My nerves over the past two weeks have definitely been heightened, which is no different as to how I was feeling the morning I met (or saw again) my new co-workers and students. The strangest part for me is the fact that my practicum placement is in my old high school. The people I viewed as my teachers 6 years ago have quickly become my colleagues. And, to top it off, my sister is in the midst of completing her senior year. When I walked into the school for the staff meeting, the atmosphere was very familiar, yet foreign at the same time. I recognized some of my old art work on the walls, and many of the faces were ones I have seen many times before; And yet, there was a lot of change. I saw many new faces and new pieces of art. The halls that I once ruled in my highschool days weren’t mine anymore. The nostalgia seemed to juxtapose the unfamiliarity perfectly.
As with changes from my time at the school, the school also varies significantly from my previous practicum experience, at least in theory. At first glance, Ridgemont and st.Matthews could not be farther apart; One public, one Catholic. No uniforms, uniforms. One urban, one very much suburban. From math to science. Everything appeared as if I would be entering a new world from a teaching standpoint. And yet, even within the first week, I have noticed so many similarities. Both schools have a wonderfully strong community. I felt this from the tremendously warm welcomes at the first staff meeting. The tiger pride is so strong at this school. All the students seem to be delighted to go to st.Matts. From the welcome bbq, to the silly jokes on the morning announcements, you can tell that everyone feels at home here. I also believe that my experiences and focuses working in the urban setting is already helping me connect with and better understand the people I learn beside. I am (slowly) getting to know all of my students better. I must say, with larger class sizes than I have ever been able to experience before, this isn’t always the easiest; however, I have already seen how a smile in the hall or a ‘hello’ as the kids enter the class can have an affect. I also see that regardless of whether a school is labelled as “urban”, students are going to have individual and collective challenges. High school can be hard, regardless of where you are from. Yes, some of the larger issues are more upfront in an urban setting, but the skills and experiences I have gained through learning about urban education are already crossing over in every aspect of my experience in this practicum. As I continue with my practicum, I am constantly reminded of what a speaker said during my first year orientation. To paraphrase, I am not a science teacher. I am not a math teacher. I am first and foremost a teacher. Teaching is more than the subject. The content does not affect your ability to teach well, learn with your students and grow beside them. Building relationships, creating inclusive and safe environments, using technology and other exciting resources to add to the classroom experience, helping students get and remain engaged in the class and truly caring for the people around you are what it is all about.
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December 2016
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