High Expectations, Classroom Setting, and Community

Think back to influential classes you have taken. How were expectations set to promote student success?

I think the classes that I was most motivated in were the ones where I cared what the instructor thought about my work. Knowing or thinking that a teacher cares about you personally and academically is a big motivator helps with student success. In classroom management we learned that High Expectations plus Caring and Support equal Student Success. I think this is important to remember in the classroom. Having high (achievable) expectations for all students and giving them the support and structure they need to achieve these expectations leads to successful students. Setting achievable goals is also key in this equation. Creating opportunities for success for each student helps to ensure that they are motivated to continue succeeding.

Introduce your student teaching setting.

My classroom is in a beautiful 100 year old building with huge windows. The composition of my classes is very diverse and I love it. The school is located in an urban neighborhood that has a strong community and a lot of parental support. My cooperating teacher and I have been doing a lot of collaborating and team teaching while we transition to my lead teaching full-time. This has been a wonderful experience because I get a chance to lead but am still able to observe and have support.

How do you view the expectations and classroom community established in your current placement?

My cooperating teacher has high expectations for each student- she helps them to achieve success by working each individual and checking their progress between each step.

The community aspect of this classroom is very strong. Students are encouraged to help each other, give positive feedback and help with cleaning up. You often see students checking the behavior of others and helping to self-correct.

Student teaching, job search and clothes, oh my!

What do you find most daunting about finishing student teaching and graduating from college?

I am most worried about finding a job post-graduation- there are not a lot of job openings and finding full-time employment in art education is difficult. Although I am very nervous to begin student teaching, I think that I am prepared and ready to begin the next set of "training wheels". I do worry that I will get nervous and forget my words in front of the class, but I think that after a couple of times it will feel natural- and this is all about practice! I am also worried about getting along with my cooperating teachers- either with different personalities, teaching styles or control in the classroom. I plan to be very flexible, hard-working and accommodating so hopefully no conflicts will occur.

What was the pivotal event that made you decide to become a teacher and enter your teacher preparation program?

After I graduated from college I lived in Michigan and Chicago for a few years. I had a very unsatisfying job in Chicago and when my husband decided to return to school for law I saw my chance to return to school to do what I had always wanted to do but had been too afraid- become a teacher.

In what ways will your wardrobe change during student teaching and as a teaching professional?

Less jeans. But seriously, I have been collecting "teaching" clothes little by little over the past couple of years and feel good about my wardrobe selection. My teacher clothes are definitely more conservative than my regular clothes. I make sure to cover all my skin and to wear things that coordinate and look professional rather than trendy. Once concern I always have is the decolletage area- I tend to wear a lot of scarves to prevent any incidents.