So, what is next?

Wow, what an experience it has been starting back to school.  When the semester started, I thought I am too old for this and I was nervous if I could handle the school work and more the idea of being an older teacher. Even though I felt this way, I was not going into it blindly.  I have worked in the school system for 8 years and had an idea of what it takes to be a teacher at some level of education.  I was a little uneducated of the actual life of a teacher but this new revelation has not deterred me too much. So, after all my times in schools and now doing service learning through this class, my decision is yes this is the path for me and I definitely still want to be a teacher no matter how scared I may be now. My decision is to move ahead and become a teacher as quickly as possible.

I have been an aide or facilitator for over five years.  I was an instructor at a medical assistant course for almost 2 years.  And, I have been subbing for almost a year.  I thought I was completely ready for the life of a teacher.  The last couple of months have been eye opening.  As fun as it is to have a class and have relationships with the students in your class.  It is a lot more work than I was aware of.  I did not realize the time it took out of class to prep, grade, and deal with daily situations that may arise besides teaching.

I realized there were things that would be more difficult than I thought.  I was unaware before service learning of the time it would take to prep for all types of learners in your class as well as the time it takes to make sure the children are able to understand what I am teaching.  This may turn my prep plans totally upside down.  I learned after the service time that I worry if I will be able to reach the students who may struggle for all the many reasons (diversity, activity, or disability).I worry if I will be open minded and adaptable to my school, classes, and students that may not be the normal.  I also think, will I be able to cover and know all the standards that must be met to have successful classes?

I also saw during service learning and through this class that there is a lot more positive aspects to being a teacher.  I realize the most important thing is making relationships and reaching children in order to help and teach them.  They are people before students.  I love children so much and want to share my love and knowledge with them.  I want to show them that someone cares for them more than just during school time.  I want to show my students that my room is a comfortable place to learn and a safe place to be and enjoy their time there.  I have learned so many great ideas from this class and the classrooms I was in that I cannot wait to implement.  Things I did not think I could do before I started this class (ie, STEM), I know I can do and do well after seeing them in action. 

It is a scary thought of what is ahead but I want to do it and do it well.  I know that anything scary is worth it.  And, anything that is hard is worth doing well.  I will push myself to be the best teacher.  I know that it will take tons of work but it will be so worth it.  So what is next?  I will apply for the program by the March deadline and hopefully start in August to get through school and get to work.