Jessica+Cross

**Reflection #3** **NAMES**

So many faces So little time Let the race begin. Ready, Set, Go! Chris, Rachel, Max, Isabelle, Brianne, oh no! There she is with her hair in a mess She’s wearing a shirt that says God bless. She looks at me with eyes wide awake ready to start the day And all I can say is “Im sorry I forgot your name”. I have only been here for less than a month and remembering 30 names is not my triumph. The next two nights I studied really hard fighting that feeling of never being tired. The morning got here fast just like it did in the past. I got through my routine with ease not ready for what lies ahead of me. I think I know all their names but what if I forget again and let someone down <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Only God knows that this is not my town. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">I didn’t expect to have to know some many people’s names <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">It’s the hardest game.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Here they come sneaking through the door <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Mrs. Wood said we will be reading “Quoth the raven nevermore” <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">But make sure you get your name tags from Mrs. Cross before. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">I took a deep breath when they all head my way <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">I get through half the stack then get to that girl remembering her name <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Like I prayed. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Then the last three feel heavy in my hands as look at the three students <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Waiting, waiting, waiting.... <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">“Ah yes Donavan, Elizabeth, and Becky” <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Now ain’t that just gravy!

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">:) Very cute Jessica. And I like how your poem shines light on one of the more basic issues that arise in teaching, and its one that I think we tend to overlook in favor of the 'big' problems. But you're so right. Walking into a classroom and being expected to know thirty names is challenging. And even though it seems almost trivial in comparison with things like lessons and discipline and making real connections with these kids, not taking the time to learn a child's name is a big deal. And its especially important to the kids themselves. Loved it! -Adriana Vanderheyden

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Jessica,

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">I am struggle with names, not just in my classroom, but in real life. Everyday I get, "Hey Mr. Giles, do you remember my name?" I realize that knowing your students name is so very important. It lets them know that they are not just another face in the masses. Your poem sums up something so basic that we take for granted, something that our students hold so near and dear to their hearts...their identity Have you read this to them? I bet they would love it. Keep working at it. Here is what I say when I can't remember a name..."Your name starts with a....uhhhh...2, right?" Thanks for sharing!!! Tony :)

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">**Reflection #4**

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Dear State Department of Education,

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Our school has been facing time struggles for teaching content for quit some time. We feel like we are racing against a fast clock. We are in dire need of an extension for the CRCT due to missing days from the snow. I think it would benefit the students (and teachers!) if the CRCT was moved back atleast a week. Two weeks before Spring Break is not enough time to mentally prepare the students for an important standardized test. Spring Break is approaching quickly and having students take the CRCT on the second day after coming back from a week long break is unrealistic for accomplishing our full potential for two reasons: the students are already starting to tune out for the break and “skilling and drilling” them to death will not prepare them enough content wise. It would be greatly appreciated if you would consider a possible extension for our school. Thank you for your time.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Sincerely, <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Teachers in desperate need of time

<span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Jessica--I love your letter to the SDOE :) However, I completely agree with you! I think having a test, with so much riding on it, two days after spring break is a little ridiculous! I know my school is freaking out as well--in fact, the tests were delivered this morning so they are already in the building! Just knowing they have already arrived is making the teachers and students even worse! Hopefully, you can get your extension :) Great job!-Ashley

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Jessica- I really think you should send this in. Most of the time, the people who create the policies and the recommendations for the schools have no idea what is happening in those schools. They get stuck inside their own bubbles and forget the goal of what it is their trying to accomplish. You put into words what I think most teachers preparing for the CRCT are thinking, but you're the only one who has the guts to put it out there. TOSS is so much more than getting to know the students, teaching for two weeks, and the other tasks we need to complete. We get a glimpse into what it will be like to be teachers. We can be a sheep or we can go against the current I think the educational system needs more people who are willing to go against the current and be advocates for the students. Great job, thanks for sharing!!! Tony :)

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">**Reflection #5**

<span style="color: #ff5300; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Dear Students,

** You have made my first teaching experience a positive one. At first I would have never thought about teaching 7th graders or Middle school in general, but now I have fell in love with the funny, intelligent people that you all are. I feel like a very lucky person to have such respectful and eager group of students for my first class. This class has left a great impression on me and has opened my eyes up to a new level of education. I will take this learning experience into my next teaching experience and develop more into the leader and teacher that I know I can be. Thank you for being the great students that you were! **

** Also, I would like to thank Mrs. Wood for her patience and leadership. I would not have improved as much as I did without her guidance. She is a very special person and cares so much for each and every one of you. **

Sincerely, Ms. Cross

Jessica.

What a great thank you note. These kids don't realize that we teach them, but they also teach us. I think this is why this career can be so rewarding. I know you didn't get to read this to your class, but I think you should email your CT and have her read it to them, I'm sure it would mean a lot to them. Great job and thanks for sharing!!! Tony :)

Jessica, I am so glad that you have had such a positive experience at your placement school. It sounds like you really lucked out with a great class AND a great CT, and as it seems through hearing about all of our experiences... this has not always been the case. It's great thay you have been able to learn so much and to see yourself come into your own as a teacher. With softball and everything, I know how busy you must have been, so let me congratulate you on surviving and thriving in this experience! So encouraging to hear and I look forward to hearing more about your experience when we return to the classroom! ~Lauren