As a part of our program we were asked to keep a journal to record our feelings and trepidations throughout the year. Now in May, reading my journals from September, I am so amazed at how much I have changed and grown. At the beginning of the year I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to survive, or that I wasn’t cut out for the job. I felt overwhelmed by classroom management and differentiating my lessons. I wanted everything I taught to be perfect, and it was hard to realize that in teaching, that isn’t the case. There is no lesson where every student walks away with every single piece of information, but that’s okay. Through reflection I became okay with knowing my lessons were planned to the best of my ability, but I could also make adjustments as I went along.

Throughout the year I focused on two major aspects of teaching. First was classroom management. Through Jocelyn and my mentor group I learned about responsive classroom techniques, and read Rick Smith’s Conscious Classroom Management. In my new classroom I used what I had learned, and created whole class initiatives, and a reflection corner for students who need a break.

My second major focus was differentiating lessons so all students could access the material. Because this was an inclusion classroom, it was important to me that I adjust my practice to accommodate the many students on an IEP, and that my student’s learned in a way that suited them best. My lessons included multiple points of entry, through hands on learning or discussions, before going back to their seats to work individually or in small groups. I believe it essential to honor all learning styles, and that it is my job to make sure all students feel appreciated in the classroom.

While this has certainly been challenging, I have also realized how much I have learned. I have had so many resources and opportunities to practice my role, that when I had the opportunity to step into it, it almost felt natural. The transition into becoming a long term substitute shows how much I have grown and learned, and I am now the proud teacher of 27 new students.