Bittersweet Ending

In three days, my 5 week placement at Fairmont Senior High School will come to an end. To be honest, BEFORE I began this placement I was terrified and had myself convinced that High School was not the place for me. I did not think that I would enjoy teaching students that were so close to me in age and was very apprehensive about the material that I would have to be teaching (because the content was so specific). Now, as the final day approaches I find myself wanting to stay at the High School.

Over these past couple weeks, I feel that I have learned so much about what a special education teacher's job entails. Although I have been educated of this through my SPED classes at the university, it wasn't until I was at Fairmont Senior and learned/saw firsthand that I actually had any clue. I truly admire my mentor teacher. She is a very hard worker who has a true passion for teaching these students and helping them to become young adults. Not only does she care about their academics, but she does all that she can to ensure that all of her students are comfortable and on the right track to become a young adult (even if it means putting in extra time and work for her students).

Not only do I hope to be the kind of teacher that she is in the future, but I also hope to have her organizational skills. I came here knowing that special education meant paperwork but I had no idea the amount of time and work that went into all of these different forms. Obviously, with all of that paperwork (especially with the majority of it being confidential) you have to have a fantastic organization system or else your job will be impossible. My mentor teacher has her organization system in full swing and I feel that it is very beneficial for both her job and mental health.

Although I was scared of these High School students at first, I developed a great relationship with all of my students and have finally figured out their interests, personalities and learning styles. I have finally come to a point in my teaching here where I feel completely comfortable in front of these kids and in this atmosphere. High School is not a scary place like I had originally thought and I cannot wait to come back here next semester to complete some of my contract hours. I couldn’t have asked for a better placement or a better experience. So, until next time…