Week 2 As the Intern - Teaching Fits Like a Hand-Me-Down Suit

 Teaching Fits Like a Hand-Me-Down Suit

Made for someone else but somehow fits well on me?

This past week I began managing classrooms and instruction in three classes at Big Spring High School with Mrs. Sherisa Nailor and Mrs. Sarabeth Fulton. 

Food Science

Rightfully so, the first class I officially taught was about Food Security and hunger. In an effort to gather student knowledge and rapport, we engaged in conversation about hunger, government subsidies, Farm Bill legislation, USDA funded nutrition programs, and USDA funded farm programs. 

The class is ideal because in addition to an excellent group of learners, these students have formed a classroom culture of their own. 

Basic Leadership

I'm proud of the success I found with this class. We have been exploring what leadership means to us while also discovering transferable skills needed in the workforce. On the first day I provided my resume to provide an interest approach for the class curriculum and introduce myself to them. I did this because my pedagogical knowledge offers that learners learn best when they build a relationship with the instructor and those around them. 

Next up is discovering their "Why" statement and then building relationships with the people we lead. I'm hoping to grow as a leader by engaging with this class.

Equine Science 

This class could have eaten me alive but spared my novice teaching. I engage in a quick class exchange which keeps me sharp as I must write a bell work the day prior to the lesson. It's sort of a bell work for the students and myself. We've started with the horses which was smashing. We have learned the history of the modern day horse, the scientific name for the horse, how horses has evolved over the past 65 million years, and that you can say ass in class without sass. 

We're diving into learning discussion skills as we question the ethical nature of horse racing in Pennsylvania. I'm grateful for what I am learning in this class.

Overall

Overall, I feel the first week went well. Stakeholder reports are indicating that I am aging as the week goes on so I am going to take it lighter this week and let the good times roll because I believe my students are going to grow, as I do, in this Blue Hand-Me-Down suit.