Summary

If I had to choose one work to represent my volunteering experience it would have to be: inspiring. I was able to observe how to really make a difference in students lives and I also observed how I do not want to be in the future. I learned a lot of valuable lessons during the time volunteering and I am thankful that I did it at a school because I can use the strategies in my own classroom.
I found that no matter how long a student in in your classroom, you can still make a difference in their lives! It is so important to not let yourself get frustrated with the issues that you have no control over. I really enjoyed the positive atmosphere that empowered the teacher and the students. The energy was contagious and I saw how the hands on lessons are beneficial especially for our urban students. Our students really need to be given the connections and the use of manipulatives. There was such a difference by the teachers attitude as to how the students perceive their education and their learning. I want to be the teacher that is able to make a difference!

What a difference...

I have been volunteering with a classroom teacher that has been so dedicated and focused on her students learning and I have learned a lot from her. She cares about her students and it is obvious that she has built trust with her students.

I spoke with the principal to find a good example of what not to do in the classroom and he had the perfect example. The principal has a wonderful relationship with the students and they are his first priority, so this teacher really stood out to him about not 'caring' about the students. It was very obvious from the minute I walked in the door that she was not concerned about the students and there was no structure in the classroom.

The first thing that bothered me was the disorganization in the classroom. The classroom was extremely messy and it there was not a system in place for any thing. The lessons were one lecture after another and the students never rotated or went to centers. It was very boring and it seemed as though time stopped. I was able to work with a small group and engage them, but my enthusiasm about the work took them by surprise. They were taken back that I cared about them and that I was so proud of them when they were successful.

The experience really opened my eyes to what I do not want to be as a teacher, no matter how long I am in the profession. The kids should be our first priority and it is sad that there are a lot of children that are not in an environment where they are encouraged to learn and be successful. This was a great experience and I learned a lot from this classroom.

Mobility

There are many variables that affect teachers in the classroom, and a huge problem where I am volunteering is the doors seem to be revolving. The teacher is very frustrated because it is hard to maintain a routine. The groups continue to change and it is difficult to build a 'family' relationship because new students are constantly being placed in the classroom as well as students are leaving the school. This creates new challenges for the teacher. It is tough to teach a student for 8 months and put so much work into helping them, and then they just stop showing up for class. This can be draining on the teacher and overwhelming. It is a sad situation and the feeling of the classroom changes every time a student leaves, or a new student enters. It is a challenge but it is encouraging to see how the teacher stays positive and keeps trying. She is trying to not show her frustration and focus on the challenges. It is very inspiring.

Volunteering

It has been a pleasure working with urban students. It is such a transition from being in a regular type classroom. It takes a lot of trust when working in the urban setting because many of the students have been hurt and have a hard time trusting adults. I am working very hard in gaining their trust and making sure that they know that I am there for them. We have had two teachers that have left in the middle of the year and this has also been an issue for our students. I can tell the difference with the students that are able to understand that I care about them and the students that have trouble with trusting me. It is really sad to see the students not try or put any effort into their work because they do not feel that they are important or that we care about them. I am working with a wonderful teacher and we are really trying to build relationships and work on communication and motivation!

Teaching!

I had a moment the other day! I was in the middle of my math lesson and I was teaching!!!! It was so exciting because for the last couple of months we have been so focused on FCAT this and FCAT practice and I did not even realize how much I miss teaching! I had to stop for a second and just smile! I am so relieved that I am able to teach my students and not focus so much on the test. I am happier when I leave and I feel successful at the end of the day. Now...I just have to wait for the scores to see if I have a job next year!!!! :)

Schools Over After FCAT?!?!?!

My students seem to think that once FCAT is over...school is over! They think that the only thing that is important is the FCAT in order to go to the next grade. Also, I think this is why my students are not motivated to learn. If a lesson is not focused on FCAT, or the worksheets do not look like FCAT, they do not care about it. I think that we are responsible for some of the reasons the students are not motivated because there is so much focus on the test. We tend to teach them information so they pass the test without making the information concrete. I have to prepare my studnets for middle school and yet they think that school is over!

Class Size Reduction...is it really worth it?

When I would hear anything about classroom reductions, I was always for it! I thought that it would be great because I would be able to provide my students with an engaging lesson that would be more personalized for each student. I would also be able to help motivate each student we would be able to accomplish more! This all sounded so wonderful, until now...

After having our meeting about 'budgets' it seems as though this will be more harmful to our school then beneficial. The smaller classrooms would be great, but where will the money that we need for the teachers, classrooms, and resources come from? The schools are then going to have to change the CRT's, Curriculum Specialists, administrators, and other personel into teacher positions. When do we put the focus on our education and our future, instead of millions going to athletes or other funds. The budges is very complicated and the focus does not seem to be the best for our students. I am not fully aware of how the budget works or this situation, this is what I have heard and I was curious.