Closing

Due to circumstances beyond my control, tomorrow will be my last day in my placement. I feel the need to reflect on my experience there, but am not sure if it would be wise to do so. I endured much negativity and demeaning talk. I witnessed a class of chaos within a room that lacked a management plan. I was disrespected and slandered. I learned what not to do. I learned just how important professionalism is. I learned that I can lean on my GVSU staff for anything. I learned that you need to stand up for yourself in this world, and I can honestly say that I found my voice. I was able to stick up for myself numerous times and refused to be treated the way I was. Today ended poorly on behalf of my CT, and to be honest I am disgusted at the way he handled things. For a teacher to blame a 2nd week TA for his failed class is something I will never grasp. I do however understand why he resonded this way. Embarassment. Regardless of this act and the ones that took place before it I will press on and keep the words and faces of those children in my heart. Tomorrow I will say goodbye to the first group of students I was ever in charge of. wow. I made a card for them to help me explain my upcoming absence.

The outside reads: "Thank you for being you"
The inside reads: " To my wonderful, smart and kind 1st and 2nd graders, thank you for being such good listeners. I have had so much fun learning with all of you! You are all bright, shining stars! Thank you for teaching me all that you have, and most of all thank you for further inspiring me to become a teacher! You should be very proud of yourselves!"
The bottom reads: "NEVER FORGET: You are kind!! You are smart!! You are IMPORTANT!!"

May God bless these kids !!!