The Countdown Begins

I have an official countdown now...47 days until graduation.

As I walked into my new school my first thoughts were, "Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore." My two placements are night and day. This elementary school is large, modern, and diverse. My old school was none of the above. At my new placement, a lot of emphasis is placed on test scores. It seems that the focus is on math and reading. The layout of this new building is different, too. Kindergarten and 1st grade share a pod, 2nd and 3rd shares a pod, and so does 4th and 5th. Since Title I at this particular school is considered early intervention, I will only be working with students grade K-2. Jumping from 4th grade, I have to remind myself of the development differences in age. Lots of redirecting will be needed in my small groups. Even simple things, like walking down the hallway, need to be explicitly taught. I have never been one to embrace change, but this change is refreshing. I am glad I got two placements that are worlds apart. All of this experience will hopefully make me more marketable when I start my job search. Unfortunately, this is coming sooner rather than later.

As I have been watching my Cooperating Teacher during Reading Recovery lessons, I am becoming more and more intrigued. I think this is something I would like to pursue in the future. The structure of the Reading Recovery program is designed for success. Statistics at this particular school show 84% of Reading Recovery students continue to be at or above grade level four years after they have completed the Reading Recovery program. Furthermore, 46% of those students are above grade level. It is moving to see the success brought about by this program. To think that these students' whole lives have been enhanced by the power of literacy amazes me.

I have been blessed with fabulous cooperating teachers. Both have had many years of experience but still show the same enthusiasm as brand new teachers. I hope to follow in their footsteps. Still, I walk out of school smiling knowing that each day I am learning and bettering myself. I am confident that I will be a teacher that inspires, educates, and loves each one of her students.