My clinical practice experiences and spiritual wisdom from God’s teaching have shaped and refined my expectations. I have learned that patience, understanding, collaboration, and trust in God’s plan navigate the complexities of the teaching and my student’s growth.
As I embarked on my student teaching journey, I had certain expectations about being a teacher. However, my student teaching experience has challenged these preconceptions and reshaped my understanding of being an effective teacher. One of the most significant shifts in my expectations revolves around the workload and time management required for effective teaching. I had initially envisioned lesson planning as something that could be done in 30 minutes or less. However, I quickly realized that lesson planning and grading consume significant time, which I must catch up on during clinical practice and school. I spent much time designing differentiated activities and providing meaningful feedback on assignments. Thus, this experience showed me the importance of efficient time management and the need to establish a healthy school-work-life balance. It’s been a challenge, but God is my rock.
Classroom management is another area where my expectations have evolved. I always assumed all students would engage in interactive, exciting lessons with minimal disruptions. However, I encountered situations where students’ misbehavior or lack of motivation disrupted the learning environment. Therefore, over the weeks, I have learned that effective classroom management involves setting clear expectations, consistently enforcing rules, and adapting my approach to meet the unique needs of all learners.
As a student teacher, I appreciate the importance of patience and perseverance. My student teaching experience has profoundly reshaped my expectations of what it means to be a teacher of faith. I have learned to adapt to my expectations, embrace the complexity of teaching, and find joy in my daily interactions with my students. As I progress in my teaching career, I will carry these lessons with me, continuing to reflect on my practice and grow as an educator.
As I continue this journey, I will use these three scriptures from God’s teaching to guide my teaching work.
Matthew 13:1-23 Matthew 13:1-23 NIV - The Parable of the Sower - That same - Bible Gateway
1 Corinthians 3:6-9 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 NIV - I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, - Bible Gateway
Galatians 6:9 Galatians 6:9 NIV - Let us not become weary in doing good, - Bible Gateway