Reflection 3

I have had so much fun throughout the first and final rotations. I feel that the knowledge I have gained could not have been attained in the classroom. For the second rotation, I was placed in a general ed. fourth grade classroom. The students occassionally tested my classroom management skills, but were for the most part very well behaved. I was amazed at how quickly the students would catch on to a new concept. They never stopped surprising me with their answers to my questions and the questions that they asked. I feel that my skills as a teacher have improved due to my time in the classroom giving lessons and working with students.

Reflection 2

Upon completion of the first rotation, I feel that I have grown considerably as a future teacher. The students that I worked with in the SUCCESS classroom have taught me many things. First, I should not underestimate a special education student. They are capable of so much more than they are given credit for. I also realized that they can be very self-sufficient. They began their day by removing coats and backpacks. Then retrieving and turning in their homework. The students in this rotation showed me that despite their disabilities, they are the same as any other student. Another realization that I came to is that all young students need boundaries and routines. Without boundaries we would have nothing to surpass. I grew quickly fond of the students in the classroom and will truly miss them.

Reflection #1

At this point in my educational journey I feel that my professional attributes are quite strong. This is due, in part, to all that I have learned in the QUEST program thus far. I have learned "Patience," "Flexibility," and "Cooperation" from the many group projects that I have worked on.
Many of the professional attributes, that are so important in the working environment, have been instilled in me through my parents and family. My professional "Demeanor," sense of "Responsibility," and understanding of "Tactfullness" is mostly a product of my upbringing. These qualities were bestowed upon my siblings and I by our parents. They showed us the importance of being sensitive to others, taking responsibility for our actions, and having a positive attitiude.
Through my work as a Special Education Aide I learned to expand my level of "Patience." There were many times, early on, that I simply wanted to give up. Through the guidance of other professionals in the field, I learned how to handle the stress of the teaching environment. I truly believe that "Patience" is a learned trait.
Throughout the Quest program, we have had no choice but to be "Organized." I have always considered myself fairly organized, but I do still occasionally struggle with it. It is only when there is an overload of things going on in my life that I may let something slip. I am conscious of this fact and am making an effort to strengthen my organizational skills all the time. I am always looking for new ways to be organized. Staying organized makes my life easier, and anything that makes life easier I am all for.