It's difficult to put into writing my thoughts about my new placements, especially after only being there for four days. We are all in a transition period; we have said goodbye to our old placement and students and have embarked on the final placement of our 18 month journey. I'm sure everyone has had to make adjustments this week and will continue to do so throughout our SPED placements.
After hearing about my placement, I was looking forward to the next five months. I was thrilled to be working alongside a resource teacher with a wonderful reputation that pushed into two rooms. I was going to get to see two different inclusion classrooms, participate in IEP meetings for a variety of students K-5, and be part of joint-planning sessions for different grade levels. I thought my placement was a dream come true... Fast forward a few hours and my mentor quit the program and a replacement mentor was found. I'm not ashamed to say that I was extremely disappointed and broken-hearted. Even while I write this I'm am upset. In the short 44ish hours I had my initial placement, I was able to vividly envision an awesome learning environment, jam-packed with quality teaching and learning opportunities for me and my new students.
Despite my disappointment I went into my first day (Monday) with an open mind. (I guess I had to since I never got to meet my teacher before walking in that day.) The classroom consists of four students (1 girl, 3 boys), a "classroom aide," and my teacher. In the four days I have been there one day one student was absent, and another day two students were out. It is interesting to be in a classroom fro an entire day with a teacher, an aide, a resident, and two students (one of which is non-verbal). It's even more interesting when one of the students gets pulled to do Wilson...
I have concerns about my placement, but I'm trying to look on the bright side of things. I'm unsure what the rest of the semester will be like, but it will be an experience.
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of how you've handled this whole situation, especially with the last minute change. I think it's admirable that you are trying to look on the bright side of things and make your mark in your new room. I think that you'll be successful, just like you were in your previous placement. Remember that we're all here to help you with the transition as well!
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteYou have had to make many adjustments in the past two weeks: leaving your first grade classroom, meeting your future mentor and making plans for your work together, and then showing up for your first day in your new placement with a different mentor than you were originally paired with. I think you are making the best of the situation, and I am sure the students in the classroom will benefit from the work you will do there.