From Theory to reality
Reflections on a Semester of Student Teaching
In our ongoing commitment to fostering transformative learning experiences, we're thrilled to share insights from one of our dedicated student teachers.
This candid reflection from Delilah Gray, FA'23 from Luther College, offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs faced during the student teaching journey, highlighting the invaluable lessons learned in the real-world classroom. As an organization dedicated to empowering future educators, we find immense pride in witnessing the growth and self-discovery that each student teacher undergoes. Join us in exploring the dynamic intersection of theory and practice through the eyes of a future educator.
Growing up, academic achievement came naturally to me. Since taking on the role of a student was easy for me, I assumed stepping into the role of a teacher would be as well. Before I actually spent time in the classroom, it was easy for me to make assumptions about what being a teacher was like. However, once I began my student teaching experience, I realized that I had no idea what the reality of the position was.
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Although I learned so much from my professors at school, nothing could have prepared me for teaching as much as physically being in the classroom has. Reading about working with students and actually working with students are two very different things. I realized very quickly that even if something looks perfect on paper, it will not necessarily go that way when you put it into practice. Throughout my two placements, I have learned the importance of flexibility, open-mindedness, and humility. Plans are constantly changing in the classroom, so being able to think on your feet and switch things up is very important. This is a skill that is impossible to learn from a textbook and can only be learned from experience.
"Overall, this has been a challenging but very rewarding semester. It has allowed me to be vulnerable and push myself out of my comfort zone."
All About Me
Student teaching has allowed me to see how my teaching philosophy realistically plays out in the classroom. I would say that my current style is a mix between what I have learned from books and what I have learned from actually teaching. Many of the general ideas I had coming into this experience have stayed the same, but putting them into practice has helped solidify them.
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Overall, this has been a challenging but very rewarding semester. It has allowed me to be vulnerable and push myself out of my comfort zone. I have gotten to work with the most incredible people who I have learned so much from. I still have so much room to grow, but I am so proud of myself and the progress that I have made. I am so excited to take the things that I have learned and apply them in my future classroom.