Secondary Internship Week 1

Wow! What a difference I have seen between Elementary and Secondary students this week! I'm not only talking about the students, but how I conduct myself around my students.  My last placement, I would always walk in very cheerful and positive- high pitch voice, smiles all around, etc.  In high school, I still walk in positive, yet a bit more refined, but sometimes get sleepy stares in return. Although the atmosphere is very different, I truly enjoy being with students of the high school age.  I have only observed this week, but I have really enjoyed what the position presents.

I like that I have seen a lot of discussion in the classes I have been in.  The students seem to take the lead in the collaborative classes, and this is an approach I am familiar with in the college setting as a student myself.  The high school seniors really contribute a lot to class.  Even if the contribution consists of comments to get a laugh out of other students, what the students bring to the table is extremely valuable and allows me to get to know each student's personality.  This week has been used to get to know my students through observation and conversation.  I feel that it is just as important to know your students as it is to know your content.  I felt a bit like a fly on the wall this week as I took in each class and what it has to offer.

The organization skills of my mentor and the collaborative teachers is remarkable and something I wish to learn from.  As I am now entering the 'transition phase' of a student's life, I am learning that there are many options and laws in which I must explore and understand in full in order to serve my students.  From this, I am learning about the importance of organization, especially in special education.  My mentor teacher has already shown me so much.  She takes time each Friday to conduct paperwork, observation, and many other things on each student on her caseload in order to keep up with the requirements for their IEPs.  She plans a week ahead of time.  She is very up-to-date on the medical files of each student and talks greatly with each general education teacher that her students might encounter.  Her routine schedule proves to be very effective and is something that I look forward to adopting into my own practice.  I feel that this placement is going to be one in which I will learn greatly from and extremely enjoy!