My very last assignment for my credential program asked me to reflect on the Project-that-shall-not-be-named, The PACT (I guess I just named it). And while none of you may care to read the following, this was my overall feeling and reflection on the final project. Read if you so choose:
Ahhh, the PACT: the project that will forever be remembered as the ultimate pain in the rear. While I’m not going to sit here and say that it was a complete waste of time and an amplified version of busy work (I’ll sound too much like my 11th graders if I do), I will say that tackling and completing the PACT has been a great feeling. This project that was hung over our heads throughout the credential program is now complete. I did what I set out to do.
One of the strengths of my project was that after much deliberation, I made the learning segment one that was typical for my class. Although we were often told that it should be the crème de la crème, I chose to prepare a learning segment that was complete and necessary rather than knock-your-socks-off unique. This decision led to my ability to really highlight my students’ strengths. My video captured great classroom discussion and student engagement because my students were comfortable with the activities I planned because they were familiar to my students.
Another strength I displayed in this process was the ability to proceed calmly and tactfully. Often I saw classmates stressing about the project and allowing themselves to feel overwhelmed by it, but I just reminded myself to take one thing at a time. It’s easy to allow yourself to feel consumed by the tasks of the PACT, but one way or another it’s going to get completed. I figured that I could feel terrible while doing it or I could just do it and get it done. I chose the latter and I would offer any future PACT-teers to follow this method.
Before I began filming, my students asked, “Mrs. Butler are you nervous?”
My answer was this, “If I have gone through this program for the last year and a half and am unable to capture 15 minutes of film that proves I can teach, well then maybe this career isn’t right for me.” This sounds a bit harsh, but I do think my answer shows my thinking; if I can’t prove that I have what it takes by now, then maybe I don’t have what it takes.
***Off to my VERY LAST CLASS... of the credential program, anyways
4 comments:
I care! It gives me a little window into this Mrs. Butler who I don't know very well, but I like what I'm seein!
congrats on a great accomplishment
So proud of you! Keep rockin it out!
I care too!!! Now you won't have to go to school at night anymore and I can come over more often after work to play!!! Everyone wins :)
Great job! I'd like to be in your class, Mrs. Butler.
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