Coming to a Close!

Tomorrow is my last day of full-time teaching! I am super excited! Is that bad to say?I feel like I'm supposed to say that I loved my experience at this school, but the fact of the matter is is that I realized my heart breaks too much seeing these students fall apart. I think in an instance as this school, I would rather be their mentor/confidant rather than their teacher because then they can trust and know that I'm actually there for them. As teachers, these students think we're only out there to get them, put them in trouble, and not understand/empathize with what they're experiencing. It is amazing to hear all their stories, and how intelligent they really are in areas I wouldn't ever had the chance to experience. They know life-they know hard times-and at this age they forget that teachers are here to help them because we actually do care about them. I know for a fact that all my students have the potential to excel, but now its all about actually applying themselves. I have one student who was perfect when I first came to the classroom and now for the past couple of weeks he's become rotten so I sent him out of the classroom so I could speak with him in private. I had him wait a couple of minutes because I was still instructing the other students on what to do. When I went out into the hallway he was gone! Well, turns out that one of the other teachers had sent him on adventures. When I spoke with him I could not believe the turn around in his behavior just in the hallway. He seemed like he was actually listening to what I was saying, but I guess my tomorrow will tell if he actually listened.

Today was my final observation evaluation and my supervisor came during my best class so that went really well. Tomorrow is my final evaluation for my student teaching experience at this school. I'm really nervous that my teacher doesn't think I'm doing well. She always seems to be around when things go wrong. I almost feel like the students misbehave more when she is around than when she isn't around. I really think she thinks I have management issues and I don't think she necessarily likes when I do things my way. Oh well, I guess tomorrow will tell. I need to pass 9 of my 12 standards in order to pass, and last time I passed 8 of the 12 so if I even get one more proficient I'll be okay.

I believe on Monday I will be doing an external observation at Parkview Middle School. I'm really excited! One of my professors from Drake is the principal at the school so I emailed him asking if I could observe some classes and he asked me if I was interested in applying for some positions. How exciting. I already have a school! I think technically that school district does pay more than Des Moines, but Des Moines had FREE health insurance for up to 4 family members.

With a coincidence, of my friend circle at Drake, 6 of us have May birthdays so tomorrow we are all going to celebrate "The May Birthdays!" I believe we're going out to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner, then back at my new apartment for games, and then maybe out for a drink to celebrate our birthdays together for the fact after graduation we're all going our separate ways :(

Greg's parents are also coming this weekend and we're taking a trip to Pella (where Klayton Korver is from!) and join the festivities of Tulip Time! We're hoping the rain hides for these next couple of days, but probably not.
Greg's parents are coming in the train, too! I told my mom of this idea and now she wants to take the train to my graduation! I don't blame them with these rising gas prices!

I'm babysitting right now-the kids are in bed-so I should really get some portfolio done. I don't have much time anymore...just a week!!!! And nothing is done or printed. I will be spending a lot of time at the School of Education taking advantage of the free printing!

All right, I hope you have a good night. I will post pictures later.