Final Thoughts From September

My September experience wrapped up with me getting a chance to have a little more responsibility in the classroom. One of my cooperating teachers was sick for two days, and there was a substitute in the classroom. Being an intern and pretty familiar with the classroom, I was given an opportunity to take more of a lead role. While the sub was still the person in charge, I was able to take attendance, go over homework, and answer more questions. This was a very cool experience for me, as I got a chance to apply some of what I have learned through observation to actual practice. Ending my September experience was bittersweet. I am looking forward to beginning my UW-Bothell classes and also excited about the opportunity to observe in a middle school. On the other hand, it was hard to say goodbye to the students at Mariner. Even though I know it will only be temporary, many of the students were confused as to why we were leaving. I really felt like I was starting to get to know the students a lot better. One teacher talked about some of the issues the students at Mariner face. From the beginning, we were encouraged to get to know the students, but not to get to close to them since we would be leaving at the end of the month. We were warned that some of the students may read our leaving as just another example of an adult in their lives turning their backs on them. This was a powerful and profound revelation to me, and really opened my eyes to the fact that many of the students have stories of struggle and hardships that I will have to always be sensitive to. With that said, I am excited about my future at Mariner. I look forward to my return in late October, and the chance I will have to begin teaching and continuing to build relationships with the students and faculty at the school.