Blog #9: Final reflection (due Monday, 4/23/12 by 8 AM)

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Stephanie Knouse on April 26, 2012 at 11:41am

You definitely own the label "teacher", Katie! And, yes, Spanish IS cool. :) I am so looking forward to August!

Permalink Reply by Jessica Richardson on April 23, 2012 at 1:18pm

It is so strange ending this experience this semester. I can easily say this has been the hardest semester of college and has tested me in so many ways, but coming out on the other side has made me realize the ways in which I am strong. However, I definitely do not know everything, so I need to ask a lot of questions from anyone that knows anything that could be helpful! But, even after it all, I know that I want to teach Spanish. The students are so fun and challenging and it gives me a chance to incorporate all the things that matter to me: Spanish, being creative, theater, academics, and caring for students. This is a career that will always make me feel that I am working to make a difference and that will never let me get bored. Every day is different and challenging in new ways :)

I’m very excited about next year though to be wearing a few less hats. This semester being a student, a teacher, a sorority girl, a friend, a daughter, among so many other things, has been a little identity confusing. I am excited to be able to have my teacher hat full time instead of trying to change back and forth between Furman and teaching high school. Next year will be hard but incredible!

I am already working on my classroom goals. I want students, even in Spanish I, to be speaking Spanish to me as much as possible and to understand it from me the majority of the time. Also, I want my classroom to be extremely student centered and give them some room to develop who they are in a safe place. However, those activities will encourage Spanish within each other. I want them to know that Spanish is useful and communicative. The only way they will be motivated is if they see a purpose behind it. I am so excited!

I want to say thank you to you Dr. Knouse! You have been so helpful and encouraging throughout this experience, even back in Spain when I thought everything was falling apart. You helped guide me and get me to this place where I am prepared to begin my career and the rest of my life. Thank you so much!

Permalink Reply by Stephanie Knouse on April 26, 2012 at 11:41am

Great reflection. It's great to see that you know you are doing what you should be doing as a profession. And, honestly, Jessica, it's me who should be thanking you and your cohort for this semester, as I have gained so much from this experience. You all have taught me so much; it has been an honor to have worked with everyone. I look forward to August! :)