Intern Posting 12

This week I was more in control of the classroom than ever. My mentor teacher had to take half of the day off on Monday and Tuesday and she also took all day off on Thursday. Although I really like my mentor teacher and love to have her in the classroom, there is just always that little bit of excitement knowing that the class is really mine for the day! I definitely still need my mentor teacher's guidance but knowing she's not there to help me is challenging and exciting in that manner.

On Monday when my mentor teacher left for the afternoon, the students were surprisingly well behaved. I think they are just so used to me doing math in the afternoon that this was not anything out of the ordinary for them. However, one child did receive a demerit and neither I nor the aide new how to properly fill out the form. On Tuesday morning, the students were very loud and didn't seem to want to listen. I had to be more stern than usual, but after a while they became better behaved.

Although I have a lot of practice in the classroom, I believe that being alone with the students provides me with greater insight into what my first year of teaching will be like. I must admit, after Tuesday I was a little overwhelmed so I know I still need more help. However, I love being in the classroom and love to learn more each and everyday!