Today was my last day as a student teacher! I cannot believe that my last semester of college has come to an end!
I have especially enjoyed being able to work with one of the most incredible kindergarten teachers I have ever met. The woman who I have been working with for the past three months has taught me so much more than what it means to teach a lesson. She has shown me how to care for the students as if they're your own children, how to overcome frustrating situations in the classroom, how to deal with parents, how to interact with colleagues, and how to earn respect by giving respect. I couldn't have asked for a better way to end my college education then by student teaching at my own elementary school with one of the best teachers there.
This teacher even surprised me by making my last day one that I will truly remember fondly. She had talked to my mom to find out what kind of dessert I like (since I bake, but don't actually eat most baked goods), and got two ice cream cakes (morning & afternoon classes had to celebrate of course). The day that I was absent last week due to the funeral, the kids all worked on making cards for me and making a beautiful apron filled with handprints. The kids wrote sentences about what they liked doing with me, or what their favorite thing that I taught them was, and drew beautiful pictures. After handing out little bags of goodies that I had for them, both classes ended up circling me in a big group hug, and I had to promise that I would be back to visit as soon as possible. They don't know that I'll already be back to visit on Thursday since I'm helping the teacher with a talent show, so that will be a nice surprise. To top it all off, I got another surprise in between classes when the teacher gave me a beautiful "2015" graduation picture frame, a beautiful wristlet, and a beautiful bag, and then ordered Chinese food for all of the kindergarten teachers to celebrate during lunch. I really couldn't have worked with a more incredible woman.
Tomorrow, it's off to campus for a celebration of student teaching, and then graduation is on Sunday! It's so close... I can't believe it!
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Taylor