Reflections on the First Year of Teaching: Joyful Connections and Innovative Learning
Introduction
Teaching is a journey filled with both challenges and joys. This article delves into the personal experiences of two educators during their first year of teaching, highlighting the unique and enriching moments they encountered. Understanding these experiences can provide valuable insights for both new and seasoned educators.
The New Teacher's Experience
While many may view their first year of teaching as a mix of overwhelming responsibilities and educational aspirations, two educators share their memorable moments and the impact it had on their career paths.
Affordable Rural School
Subject: Mathematics, Science, Cooking, Nutrition, Physical Education
My best experience from my first year was realizing that I actually liked kids and actually liked teaching. - Emily Davis, Ruritan College
Emily Davis, a teacher at Ruritan College, found herself in the unique situation of having to move back in with her mother after the 2008/2009 U.S. economic downturn. With limited job opportunities and a move to a more rural area, she landed a position as a half-teacher and half-teacher’s aide in a 38-student rural school. Despite the unconventional setup, Emily thrived in the school environment and describes her valuable first year of teaching as a fun and rewarding experience.
Classroom Management and Engagement
Emily's experience was characterized by a hands-off administrative approach, which allowed her to innovate and tailor her lessons to her students' interests.
She made lessons fun, allowing for experimentation and creative teaching methods.
She introduced basic algebra concepts to 2nd graders, teaching them about variables and graphing in a simple yet engaging manner.
She taught a variety of subjects including science, English, cooking, nutrition, and PE, further enriching the curriculum.
She adjusted the lunch break to allow for more stretching and physical activity, which improved both her and the students' focus in the classroom.
Emotional Moments and Challenges
During her first year, Emily also faced an unexpected challenge when a rattlesnake took over their sandbox during recess. She remained calm and responsible, ensuring the safety of the children before making the difficult decision to have the snake removed.
Despite the occasional challenges, Emily retained fond memories of her first year teaching, which instilled in her the belief that teaching could be a fulfilling and rewarding career beyond just providing a paycheck.
The One-Room Schoolhouse Experience
Subject: Integrated subjects, outdoor learning, community involvement
I learned to combine subjects, topics, grades, and interests. I had to learn to work efficiently and where possible to get the kids to help me do so. - Albert Carter, artist and educator from 1950s
Albert Carter, an educator from the 1950s, reflects on his unique experience teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in 1950. With a small student population of 16 to 18 students over the course of the year, Albert had the flexibility to integrate subjects and create a well-rounded learning environment.
Integrated Learning and Community Impact
Subject: Field trips, natural science, social studies
Albert planned a walking fieldtrip to the gravel pit, where the students learned about various geological formations and artifacts.
The students discovered trilobites, brachiopods, agates, geodes, quartz crystals, and feldspar, and even forms of asbestos, each of which provided a valuable learning experience for them to explore at their leisure.
Albert also arranged visits to hedgerows, where the students learned about wild crab apples, osage orange, and various flowers and weeds, which they could bring home to share with their mothers.
Conclusion
Both Emily and Albert's stories highlight the importance of flexibility, creativity, and strong connections with students. Their experiences illustrate how innovative teaching methods and a hands-on approach can transform a classroom into a dynamic learning environment. Whether teaching in a modern rural school or a one-room schoolhouse, these educators embody the spirit of teaching and the joy it can bring to both educators and students.
Conclusion
The first year of teaching is often a defining moment in a teacher's career. For Emily Davis and Albert Carter, it marked the beginning of a fulfilling journey, filled with memorable moments and valuable lessons. These experiences serve as inspiration for future educators and underscore the importance of creative and engaging teaching methods.