First Observation

Yesterday I had my first observation from my supervisor. I told the students in my class that my teacher was coming to watch me and that they all needed to behave and listen to me. They were terrible for me! The good thing about this was that my supervisor was able to see that I can redirect the students. After the second redirection the students were finally ready to learn. By this time we had to line up to go to lunch and the lesson was over. I was really surprised by my grade when I got it. I got an 86! My CT (cooperating teacher) gave me a 90 when she observed me. The students were much more behaved during this lesson.


I am so happy that my first observation is over!

Week 1 of Teaching

Last week was my first week teaching every day. I enjoyed being able to teach each day. This is so much different than what I have experienced in the past (usually only 3-6 lessons per semester).  I think it will take a few weeks to have the students get used to having me teach them. I only had a few classroom management issues but was able to fix them and get the students back on track. I think I will learn a lot about classroom management this semester. This is not because the students are bad but because my CT (cooperating teacher) is really good at classroom management. I have already learned a lot from her. 


I look forward to teaching my students with my very exciting lessons I have planned for next week. I will post my Will the Real Punctuation Mark Please Stand Up? lesson after I do it. I am going to ask my CT to take pictures for me. 

Letter to Parents

Yesterday I sent home a letter to the parents letting them know I will be in the class and introducing myself. I included a picture of myself as well.

Dear Parents,

    My name is Elizabeth Matthews, and I am an Early Childhood to Sixth Grade Education major at UTSA. This semester I will be the student teacher in your child’s class. Being at the school everyday will give me the opportunity to gain experience in the classroom.

    Through out the semester, I will be working closely with Mrs. Sandoval to plan and teach lessons that she will be overseeing. I will start by teaching one subject at the beginning and by the end of the semester I will teach the full day.

    Growing up in Houston, Texas with a mother who is a pre-kindergarten and science teacher gave me the passion to become a teacher. Before beginning at UTSA, I was a teacher in the two-year-old classroom as well as a nanny. Another thing I am passionate about is football! Each weekend you can find me watching or attending UT Longhorn or Houston Texans games.

During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.    

    If you have any questions you may contact Mrs. Sandoval or me at tjf935@my.utsa.edu. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your child.

Sincerely,

Miss Matthews