BREANNA CAPE

Student Teaching at Hinman

Elementary School

Student Teaching Reflection

Overall my student teaching experience was amazing and definitely
prepared me to get into the classroom. I spent half of the semester in a 4 th
grade classroom and half in a 1 st/4th grade Resource classroom. Both of my
Cooperating Teachers were amazing and very willing to share their
knowledge. One important lesson I learned from student teaching is how it
really is an art (more like a juggling act). One of my biggest challenges was
remembering everything that needed to be done. In the resource room we
have lessons going on and different students coming in and out all day
long. We also have to progress monitor them with several different
assessments each week. Planning and including this was a difficult
challenge that I was able to overcome. I also learned how much time and
dedication it really does take in both general education and special
education to create lesson plans. I spent countless hours at home preparing
for the next week. I am so grateful for the experience and how it helped me
get used to and understand that commitment I will be making as a teacher.

Student Teaching Reflection Cont.

Finally, I learned about relationships and classroom management.
When I first got into the classroom I often found myself using a mom
discipline approach and scolding students. With my own reflection and
input from my Cooperating Teacher I realized that being consistent and
talking to my students in a matter of fact way was much more effective. I
was able to build relationships with my students in which we all felt
respected. I never needed to yell or scold them once I learned this valuable
lesson.
There are a few things that I feel would have better prepared me
for my student teaching experience. The first being having experience and
knowing the procedural rights I will have to discuss at IEP meetings. The
second was creating a mock IEP using the technology I am actually using in
the classroom. The third was creating a schedule based on my case load and
their current minutes.
Overall my experience at Nevada State College has been
wonderful. I didnt feel like just a number. My professors took their time to
get to know me and help guide me toward my future.