Letter of Reflection:
Strengths
I am confident in my ability to maintain a professional disposition both in and outside of the classroom. I also know that I will be constantly seeking out ways to learn and grow as an educator. I know that I will be able to relate to my students and promote a positive learning environment through establishing relationships. I love and care about each student as an individual. Because of the trust that will form from such a relationship, I will be able to have positive, high expectations for my students as well.
Challenges
I know that my content area and pedagogical knowledge is likely greater than I think it is, however, there is always more to learn in that area. The thing that I fear I will struggle with the most is my ability to manage the learning environment by enforcing rules and expectations/procedures as well as implementing behavioral intervention strategies when necessary. I have the understanding of how to do so, but in action, things may look quite different than I expect them to. I also tend to over-empathize with people, and I worry I will do the same with my students. If this is the case, I may neglect issues in order to avoid confrontation. I know that I need to be authoritative and assertive. If I truly have a trusting relationship with my students, doing so will have a positive impact in the classroom.
Overall Growth
Compared to what I know now, I feel that I knew absolutely nothing prior to this class. I feel so much more equipped to lead and manage my classroom using the tools I learned about. I did not realize just how much went on behind the scenes in teaching. It is so much more than just showing up and teaching a lesson. Teachers do not merely teach–effective teachers know how to make a difference in the lives of students far beyond the classroom. I look forward to doing just that with hard work, determination, and persistence.