We all know that teaching is a profession of reflection, meaning that not everything is going to go perfect at every single moment but with a dedication to reflecting, you are able to make the most of those challenges and improve. While most of us knew this coming into the profession, it often times becomes a lot more difficult to do in the moment.
This semester is made for reflection and I have been sure to do just that. I have pushed myself to think critically of every lesson, every class period, and every unit. This being said, I have learned a lot about myself and my students. I have gained insight into how my students learn best as well as what methods of instruction I am most effective at. However, knowing this, I still wanted to take advantage of my time in student teaching, a risk free environment, to push myself and try new things. With this came a student led lesson that my students were not quite ready for. While in the grand scheme of things, this is no big deal. I taught a lesson that did not go as expected and I was not able to fully engage students. My task is then to reflect and move forward so I know how to better that same lesson as well as take control the following day and truly show my students what I am there to do.
Unfortunately for me, I was not able to think that clearly in the moment. I was disappointed in the failed attempt. I was embarrassed that my supervisor witnessed that chaotic mess. I wanted to hit the rewind button and start that day and lesson over.
Through my post conference with my supervisor; I was an absolute mess, tears flowing from my disappointment and embarrassment. Fortunately for me, I have an absolutely stellar supervisor who patiently sat with me through the tears to try and talked through a plan for the days moving forward. She was able to draw me back and explain to me that it is one lesson and it happens. We talked through how to redo the lesson if I were given the chance as well as how I can improve my lessons moving forward.
Teaching is a process of learning to bounce back after challenges. I was able to think through my lesson and recognize my faults as well as how I can knock the next one out of the park. With this reflection, I was able to push myself to be my best and recognize that mistakes happen. We cannot let ourselves shut down from mistakes, but grow as teachers and students.