My Final Growth Statement Student teaching is one of those experiences that will forever be embedded in my being.

When I think about where I was back in September with all my fears aud trepidations and how I stand today feeling confident and committed in pursuing a career as an educator, I feel that I have grown tremendously. Even though Manhattan College prepared me through the various education courses, field experiences, nothing takes the place of the wide rauge of experiences that one cau only get through student teaching. Admittedly, [ enjoyed my second placement in grade 2 more than my first in grade 5. I found through this 13-week journey that I truly enjoy working with younger students. I fell in love with this age group and curriculum content. I was able to connect with the students and built a wonderful rapport with the 2nd grade teacher. It really solidified my decision to pursue graduate work in the early childhood grades. So thank you Mrs. nd Chiarello aud 2 grade students at PS 19 for helping guide my teaching decision. What nd I loved about this 2 grade class was the infectious quality of enthusiasm aud excitement that these students demonstrated upon making new connections and learning and acquiring new skills. These children loved learning new things aud I consequently loved teaching them. Creating aud executing lessons and conducting assessment have been a huge part of my student teaching assignment. I feel more confident in this area as I now have experience in developing my own lessons aligned with the new Common Core Staudards. The teachers I have worked with helped guide my lessons so they were developmentally appropriate aud differentiated so that all students are engaged in the learning experience. Having high standards for all students is something that everyone who is involved in the life of a student should strive to have. This is something that is valued here at PS 19. I also feel more confident in the area of classroom mauagement, especially after being exposed to the wonderful reward system, PAWS that is used school-wide at PS 19 and my cooperating teacher's personal style of mauaging their classroom. I know that I will develop my own personal style of classroom management that will incorporate some of the elements I learned from these teachers. The other area that I learned about was classroom organization aud set-up. I know that I will have to work with what space I am given as a classroom teacher in the future, however r know what I will incorporate and what I will not. Both teachers in both of my placements made great use of the space they were afforded. The classroom set up aud decor were highly organized and effective aud went a long way to ensure that students are able to assess everything in their classroom. I know that I will also use Pinterest to help me decorate and orgauize my space in the future. The wide variety of learning experiences that I experienced at PS 19 are life long learning experiences. I learned about classroom mauagement, working collaboratively with others, IEP writing, rewards system that is used throughout the school called PAWS aud the use of APPS such as Class DOlO. The teachers shared their expertise in doing running records, time management techniques in the classroom and strategies for teaching ELA and Math aligned with the new Common Core Curriculum. Probably one of the most invaluable experiences I cau take away is becoming a reflective person. I believe that teachers need to sit back and reflect on their lesson to determine their strengths and weaknesses aud gain insight on how to improve as an educator. Good

effective teachers need to make adjustments aud tweak their lessons. This is how teachers continue their journey as life long learners. Responsible teachers should integrate reflection as a tool to guide teaching aud learning. I believe that children learn best when they are in social groups, working with their peers. I am a believer that cooperative learning enhances a child's cognitive aud social development. In order for student to learn, they must be engaged and motivated in the process. I also believe that learning starts at birth and continues throughout a person's life. I recall an adage my mother once brought to my attention which said," A teacher's job is not to teach but to create a situation in which learning takes place." I heard this saying many years ago aud it still resonates loudly in my mind. I hope to instill my passion for learning in all my students and expect that teaching provides me au opportunity for continual learning and growth. This process begau as au undergraduate student at Manhatran College aud one I hope to continue as a future teacher. I know the field of education needs compassionate, strong, aud dedicated individuals who are excited about working with children and are aware of aud sensitive to their individual needs. I certainly hope to become that guiding force amongst children.