Woodland Community

My number one resource and inspiration at Woodland was my mentor teacher, Jocelyn. Working with her in Room 215 taught me to plan innovative lessons by coming up with themes or engaging hooks to capture the students’ interests. Jocelyn also taught me a lot about classroom management, and staying non-emotional when being challenged. I learned responsive classroom techniques that helped teach students to make correct choices, while staying calm and in control.

Beyond our classroom, I was supported by the team of other first grade teachers. As I took over my new class and became one of them, they checked in regularly and greatly encouraged me. There is strong collaboration within our grade, and many of my lessons originated or were taken directly from them. I always appreciated their patience and kindness as I navigated my new role.

The Woodland community was a key resource as I grew as a teacher. In addition to my fellow teachers, the staff was always friendly. They, too, checked in regularly as I began my new job.

I also gained many resources working at Woodland. I pulled books from our leveled library, received an iPad and Macbook from Apple as a planning and teaching resource, and inherited a host of materials and meaningful curricula (Fundations, Making Meaning, Discussions for Learning). These all helped me plan and execute successful lessons.

Clark Community

My biggest Clark resource was my wonderful mentor, Holly. This year was often challenging and overwhelming, but Holly could always bring me back down to reality to help me get back up and focus. There was no part of my year that Holly did not help with, from planning and executing lessons, learning about effective practice, finding resources, and talking about any challenges I was facing at the time. Without her my year would have been significantly more difficult.

Aside from Holly there were eight other Elementary MAT candidates that worked through the program with me. My peers allowed me to reflect on my practice, listen to lesson challenges and help me problem-solve in a small group setting. I am so grateful to have this small community to help support each other as we navigated this year.

The curriculum lab at Clark also provided resources I needed to successfully execute my lessons. The lab had a large and diverse selection of children’s books, and the necessary office supplies every teacher needs. These resources made it possible to implement what I wanted to do in a calm and accessible space.