I completed my EDUC 490 Practicum at my old elementary school here in Prince Rupert. It was the first time I had been back to the school since I left in grade seven. As I reflect on the past month, I’m very grateful for the experience. From day one, my coaching teacher and I connected so well and it felt as if we were a team the entire month.
During this practicum I challenged myself and really tried to focus more on classroom assessment. Through conversations and feedback from my CT and PE, assessment really started to click for me. Although I have been teaching on call for the past two years, it wasn’t until this practicum where so much theory has started to make sense for me. In particular, I’m beginning to feel a lot more comfortable in assessment practices. It has always been the one area I have struggled with, but I feel a lot more confident as I head into EDUC 491.
Throughout the practicum, I really tried to challenge myself. I tried to teach in subjects that were not my strong point and learned how to plan a unit with help from my CT. I never waited to be asked and always jumped in where I could to assist in the classroom.
In addition, as a teacher candidate, my main goal was getting to know my students. I was quick to learn students’ strengths and challenges and quickly established respectful relationships with them. I believe this is so important because without students respect and trust, you have nothing. On my last day, I received a ton of teacher fan mail and there were three girls in tears because I was leaving. It was an emotional day for everyone, and it reminded me how one teacher can really impact their students. I remember the ones that did for me.
I reminded my grade threes that I would be back for a visit in the new year and walked out with my heart full of love and gratitude for the amazing month spent with them.