October 5.

Lisa Blackwell's session was very informative and encouraging. I'm happy that we are being encouraged to go into our teaching experience as more than just "fix-it-upers-come-to-whip-you-into-shape". I remember my earlier years of schooling and how inadequate and dumb I often felt in certain subjects when being compared to other students. Mrs. Jackson in the 4th grade was a teacher who completely changed my life because her attitude towards teaching was refreshing, enthusiastic and engaging. She actually gave off the vibe that she liked being there, she liked what she was doing and most importantly she liked us and believed in us. I fell in love with school after that and although I'd always been good at reading, she boosted my confidence in math. I got my first A in math from her class. This is the experience that I think I'll be taking with me to my students at 200. I'm already convinced that they're just brilliant! I will also have to learn how to encourage "their strategies and processes" rather than focusing on them as Lisa Blackwell touched on today. I have high expectations because I know from my own personal experience that one-on-one work and encouragement gave me the confidence I needed to take charge of my own education. I think I will be learning just as much if not more than I will be teaching. I'll be sure to remind my students that I'm also in school just as they are and everybody is always learning and growing. It's part of being alive!