Meghan+Evans

Genre Reflection #3 (metaphor piece)

**Experience** Before I stepped in the classroom I was a bundle of nerves and anticipation Like butterflies flying around on a warm summer day, in the pit of my stomach Like a drum had taken place of my heart, beating rapidly It is an experience of a lifetime And it is the best experience I have had thus far And now my experience is comfortable and reassuring Like reading a good book on a cold day, at ease and relaxed Like knowing that all the hard work of college was worth my time and stress It is an experience of a lifetime that will keep butterflies in my stomach and a drum in my chest.

Genre Reflection #2 (Word Photos)

Her heart is beating rapidly. It might jump out of her chest. She has butterflies in her stomach and her palms are sweaty. This is the real thing. It is her first day of teaching. This will be the beginning of the rest of her life. She never thought this day would come. She is exhilarated, fearful, excited and nervous all at the same time. Her supervisor sits quietly and watches as she teachers her first class, ever. This will be the foundation to a hard and rewarding career. She is ready to become a teacher! She never knew that it was “cool” to spend the day in I.S.S, also known as In School Suspension. For her 8th grade boys it seems like it is a right of passage to be in I.S.S for the day. Standing on the toilet, I.S.S. Throwing a pretzel at a girl and hitting her in the eye, I.S.S. Asking a teacher “why you are looking at me like that?”, I.S.S. Everyday she feels as though she is missing a 7th period sweetheart because of their silly tricks. They all mean well but they have no self control and it is a privilege to be “the funny guy”. One day, they will grow up. One day. She is comfortable. She feels safe. She enjoys her school and her students. Her nerves have settled down and she is more relaxed in front of the classroom. Most of all, she enjoys being in a middle school. She thinks, “Is my time really coming to an end?” The past three weeks have been wonderful. She has learned about the art of teaching, about the challenges and the ups and the downs. However, most importantly, she has learned what it will take; time, energy, patience, strength, compassion and love. These are the most important things she will take with her into her own classroom.
 * FIRST DAY**
 * I.S.S**
 * READY**

Letter to my Students! Genre Reflection #1

Dear 5th, 6th and 7th period Darlings,

I have come to your school so I can learn how to become your “favorite” Language Arts teacher. I know how much you all love English when you tell me that it is boring; you don’t need to know this and that you hate to read. Even though you like to disrupt the class, interrupt instruction and refuse to sit down, I will not let that get to me because, I like you. You are fun, silly, wild at times and young. I also have to admit, it is nice when you walk in the door and say “Hello Ms. Evans!” I was afraid I wouldn’t like being in the middle school, but because of all of you, I love it!

Tomorrow will be my first real day of teaching you a lesson. I am nervous, scared, and excited all wrapped up in one. It will be my first time teaching something of meaning that you will have all throughout high school and college. We will be learning about thesis statements. I hope I am effective, I hope I am engaging and I hope I see the light bulb go off when I know you finally understand it! I also hope that you will accept me and take me serious as your teacher. You don’t know it, but I am probably more scared of you then you are of me.

This is all new to me, but your teacher once told me, “You learn as you go!” and that is what I plan on doing. So even if I don’t get it right the first, second, or maybe even third time, I know that I will keep improving, learning and understanding //what it takes// to be a good teacher. I can’t wait to see where the next few weeks takes me! I am excited to get to know all of you better as we learn together. All I know is that I am on a joy ride before I leap on to the ride of my life. I have chosen one of the most challenging profession’s but because of all of you it will be the most rewarding!

Love, Ms. Evans