Reflection of Professional Growth
©Julia Pisani
As I close out my incredible student teaching experience, I often think about how lucky I
was to learn and grow in a multitude of ways. Over the last 12 weeks, I have had the opportunity
of teaching seventeen amazing students, working with a highly educated cooperating teacher as
well as a wonderful university supervisor, and learning more about myself than I could have ever
imagined.
The two most important things that I learned through my student teaching experience are:
(1) the importance of self-reflection, and (2) the recognition that I am also learning right along
with my students. I spent a lot of time during my days self-reflecting on my teaching, which I
believe makes me a stronger teacher every day. By reflecting upon my lessons, I am able to plan
my instruction more effectively in order to best meet the needs of my students. Learning how to
differentiate for each of my students has been a welcomed challenge over the last few months. I
have also reflected on the fact that even if I spend hours planning the “perfect” lesson, I need to
realize that realistically, everything will not be perfect and thus, I have to flexible and adapt as
necessary throughout the lesson. I have definitely learned how to prepare for the unexpected.
This became even more evident when my student teaching shifted from classroom teaching to
distance learning. I had to be able to adapt to the situation, changing my plans and lessons in
order to best meet the needs of my students during such an unprecedented time.
Throughout my student teaching, I have also become aware of the fact that while I am in
the classroom to teach my students, I am also learning as well. When I first started student
teaching, I was constantly nervous that I would teach something incorrectly or do things in a
different way than what the students were used to. However, I have learned that being honest
with my students is the best strategy. I would tell them when I was feeling a little nervous, or if it
was my first time teaching that topic. I was very open with the students in telling them that I was
also learning everyday with and from them. I made it clear that I was not an expert in everything,
and I was there to support, help, and encourage them throughout everything. I believe that
teaching is a lifelong learning process and I want my students to understand that learning never
stops and it is okay to make mistakes, and that I do it too, because mistakes are a necessary
factor of learning. In my opinion, this created a more comfortable atmosphere for the student. In
addition, this also encourages the students to keep persevering even if they think something is
“too difficult.” It also allows them to be confident in themselves. I know that my self-confidence
has also grown over the last few months, and I hope it will continue to do so throughout my
years of teaching.
I know that my philosophies of education will change over time and as I become a more
proficient teacher and that is something I look forward to. I know that change means that I am
growing and improving as an educator in order to be the best I can be.
