Ps1 to Year 2 Teaching

Last day of PS1

In a few weeks, it will mark 2 years since I stepped foot into my amazing school. Having PS1's in the school, just makes me think of how much I have learned over the past few years.

1. Observations aren't that scary. I so clearly remember the extreme nervousness of my first observations. Or even my first times teaching. Then, an observation was going to make or break me. Now? an observation is the opportunity to make both myself and the observer better at what we do. Don't get me wrong, I still get nervous, however, I also now find it fun...I really do. It means someone wants to be in my classroom, watching what I'm doing with my kiddos, and wants to help me be the best I can.

2. Your list is always growing. I have found the best way to keep up with it? have an ongoing list in a notebook. Once it is finished, it gets crossed off. I keep saying, my list isn't actually ever completed, until July....and then I'm on the list for next year!

3. Search for authentic learning. If you want your students to be authentically learning at all times, you yourself need to be seeking out that learning. There is always new research coming out which should inform your own teaching.

4. Some lessons suck...it doesn't mean you do. When I first got into education, I thought every lesson had to be wonderful, engaging, and fantastic. This is not realistic. I had a fabulous, interactive lesson planned next week, and it didn't go well. The kids got what they were supposed to learn, however the actual lesson just was not great. These bad lessons don't define you....it's impossible to have every lesson go wonderfully when you are doing tons a day, every day. Which leads me to my next point.

5. Reflect always. You will become sick of written reflections throughout an education program,

you don't realize how crucial this is. At the beginning, my only reflections were after a lesson. Now, I think about the authenticity and intention behind a lesson before I plan it, I am thinking about what's going on as a lesson is progressing, making changes as I go, thinking about the next steps, and finally once it's done. It's constant. And necessary. Your teaching will not get better if you are not thinking intentionally about it.

6. Teaching is hard and some days suck. We are in this because we love it, that goes without saying, however not every day is popsicles and daisies. I had one day this week that I had the best lessons, I had so much fun, but with it being the first full week in awhile, I had many tired and grumpy kiddos. It's hard to stay upbeat and positive when you are hearing a lot of complaining and disagreement. However, the next day was amazing and all were in good spirits. Some days are just hard, but you have to know that it is okay...the next day will be better.

7. Check your privilege and biases. This is one area that I am also constantly reflecting on. To build an inclusive and caring environment, it's so necessary to leave any privilege or bias at the door. Take some time to figure out where your biases come from, and searching ways to learn from those mistakes and move forward. When we know better, we do better. As an educator, it is our job to learn about our own privilege and biases and seek out resources to make your classroom a more understanding space.

8. The goal and end result shouldn't be "pretty". You will see so many beautiful projects and anchor charts....but you need to think about how much is you and how much is your students. You are not the one learning these things, they are, so give them the tools and opportunity to own it. This means that not all work is going to look picture perfect...that means it is authentic. At the end of a heavy, hands-on day, my classroom is a bit of a scary place....but I'm learning to re-phrase from our room is a mess, to we've done a ton of learning today and now we need to create a new space for tomorrow.

9. Take a break. This is one of the best pieces of advice I was given in my first practicum. At recess, leave the classroom and go eat your lunch in the staff room. You need a break too. You need time to connect with other adults, not just children. Leave the classroom and give yourself a little bit of time to breathe.

10. Build relationships. I'm a relationship person, so I obviously love this job. In University we are always talking about building relationships with your students, but we can never forget that family relationship. A relationship with parents makes a great home-school relationship, and it allows you to get to know your student better. I love walking down the hall and getting hugs from the siblings of my students. You are building a safe space, and that requires relationships with more than just a student.

Alex