Assignment 13: Partner in Your Education

My internship site is the bustling, ever changing setting of a classroom. While many people probably would think that a classroom would be a place of mundane, ritualistic days, the exact opposite is true. Each day, the students come into class with a different energy, and I have to match their energy in order to effectively mentor them. This fact alone has been a huge "partner" in my education. The ability to match others' energy and change my own to match theirs is a skill that I will be able to use in all facets of my life and in my future endeavors.

As part of my internship, one of my jobs is to make the teacher's life easier. I have done this by grading homework, passing out notes and worksheets, as well as helping students who need help with the lessons or class work. This additional help to my mentor helps her complete her duties quicker and reduces any stress that could hinder the effectiveness of the lesson plan.

During my internship, I have also learned about what goes into the profession of teaching, even when class is not in session. The formulation of lesson plans, grading papers, and doing the necessary paper work all happens after the dismissal bell rings. This fact has brought to attention the other possible careers I could pursue in the realm of education. The current educational legislation that is enacted at both the state and national level does not necessarily best serve the students and teachers. I have been inspired to possibly pursue educational policy writing or lobbying for educational issues. This way, I can affect change for all teachers and students to make the school system and curriculum best fitted to serve their needs. Of course, this venture will follow several years of teaching first!