1. What were the most significant lessons or insights you gained during your teacher preparation program?

As much as I would love to have everything planned down to the minute of my entire life, there is no way that can possibly happen. While in my lead teach weeks, I knew that things would not be 100% perfect, and school assumes that things will be 100% perfect. I had to change and postpone some of my math lessons because we had a huge Poetry Slam happening and students' poetry was a priority. I was anxious for the rest of the week, thinking about how I might not get all my lessons in. Another lesson had to be split into two parts, but I was overthinking about how that would affect my school work rather than focusing on the importance of student learning. I didn't even get to do my end of module assessment because we didn't get to learn half the things on there. I also included lessons that did not have any questions on the assessment. If I were in my own classroom, I would say NBD and just figure something else out. But with the pressure of school, I feel like I am lacking and not preparing my students as much.

2. In what ways did your understanding of teaching methods or classroom management evolve throughout the program, and what improvements do you aim to make in these areas?

I don't think we talked much about classroom management, it more focused on the lessons and assessment. However, I have learned a lot about what I like and dislike in the classroom through this whole experience. But the major thing I have learned is "The goal is not to be liked, it is to be respected."

3. As you transition from being a preservice teacher to a classroom teacher, what are your biggest aspirations or goals?

I currently have my own classroom and started teaching today (12/4)! There are a lot of struggles in the classroom, but I feel with a calm, inviting demeanor, students will be successful in the classroom. My overall goals is to have students love to learn, and with engaging lessons with discourse, and fun activities, that goal may be achieved! There might be years more challenging than others, but that just expands my thinking of what engaging can be.

I am so excited to continue this career with everything I have learned for UCDenver. Everything will work out in my favor!