We invited student teacher, Justin Nacarato, to share his experiences with you as he navigates the exciting and anxiety-ridden student teaching time of his teacher education program. Here is the first of many installments about Justin’s adventures in student teaching.
Student Teaching
My name is Justin Nacarato and I am a senior at Ashland University in Ohio. I am majoring in Early Childhood Education PreK-3 and Early Childhood Intervention Specialist PreK-3. This semester I will be student teaching in 2nd grade in a suburban school.
Since I am majoring in ECE with the ECIS add-on, my first six weeks will be focusing on general education and the last six weeks will be focusing on the intervention aspects. Fortunately for me, I will remain in the same classroom for both sections. Some of my fellow peers are placed in one classroom for the first six weeks then have to move to another classroom for the remaining six weeks.
I have known my mentor teacher for a few years and have already visited and met with her class this year. I am looking forward to applying my skills and knowledge into this classroom but also learning new techniques that I can accommodate into my teaching. My main concern for this experience is planning, planning, planning. I feel that there is a lot of material to cover. Also, I feel that standardized tests are such a big deal nowadays and that I’m pressured to teach the content in a way that the students can reiterate it when taking the tests. Personally, I do not want to teach for test taking but I feel as though I am pressured to. I hope I am able to use my teaching skills and techniques in an effective way to make everything work out smoothly.
I am looking forward to sharing my experiences, concerns, and successes here on the blog throughout the semester! I know I will learn a lot from everyone’s comments.
Interested in talking directly with Justin? He can be found on Twitter at @TeacherInMe.
Jill says
You have an ideal situation and second grade rocks! Enjoy, soak it up, don’t be afraid to be yourself. Testing pressures all of us, not just newbies. Think of how the kids feel! Good luck!Looking forward to reading your blog.
Sofia says
It does sound like a great situation especially the part where you get to stay in the same classroom for the entire experience. You can really get to know the kids and apply or look for what you are having to observe easier. No one likes to just teach to the tests..but it the times we live in.. I too am looking forward to reading your blog…Much intervention where I am is done with English learners who often think in there own language before they can answer.
Good luck…
Sarah C says
I’m interested to hear more about Justin’s student teaching experience! I just finished my student teaching in December so I can totally relate!
Justin Nacarato says
Thank you for your support! I begin my adventure Monday. 🙂
Teri says
Justin, wishing you well. Second grade will provide you with a great learning experience. Thanks for taking on the additional task of sharing with others. I know your experience will help others; I will definitely share with my student teachers from the past and future! From a veteran of twenty-eight years, many of those spent in second grade. If you have questions or would like some specific ideas, let me know. Teri
Justin Nacarato says
Thank you, Teri. I hope to learn and grow as much as possible during this experience. All of the support I am receiving from friends, family, and my PLN (including everyone in The Teacher’s Lounge and Twitter) is giving me great feelings of pride and comfort! Journey begins tomorrow!