My So Called Blog

This week will mark my third week student teaching in a West Philadelphia elementary school. I am in a relatively small school observing a first/second grade split classroom. Unfortunately, the school didn’t have enough funding to staff the second grade this year, so half of the second grade class is in a first grade classroom and the other half is in a third grade classroom. The students were assigned based on aptitude tests. This means, in one classroom there are students straight from kindergarten (about 6 years old) and students who are repeating second grade (who are 9 years old)! Prior to student teaching, I had never heard of a school getting rid of an entire grade! The teacher I am studying under has to plan two literacy and two math lessons everyday. Thankfully, she is well prepared and enthusiastic about managing two grade levels in one room. Despite having zero experience, I am hoping there are ways I am able to help the teacher execute her lessons plans. I know I can learn a great deal from her and the students so I can’t wait to become more acquainted with the classroom.

In addition to student teaching, we are beginning our fourth week of GSE classes. I love being able to spend two days a week at the elementary school and then the rest of the week with my cohort. Since the Teacher Education Program began in July, we have been able to bond as a group before starting in our respective classrooms. This has proven to be extraordinarily beneficial! We have created a supportive network of fellow student teachers who are able to listen and lean on each other.

As for my life outside of GSE, I am a Grad Assistant living in a mostly freshman inhabited dorm on Penn’s campus. The residents on my floor have been accepted to a special mentoring program. All 24 freshman spend one hour a week working with a student in the west Philadelphia elementary school where I student teach. I am absolutely amazed at the level of professionalism and responsibility the residents on my hall have exhibited in working with the students! Despite adjusting to a new city and a new routine with classes, roommates and group bathrooms they are committed to working with underprivileged children. I am incredibly fortunate to live with this group of motivated and intelligent group of students!

Alright, it’s 1:11 AM and I ought to get to sleep. Good night!