Final Thoughts

Teaching is the hardest job I have ever done. I would compare it to parenting, although I am not a parent. This is simply what I assume parenting is like- Long days, sleepless nights, constant nagging, and the occasional moment where you can sit back and see the progress your children make. It is this last aspect of teaching that brings me back to the classroom each day.

Over the course of this semester, I encountered many obstacles. Many of my students were unable to read or write on grade level, and many of them were opposed to accepting a student teacher in the classroom. They were so used to their own routine; then this newcomer came in and ruined the simplicity of their classroom. I made my students think and work because I truly believe that every child deserves to be challenged in the classroom. They needed encouragement and support from the classroom teacher both on an academic and personal level. I believe I provided these opportunities for my kids, and they finally rose to the occasion and were successful.

As I now seek a place in a classroom of my own, I will take with me the activities and tools I created for my students. These concrete tokens of my experience will be useful when I teach the same material to my own students, but I will take something else with me as well- my perseverance and endurance. These tools will serve as the cornerstone ot my career and my desire to provide the best education I can to my students. Now it's up to the school districts in the area to see my potential in the same way I see my students'.