Sorry It’s Over …

Looking back on it, I can’t believe how fast our time in the field flew by. I was really sorry to have it end. I was beginning to feel “settled in” and was getting comfortable in my “almost teacher” shoes. I left my field assignment with mixed feelings of sadness in leaving and excitement for what is yet to come (Did I say excitement? I really meant fear!)

I feel very blessed to have had Mr. G. for my co-op. From day one he was feeling me out as far as my goals and ambitions were concerned. He was eager to guide me—notice I didn’t say lead. He showed me how he did things and was open to some of the new ideas I brought with me as a student. He introduced me to many other teachers in the English department, a few of who he made arrangements for me to spend time with them in their classrooms. They were equally kind and eager to share with me their methodology.

Unfortunately, many of the new technologies for the classrooms that we have been learning (struggling to learn) my co-op is unable to implement. The technology security at the school doesn’t allow for much other than emails and Moodle. Of course they have internet access, but for security purposes many things are blocked; therefore, some of the amazing things available in technology that we have been hearing about and learning are non-available to my co-op. Yet, he manages to be an incredible teacher who engages his students in many ways, even without all the “cutting edge” technology.

One of the most important things that stands out about my co-op is that his students genuinely like him and respect him. It’s not a sense of obligation in their role as a student—they just simply like the man. This is evident in their cooperation, their willingness to work, and their drive to do well (most of the time).

My last day—the students didn’t know it was my last day till the end of the class periods—after I finished teaching a lesson one of the students commented on the lesson. He said he“thought it was awesome.” It made me feel great and at the same time made me want to cry because I knew I would be leaving. At that point Mr. G. informed them that I would be leaving them and returning to Millersville. A big “awwwhhh” was expressed by the students, which made me realize they must have come to like me a little bit too. But, the thing that really touched my heart was when the one student said, “But Mr. G. can’t we keep her?!”