Final Self Reflection and Future Goals

Your final assignment for this class is to think about your experiences
observing and working with students in the classroom. Think about what you
learned and the implications your experience has had on you becoming a
teacher. In 2-3 pages, answer the following questions.
1. Given the classroom observations you made and various course
assignments, how do you perceive the goodness of fit between
your dispositions and the teaching profession.
-The goodness of fit is described as the compatibility between
environment and a childs temperament. After the various observations
and classroom assignments I have realized how important the classroom
environment is for the childs learning experience. If the classroom
environment doesnt fit what the child needs at that particular moment
they will have trouble learning and trying to focus and may experience
behavior issues. It is essential to create a positive classroom and learning
environment for not only the students but the teachers as well.
2. Based on experiences you have had in a variety of classrooms,
including your two previous placements in EDTE 150, what seems
to be the most difficult aspect of teaching?
-After my experiences in a variety of classrooms around Chico I have
recognized many difficult aspects of teaching. Classroom management
and learning how to handle different behavior issues as well as more
education in the fields of special needs, speech, autism, inclusion and
documentation are only just a few of the difficulties Teachers face each
day. Teachers also face issues of not enough money per classroom, an
increase of students, an increase of students with behavior problems or
unidentified special needs and not enough parent help at home or in the
classroom.
Do you think this is particular to you or would many teachers
identify this as a difficult aspect of teaching?
-I believe that many teachers would identify with the issues I listed above
as difficult aspects of teaching. They are common problems that Teachers
face each day. I have had many conversations with current teachers
working in the education system about the decline of the profession.
Many times I have had people tell me I shouldnt go into teaching
because of all the issues they face.
How do you plan to address this challenge?
-I plan on further educating myself about classroom management and
behavior as well as taking more classes to learn about special needs,

speech, autism, inclusion and documentation. I would like to encourage

parents of the students in my classroom to help as much as possible
because it is extremely needed. I would like to be further educated about
special needs in case there is a student in my class with unidentified
special needs. The only challenge I feel like I cannot fix or address at this
moment is the topic of money and the increase of students per
classroom.
3. What grade and credential most appeal to you and why?
-Multiple subject credential and grades K-2 appeal to me most because I
have always had a passion for the younger child. At the younger age the
children are like sponges, quick to absorb information and excited to
learn. Most of the children in those grade areas absolutely adore their
teachers and I would like to experience that from my future students. I
also love that at those ages playtime still accompanies a huge role into
their school day. I believe that play is very important for the developing
child.
How has your observation experience and coursework influenced
this decision?
-Yes, my observation experience and coursework influenced this decision
greatly. I have worked in these grades over the past couple of semesters
and I still continue to be passionate about them. I have loved my various
observation experiences I have participated in and I am very excited to
see what my future as a teacher has in store for me.
4. Today, what are your primary goals for your future as a
teacher?
Today, my primary goals for my future as a teacher would be to create
a positive classroom environment. I want my students to feel like they
can talk to me about everything, I want them to know that I am on
their side and that I will do everything I my power to help them
succeed. I would also like to make it my goal to get the parents more
involved in their childrens school life. Many of the parents I see or
hear stories about at Citrus Elementary seem like they dont care
about their childs education, I want all of my parents to care and be
involved.