Advice
I would advise you to not forget to be real with your students. I think my students relate to me more when we have some down time (recess, lunch, morning work) and I share personal stories or make connections between myself and them. My students remember these things and I think it makes teaching them easier because they see me as a person as well as a teacher.
NCTCS
This week, I think I grew in the area of NCTCS 5 (teachers reflect on their practice). I looked at assessment data and used that data to plan a reteaching experience for students to continue practice in areas they performed poorly in on the test. This was a cool experience to see exactly what the students did not get and then to bring them up to understanding of the material.
Portfolio
This weekend, I will begin completing my Math edTPA tasks.
University Supervisor
At this time, my CE and I do not have any questions
I would rate this week a 4 out of 5. My kids were very hyper/talkative today, I'm not sure if it was because it was St. Patrick's day or what!
Observe
This week, I was pleasantly surprised by just how sweet my students are. My students are constantly willing to help a classmate or me and are so encouraging to one another. We played a review game yesterday to review for our novel test today. Students were able to steal points from other teams by answering correctly and then were able to steal even more if they made a basket in an over the door hoop. When students went up to shoot, all classmates cheered them on and if they missed the basket, their classmates still clapped and told them good job. I was so proud of the love they have for one another.
Reflect
This week, I was a little stressed because of trying to get edTPA finished up. However, I do not have much left and it should all be finished tomorrow, which will be very nice.
Focus
This weekend I need to focus on finishing and uploading edTPA to TaskStream. I know that there are other things I could begin working on after completing and turning in edTPA, but this weekend I am going to take some "me" time when that is off my plate.
Be Productive
This week was very productive, despite how unfocused I felt because of the extreme quietness on campus. I was able to finish up my plans last night which gives me plenty of time to complete the last pieces of edTPA.
Have Courage
This week, apprehension and indecision did not really hold me back. I found some great ideas to contribute to the plans for the coming weeks in science, math, and reading. It felt really good to share these ideas with the 4th grade team and them to accept them and share that they don't want me to graduate and leave them.
Begin Anew
This weekend, I will not really begin anew. I will finish up edTPA and start fresh on Monday. Next week, I plan to begin anew by finishing my resume and my philosophy.
Data
This week, I used test responses from my math edTPA assessment to guide and plan my re-teaching lesson and re-test. This allowed me to see areas of the material that students needed more practice and teaching and meet them where they were.
Advice
I would advise you to not forget to be real with your students. I think my students relate to me more when we have some down time (recess, lunch, morning work) and I share personal stories or make connections between myself and them. My students remember these things and I think it makes teaching them easier because they see me as a person as well as a teacher.
NCTCS
This week, I think I grew in the area of NCTCS 5 (teachers reflect on their practice). I looked at assessment data and used that data to plan a reteaching experience for students to continue practice in areas they performed poorly in on the test. This was a cool experience to see exactly what the students did not get and then to bring them up to understanding of the material.
Portfolio
This weekend, I will begin completing my Math edTPA tasks.
University Supervisor
At this time, my CE and I do not have any questions
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