I am officially done student teaching, I can't belive it's already over. Wasn't it just yesterday that I was a scared little freshmen, too afraid to talk in class?

This last week has been a bit hectic, but I've survived and learned a lot in the process. Monday went well and the underlining/circling activity was a success. As soon as we broke down and identified the information in each problem, the issues they had last week seemed to clear right up. I was very happy with my decision to reteach, rather than push on.

Tuesday's observation didn't exactly go as planned. I was extremely disappointed in the class's behavior and ended up going to plan B (no more game, individual work for the review). While I was disappointed in how the class went, my advisor here assured me I handled it well and he was very happy to see I stopped the game when I did.

Although I would have preferred a seamless observation, it did remind me that you can not always have perfectly behaved students. While I feel my classroom management skills are pretty strong, I haven't had much practice with out of control classes. Not that I'm complaining! I definitely feel it will come more naturally with experience, but I'll be working on those skills the best I can as I start my job search.

The test were fairly well done and I was happy to see that most students underlined and circled those word problems to help. Overall I was happy with the students' performance.

Today was my last day and the students were so sweet. I left the room to record some grades for Mr. Sinnot and came back to a white board full of "We'll miss you Ms Mahoney!". Now I realized why I had to grade record them in a different room, but I was oblivious to it at the time. They still had to do work for Mr. Sinnotbut but at the end of the period they presented me with a card from the class and gave me the chance to thank them for having me. I promised not to forget them, I don't think I could if I tried! I may have had a few rough days with them, but they are a good group of kids.

I'm really going to miss the students and staff here. The principle gave me a nice send off during break so I got the chance to say good bye and thank them as well. Everyone at the school was so welcoming to me and I truly will miss them.

I've learned so much while I've been here and am so glad I was given this opportunity. I have been so fortunate with both my placements during student teaching, I don't think I could imagine a better experience. Both my co-operating teachers and advisors have taught me so much over this past semester. As it comes to an end, I feel I am ready to go out on my own and I am excited to see what the future hold for me. (Hopefully that future includes a job!)