Drinking from a Fire Hose

The title says it all. Today, I had a meeting on campus with my student teaching center coordinators. They gave us so much information it felt like I was drinking from a fire hose. My head is spinning and my heart is racing. Here's the Reader's Digest version:

Teacher Work Sample, otherwise known as the TWS, is an extremely detailed compilation of a unit taught by the student teacher. There are seven large sections, contextual factors, learning goals, assessment plan, design for instruction, instructional decision-making, analysis of student learning, and reflection/self evaluation. The TWS gets scored on a scale of one to three. In order to successfully complete student teaching, you must receive a three on your TWS. The TWS is similar to a Master's thesis and generally runs anywhere from 18-24 pages.

Due Date: October 26, 2010.

To end today's meeting each one of us was given a half sheet of paper with campus resources that might be beneficial throughout our student teaching journey. The first resource on the sheet was the Writing Center on campus. Here, you can have your work reviewed and edited by students and faculty. The next resource on the list was the Student Counseling Center. Below, the 24 hour suicide hot-line was listed. I know what you all are thinking but no, this was not a joke. The coordinators were 100% serious. Apparently, student teaching can be extremely stressful.

On a brighter note, my center requires a section of the TWS to be submitted each week. The coordinators said they will provide feedback to ensure that we succeed. Say prayers at night for me, friends. I NEED to pass!

I also have observations, completed by my center coordinator, every other week. She will be watching my lessons and providing feedback as well. As for my teaching schedule, I am supposed to phase into teaching. The first week starts off with me picking up small classroom duties. Gradually, I will gain responsibility.  By the fifth week I will be teaching all day, every day... Exciting but scary.Wish me luck!