You know there comes a time in everyone's college career that you start to wonder "Is this really what I want to do?" This thought raced through my mind on many occasions. 5 years of music theory, music history, music literature, etc really took a toll on me! I was mentally drained and so tired of music to be honest. As my student teaching semester approached I started to really question my decision in career path. I started my student teaching August 17th when I reported to my Elementary assignment during teacher prep week. There I met my mentor teacher who was very nice. She introduced me to the rest of the staff that week. I felt right at home with them which is a good thing, but no students were there. The weekend before the students came to the school thoughts of doubt clouded my mind again. I was wondering if I was good enough to teach these kids, had I really learned what I needed in school to be an effective teacher? Only time would tell.
The students finally came in. My first week I was just observing and jotting down ideas and things I might try. Week 2 I actually got to do warm-ups for the kids. It was cool to see the kids enjoy some of the things I had come up with. Then from week 3 until this past week I taught more and more classes, even some entire days! After teaching for 7 weeks , seeing the students learning because of me and lessons that I came up with, I was happy. Seeing the kids smiling faces every day and seeing them happy to come in for another day of music with Mr. Walker was great! Teaching just feels natural to me, I honestly felt right at home in front of the classroom. I guess all the hours of education paid off =)
This last week was my final week of student teaching in Elementary School. It was hard to tell the kids I was leaving. They were all sad about the fact I was already leaving. I can't count the number of sad faces I saw, and hugs I received. One class asked their teacher if they could come and say bye to me. They all filed in and gave me a huge group hug. I honestly almost shed a tear because I'm really REALLY going to miss them. The funny thing about it all is the fact that I have always wanted to teach High School, not Elementary school. After 7 weeks in elementary, I'm not so sure! I loved my experience there. Now starting Tuesday, I'm heading to my High School assignment. We shall see how this goes, but if it's anything like teaching in elementary school I'm sure I'll love it.
I know for sure this is what God put me here for. Teaching and being a positive impact on kids is such a rewarding thing. Though the work is hard and tiring, doing the best for the kids and their reactions, and positivity is fuel to keep me moving.
