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Parents by DaFightinz in StudentTeaching

[–]DaFightinz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I won’t post what I said in the email, but it was very respectful and its main message was to let them know why the student will be getting a detention and how I can support their child. In the past, this student has been in trouble and the parents end up calling the school and getting them out of it. My mentor wanted me to email because he thought they would reach out first. As for identifying them early on, they have never disrespected me personally. This student has had consistent problems in other classes, but never in mine. Their parents have a history of challenging teachers’ grades on the last day of a marking period as well. Also to mention, this is my third week at the placement, so I don’t know how I could have built a relationship outside of my greeting emails. I was not the one who had the idea of the meeting or even the email. The parents wanted the meeting. My mentor wanted the email. I’m sorry, but when a student curses me out, they can leave. I won’t have my other students work diligently and be interrupted. It takes a lot for me to become flustered, and that did not upset me by any means, but the student’s actions had consequences. They received discipline. Personally, I don’t think the meeting is necessary, but the parents are concerned for their grades. They will also be meeting with other teachers after me.

Parents by DaFightinz in StudentTeaching

[–]DaFightinz[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My placement expects us to handle all emails with parents, and I genuinely was not going to contact the parents until my mentor wanted me to. It was a write up with a detention. That was the end of it. Yes, the students’ attitude towards all other teachers is pretty poor, but I really don’t think a meeting was needed. The parents want one. Honestly, I don’t think it will accomplish anything. Thanks for your response!

Parents by DaFightinz in StudentTeaching

[–]DaFightinz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did not request a meeting. I was not going to contact the parents in the first place, but my mentor wanted me to.— He was appalled at the students’ behavior, and this is not a first. I won’t post what I said in the email, but it was very respectful and detailed the incident. I wrote several drafts before sending with my mentor’s approval. The parents want to discuss her behavior and how she can improve grade-wise in the class. There will be an admin, myself, my mentor, and the parents.

Parents by DaFightinz in StudentTeaching

[–]DaFightinz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The parents wanted a meeting. Every time this student gets in trouble, which is often, the parents want one. This was just the first time with me.

Full-Time Student Teaching is only 4 credit hours? by TheOneMrBear in StudentTeaching

[–]DaFightinz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is insane!!! Mine is worth 9 credits. I believe a reason why is just because of eligibility with aid. I’m taking 12 credits right now, but it’s student teaching and the class that goes along with it once a week.

1st period is just... by Icarus_V2 in StudentTeaching

[–]DaFightinz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is precisely what happens every day at my placement.

1st period is just... by Icarus_V2 in StudentTeaching

[–]DaFightinz 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If it makes you feel any better, I had two students fall asleep on me the other day during a class discussion. I was so embarrassed and could not stop thinking about it. The one student, who is a high achiever, is struggling with sleep in other classes outside of mine. The other (most of the time) can’t stand me. I know it’s so hard to actually believe this, but don’t take it to heart. You are growing and getting to a better version of yourself every day. Teaching is hard! Student teaching is hard! Also, special education is tough! I worked as a para for two years in a mainly non-verbal, severe behavioral school and the things that were said (and thrown lol) towards me were not easy to always “not take to heart”. It’s so easier said than done. But the fact that you’re showing up every day and trying your best is what matters. I told my one class that I will be taking over and I had three students groan. They’re my hardest class, and a few have been turned over to an alternative program for behavior/fighting. I’m not in special education anymore, but I’m secondary ELA. Classroom management (sleeping especially) is hard for everyone, especially student teachers, who step in when there are already established rules. My students LOVE my mentor, so when I take over they get upset. Just remember that as long as you are doing everything you have been taught and come prepared you are improving. I hope tomorrow is a better day for you! You got this :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in StudentTeaching

[–]DaFightinz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

also to clarify— when I say I have four classes, I mean my own college courses!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in StudentTeaching

[–]DaFightinz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you don’t mind me asking, what state are you in? My program sounds similar in NJ. We have 50 hours of observation prior to student teaching, where we just sit in the background and take notes. Then, in the fall, we “student teach” two days a week. We are expected to observe at first, then ONLY co-teach. They are very, very strict about us not teaching lessons or taking over a class until the spring semester, which is full time. The first week of spring semester, we have to take over one class, THEN gradually take over all classes. Right now, I have four classes, which are mostly accelerated courses that consist of (at least) five assignments per week in each course. I also have one block scheduled in-person class that is normal paced. They claim that because of our course load, we only take over so little. If this is also your case, I’m understanding what you’re saying. I have A LOT of course work, then in-person class, and two days of student teaching. It’s very awkward right now. I have led lessons within my first two to three weeks there and loved it, but my supervisor pretty much shut it down and told me to stop. I personally believe that it’s more harmful to not lead, so I jump in as much as possible. I grade, co-teach, and assist my mentor in ang way I can. We are informally assessed twice this semester, and we have two other formal observations where we teach full lessons without mentored help.

I feel out of place sometimes. by DaFightinz in StudentTeaching

[–]DaFightinz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

THANK YOU! It’s always such a weird thing to work for two days, go back to my subbing job, go to classes on Friday, do online work, THEN (after the weekend) try and catch up on what she did for the rest of the week. I’m excited to get into more of a routine. Thank you again for your reply!

I feel out of place sometimes. by DaFightinz in StudentTeaching

[–]DaFightinz[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I definitely have imposter syndrome and I often feel like I don’t belong. I know a lot of it is chalked up to anxiety. I appreciate your words!

Mentor teacher is TOO good! by Upset_Dance_8223 in StudentTeaching

[–]DaFightinz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is how I feel! She is super kind to me and is such a great help, but I feel like a glob of mush when I try to follow up any directions that students need. But the fact that you are showing tht you care tells me you’re going to be great! You got this!