rolling along

Friday, I had my Student Teaching Seminar that lasted from 9am-4pm at MTSU. I was able to meet my University Supervisor at that time- though I already knew her and love her! She was my Math Methods professor too. Though I know we have a lot to accomplish, she did her best not to overwhelm us or get our stress level up too badly. I believe sometime next week after school, we're going to meet at her house and talk more in depth about some of those things we'll be doing such as our Work Sample.

We also had a good class about becoming a confident teacher. The speaker was very energetic and interesting. She gave us some good tips and strategies that I think will come in handy during student teaching and beyond.

I carpooled with my friend, Barbara, and we had planned ahead to possibly stay in Murfreesboro after the seminar because the weather isn't great and we had to be right back up there the next day to take our Praxis exams. I had to be at the school by 7:15am.

I took my last 2 exams and felt pretty confident about them both, which I hope is a good sign. :0)

I have a list of things that need to be done tonight to help prepare me for my 2nd grade student teaching class that begins tomorrow. I'm nervous and excited; I just want to get in there and begin! Wish me luck!!

Placement

I got my Placement Letter for Student Teaching in the mail about a week ago. It said that I would be in my county for both placements. It gave me the name of my universtiy supervisor (score- I got the lady I wanted!) The only thing it didn't tell me is what school and grades I'll be teaching. Bummer. I have to call tomorrow (Jan 6) to be told my placement. We are supposed to go into our school by Jan 7 to introduce ourselves to our cooperating teacher and principal and to get a feel for the school and its layout. Yeesh.

Jan 8, I have to be at MTSU by 9am (early!!!) for a student teacher meeting, where I will hopefully come away with answers and an ease about all this (haha). Saturday, Jan 9, I take my last 2 Praxis exams, and Monday I start placement. W O W . I don't feel I have time to breathe and take it all in and be prepared.

Tonight and tomorrow I will be looking over notes and things to prepare for the Praxis. Please say a prayer for me.

PRAXIS EXAMS

On November 14, I took my first 2 Praxis exams: Content Knowledge and Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT). I left the testing center scared about how I did. These tests are hard. I waited a month and finallyt the results were in....PASSED!!!! I was/am so excited!!!!

Just the other day I received a package in the mail from ETS (the testing ppl) and it was a certificate of achievement because on the PLT I scored in the top 15% of all test-takers on that exam. Are you kidding me?? I was floored and extremely proud to say the least! :)

On January 9, I am scheduled to take the last 2 Praxis exams: Assessment and Reading Across the Curriculum. Guess I know what I'll be doing after Christmas! lol

My first placement for Student Teaching is January 11. I'm so nervous but more excited! I cannot believe I'm this close to finishing school and being in my career! This has been a long journey and it's almost surreal now. pinch me. ;)

DRUM ROLL PLEASE......

...........TONIGHT IS MY LAST CLASS EVER!! whoo-hoo!!

Too bad it's not a class I particularly enjoy AND we have to do a group presentation. Have I ever mentioned how I loathe group work?! ugh.

But I'll do it; it'll be great....and then it'll all be over!! :D

I have gotten my test results back from when I took 2 of my Praxis exams (Content Knowledge and P.L.T.) and I passed them both which is so exciting. I will take my last 2 on January 9. Begin my placement for student teaching on January 11, and God willing, will have a blast and it'll be over in the blink of an eye....ahhhh...HOPEFULLY. Prayers may commence. ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm sure that if you are in the elementary education field, Tuesday was a day full of treats and turkey art. I love seeing what fun projects my kids do at school....just wish there was a place to store all these treasures!

Maybe you are traveling or have already arrived at your family's place, or maybe you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year....whatever the case, I hope you have a wonderful, fun, and safe time.

I am thankful for so many things, but as it pertains to my education, just knowing it's already Thanksgiving is mind blowing! I just have about 2 more class days of each of my classes to attend. wow! Then Christmas break and next thing you know- Student Teaching!!

Last week was my last day in the school for Practicum. I actually had to miss the very last day because my daughter was sick, so I'm hoping to go back after Thanksgiving break to say a proper goodbye to all the kiddos; I'm gonna miss them! I got all my paperwork back from my cooperating teacher though, and she gave me some very good scores and told me personally that she thinks I'll make a great teacher. Nothing makes you feel happier than to hear someone already in the field have faith in you. Thanks, Mrs. Robinson!!!

My daughter, the Teacher

My oldest child is in 1st grade. Last night was Parent/Teacher Conferences. Kylei is a bright child who at this point in her academia hasn't really struggled. Her teacher is pleased with her progress and has started her in an Enrichment Program. But the thing that pleased me most was hearing that her teacher allows Kylei to help her classmates, because of how calm and helpful she is with her fellow classmates. Her teacher was impressed that she is not over-bearing, bossy, or arrogant.

One of the funny stories her teacher told me happened last week. Her teacher wasn't feeling well and Kylei told her that if she just left her things with her (Kylei) that she would teach the class and her teacher could go home. How sweet!

20 Interesting Ways to Use Audio in the Classroom

Thank you to Free Technology for Teachers blogger.