It is surprising to see how far I have come since January. The past week has been most draining for me with lesson planning. I had a long list of observations to be made, and my first observation at the high school was March 22nd. That day did not come any sooner. I could not help but realize how OCD I am when it comes to lesson planning and making sure everything was according to what I had imagined it to be. In this process, I have not only developed my lesson planning abilities, but also my flexibility as a teacher. The pressure is on when I have to not only impress my collaborating teacher, but also my supervisor. With those eyes look at me, I can get quite nervous. Every possible scenario is played in my head the day before my first observed lesson. I told myself, "If you get through this first lesson, it should be a lot less strenuous afterwards." I was right. It was a big sigh of relief after I got through my first lesson plan because I became more confident in my classroom management skills and my calling to be an educator.
God has constantly been affirming and challenging me throughout this whole process. I can sense that God not only knew what I was capable of, but He gave me different obstacles to build my character.
The students in my ESL classes, consist of Haitians and El Salvadorians. One great thing about this experience is that I am able to become familiar with block scheduling and a "push-in" method of instruction. I am able to work with not only ESL students, but Special Education students as well. At first it was confusing because we go "in and out" of classrooms all day. I think that this experience familiarized me with the possible routines of a high school ESL class.
With all that said, my first observed lesson was a success! It was a big relief because I gained the confidence I needed to finish well.
