When I decided I wanted to make a major career change after holding jobs in the fashion industry in both buying and design, I thought back to other work experiences that I had, which were more fulfilling to me and that I could see contributing positively to my life. After having taught tennis and coaching every summer since the middle of high school through college and loving every minute of it, I thought that there might be a parallel to that and teaching. With my background in art and people (sociology and anthropology), I thought some of those skills from my BA degree would serve as unique teaching tools in the classroom. When teaching tennis I always loved motivating and coaching people and finding ways to make it fun for every kid, whether they we self-motivated and wanted to be there or whether their parents had signed them up for the summer. Watching those kids improve, learn, and grow throughout the summer was so exciting for me. I was always amazed that I could have that kind of an impact on someone. I got experience teaching private one-on-one lessons as well as clinics with as many as 15 kids on my court at a time, and enjoyed both experiences differently. Like in a classroom where a community of learners is built, the kids i taught bonded through both struggles and successes and it was always hard when the summer came to an end, which I am certain is similar to the feeling a teacher gets at the end of the year when her class moves on to the next grade.
Although in some ways deciding to work toward my MAT degree in Early Childhood Education was a risk, it was a risk that I am now ressured was the right decision for me. After one semester, I have learned so much and actually find myself really interested in what we are learning. The courses made me think in a way i have never thought before and pushed me to places I had never been in my past academic endevors. I had so many great hands on experiences that got me out of the classroom, observing, and even experiencing teaching for the first time. At times I was nervous and unsure of myself but I believe I am slowly building my confidence as I learn more and know I will continue to do so as i gain experience. The highlight of my first semester was working with the third grade class at Charleston Development Academy for my first field experience. It was really great to see how eager the kids were to learn and how appreciative they were of Liza and I, who were observing this classroom. Even though I was only in this class for five weeks, I felt I got to know a few of the kids personally, which was really neat. Working one-on-one with one student I watched as he started to understand word family patterns with vowels and a lightbulb went on. It was amazing to see especially after watching his frustration get the best of him as he struggled to keep up with his classmates! Surprisingly I also enjoyed teaching to the entire class as well. Public speaking is something that makes me very anxious but I have found it easier to speak in front of children as apposed to adults/peers. This semester I am hoping to further develope my public speaking skills in my communications course. I am really looking forward to learning more this semester about how to be an effective teacher and how I can strenghten my weaknesses and use my strengths to my advantage in the classroom. With my experience in working in the 2's and 3's (this semester the 2's) at ECDC, I think my experience working in a third grade and wherever I am placed this semester, is giving me a broad range of experience.
I always find it interesting at the beginnning of the semester for each class to listen to the various different ways that we all arrived in the MAT program. Although we all have unique backgrounds, we are all very much the same in that at some point we decided to take the risk that you mentioned and follow our passion. I think it is something that can unite us--I know that I don't feel so alone, knowing that I am not the only person who decided to make such a drastic career change.
ReplyDelete