Farewell ED5210

Last night was the last night of ED5210. Looking back on these last three weeks, I cannot believe how much I have learned about teaching! The readings and discussions really made me develop a stronger sense of what school is to children. I suppose the most important thing I learned is that it will be my responsibility as a teacher to help each student make the most out of his or her education. Every student comes in with something to offer to the rest of the students, and every student also has something that interests them. I just need to be able to discover it. I am really going to miss this class. I enjoy being busy, and this class kept me busier than most! I enjoyed the group work- it is nice to have shared responsibility, and two (or more) heads is definately greater than one! Like I said in a past entry, working with others helps everyone use their "untapped" gifts; it brings out the strengths of everyone in the group. This is also important in today's schools. I think this class was the most hands-on and practical class I have taken to date. That alone was a good lesson, considering I was able to learn a TON of new information in a short amount of time! After this class, I am even more excited to soon become a teacher!

The nature of schools in the education of children is to provide them with what they need, be it clothes, a computer, a place to feel safe, a fun lesson about learning to add double digit numbers, acceptance, anything. Our job is not to just give kids stuff they need to know. We need to prepare them for the world beyond school. These kids really are our future, and they will only be as successful as we teach them to be. The nature of a school is to encourage kids, and help them develop their own strengths. School is where kids learn to tie it all together- learning, fun, compassion, respect, curiosity...Everything they will need to be a member of society. So, the nature of school is simple- provide and encourage. And it all starts with me, the teacher. So, it is with a bittersweet heart that I say farewell to ED5210 and my group and my professor...But I think that the skills and experiences they have all given me will certainly last a lifetime.

Thank You All!