A rigorous experience.
A school with a social justice oriented curriculum.

Somewhere where my position and role is clear. (I don't want to be seen as a burden).

An experience where I get to put my own activities, lesson plans, and units into practice.

A space where I gain a lot of experience in Special Education classrooms. 

An experience where I really learn how to write IEPs.

A welcoming and tightly knit teacher/staff environment.

As much teaching experience as possible!

Paired with someone who really knows how to train student teachers.
Middle school.
30 minute or less commute.

(a) The students were the most engaged I have seen students this year. A huge percentage of students participated throughout the class and contributed some amazing insights. Their attitude will create wonderful opportunities for me to work with extremely engaged students.

(b) As soon as Jen told me that the girls were studying the podcast Serial I was so excited. (1) it is an amazing podcast and (2) I had never heard of an ELA classroom studying a podcast. I am extremely excited by the opportunity to teach this.

(c) While speaking with Jen, the community at TYWLS, particularly amongst the teachers, really stood out to me. The teachers have mostly all been there for many years and seem to share curriculum, work well together, and support each other. 

Even though I will have a 45 minute commute and will be working in high school classrooms I believe working with Phill will be worth it. I will still really learn how to teach, write a curriculum, and plan a year from him. I will still, of course, get my experience working in the middle school one day a week. I think I will prefer really diving in head first - and this is something I sense I will get from working with Phill. Based on my past experiences, this is how I learn best.

I'm really excited by the fact that BSC is an outward bounds school and is, therefore, less test-focused. I will also be able to design and implement my own lessons and curricula. Phill will also teach me how to write IEPs. 60% of Phill's students have IEP's - so I will gain a lot of experience working with students with IEPs. I would also prefer to learn how to work with both boys and girls. The opportunity to support Phill's film class is another very exciting prospect.

All in all, while I would be more than happy working at both schools, I believe that I will gain the most experience working in Phill's classroom and that it will prepare me to be the best teacher I can be for my future students.