One of the exciting things about being a student and teacher at the college level is all the new beginnings; I get three a year, after all! New classes, new opportunities, and this semester (for the first since last fall) all new students to get to know. Starting with a new batch of Level 1 interns who are just truly starting to delve into teaching is a nerve-wracking and exciting prospect. As I do every semester, I have evaluated what has worked and what I need to build on in both my teaching and supervising.
Teaching:
This semester, I am teaching a class I have not previously taught, which is always a bit daunting. It is an introductory educational psychology course, and it ties in well with the work the students will be doing in their field experience. Both have the preservice teachers (PSTs) studying one student to evaluate that student's background, skills, needs, etc.
I know that the first semester can be overwhelming for the PSTs; they are in their internship classroom one day each week, and also have four (I think) classes. With that in mind, I have set up my Canvas site so that it is clear from day one what is expected. I've never started the semester with all the assignments already set up so that students can explore the rubrics and such, and I am curious - will it help or just add more angst to their feelings of being overwhelmed? As a student, I like knowing what is expected of me from the beginning (and not just a quick blurb in the syllabus, but good info that really explains the assignments), but my undergrads may not. I will ask for their feedback so that I know if this set up is beneficial to the majority of not.
Supervising:
The school at which I will be supervising is new to our program this year, and I am excited to build relationships with a new set of collaborating teachers and the school administration. My past few semesters of supervising have taught me a lot about communication; I now cc anything I send to CTs to the PSTs and vice versa, with administration always included as well. I think that was my biggest hurdle my first semester as a supervisor; I counted on the PSTs to share information with their CTs. Many did, but it is like a game of telephone. Now I know everyone is getting the same information (even if they interpret it a little differently).
Someone in a meeting today suggested asking the teachers to come speak at seminar meetings about areas in which they excel. I love this idea and will keep my eyes open for great ideas that my PSTs can benefit from.
Overall:
Organization is something I can always improve. Since both the class I teach and seminar meetings are not in the education building, I have to carry my supplies with me. Last year, I often forgot I needed little things like sticky notes or markers for an activity. This year, I took a wheelie tote that I have from my days as a scrapbooking queen (I'm so busy with school, I had to demote myself to princess) and packed it with the materials I need to teach class. The tote will stay in the trunk of my car so I always have the materials I need. It will also make it easier for me to transition from my teacher to student role, as I won't have to stuff my backpack with the materials for both any more. (On both my class and seminar days, I also have a class to attend as a student.)
Goals for this week:
Finish setting up Canvas site for Internship Seminar as soon as syllabus is finalized.
Make progress on papers accepted for presentations at LRA
Prepare for meeting with my co-major professors regarding timeline for qualifying exams, dissertation proposal, etc.
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