3 weeks + 1

For three weeks I completed my Practicum II in 4th grade. I worked along side a great cooperating teacher who truly took me under her wing and showed me the ropes. I was not just a volunteer within the classroom, but a real teacher. Along with my required three lessons I needed to teach... I was doing two lessons a day by the second week. I was given the confidence to teach. Be respected by the students. Supported by my cooperating teacher.

it. was. amazing.

I currently feel so confident that I could be thrown into a classroom, and be ready to teach the students... anywhere. Before this experience, no way!! My last day was June 4th, I cried... hard. The students threw me a surprise party with gifts (picture frame, mug, cupcakes, and cards) each student made a hand written card. It took me 3 hours to go through them all. I could only read a few, then I had to put them down. It was unbearable how much I already missed them.

unforgettable.

This experience was life-changing. I missed the students. My cooperating teacher. The amazing staff.

solution: return.

Today was the last day of school. I drove an hour to J.W. Alvey Elementary School in Prince William County, and stayed the entire day. The kids were surprised. It was great to get to see them again. Sign their yearbooks. Spend their last few hours as fourth graders... together. As the day ended I received hugs from each student, again... I cried.

rotation.

I only spent three weeks with them, and I felt like they were mine. I had ownership of them... then I was letting them go. What am I going to do when I have students for a whole year?! This experience has taught me: patience, humbleness, confidence, and courage. I am forever grateful.

For future years: invest in a large box of tissues.