Student Teaching Experience Reflection

My student teaching experience has changed drastically from my first day at my high school placement to the last few days at my elementary placement. I think beginning with my secondary placement was a little difficult just because I hadn't gotten comfortable in my position as an authority figure. But as the weeks went by I began to get used to directing a class and the routine of the school day. By the end of my secondary placement I began to feel even more like a teacher and my interactions with students helped me form my teaching style, which was something I hadn't had to think about before student teaching. I also had to consider my hierarchy of discipline, particularly in my secondary placement, which was something I really had to sit down and think about. I guess I hadn't realized how rigid I needed to be with my levels of discipline and this is probably what I've thought most about during both placements. My hierarchy of discipline was a bit easier in elementary, mostly because it is easier to guide younger students who misbehave than older students. I have however gotten some great ideas for discipline as well as was to prevent misbehavior and encourage postive interactions between myself and other students.
Most of all I gained a better understanding of who I am as a teacher. I already knew I wanted to be kind and caring towards my students, but I needed a clearer idea of who I was going to be infront of my students in regards to commanding attention and encouraging creative/artistic thoughts amongst them. Learning the right things to say to explain concepts and techniques was something I had to be concious of and consistent with everytime I taught the same lesson to another class. I knew that by the end of student teaching I would be tired and exhausted but I hadn't expected to feel as comfortable as I do now in my teacher role. Getting up in front of a group of students, no matter what age, always made me a bit self-concious. After having to get up infront of students when I was nervous, sick or tired, day after day seemed to lessen the anxiety I felt when doing that.