Reflection #1 (EDUC 417/517)

                                                Reflection

When anyone asks me about what grade I would prefer to teach, I always reply with "high school". It is always my answer, never hesitant about my answer. Then a few people would ask me if I would teach middle school. When someone asks me about middle school, I do become hesitant and wonder if I could make a big difference in that arena. Obviously, when I think about middle school I am brought to my memories of my time there. I always remember that it was a tough time for me; I was trying to fit in, find myself, and endure the changes my body was going through. This week of class has already shown me that a teacher's way of teaching can make a big difference in a student's journey through middle school. 

After reading and researching for this class, it has become more clear that my problems then are most likely students problems currently in middle school. When I was a student I guess I never thought about brain development and how it is a major function when you are in middle school. I never gave the brain a thought when I was younger. What I could relate most from this week's learning is the strategy is to build trust. I know a lot of the strategies used since I use some of the strategies as a counselor.

As I think about it maybe I could make a difference in the middle school arena. I know ways to build trust but there is so much more I could learn. I will always have a thirst to learn more, especially for teaching. What I hope to learn are ways to make students feel safe and comfortable while in middle school. It is a tough time for all students in middle school, and I want to make sure that students can get through middle school safe and sound. 

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