WEEK ONE- Weekly Journal

This week seemed to pass by really fast because of the new surroundings I have and all the new people I have met. I think the immense amount of work I have done has also made this week fly by! From being at my placement for only five short days, I already see that I am going to love it here! Mme. Mercer has made sure that I feel comfortable in this new environment and has introduced me to many of her colleagues. I can genuinely see myself as a teacher in the future and I think it would be a job I'd love waking up for, because each day I have been at St. Andrew's is quite different. I wouldn't want to work in an environment that is static and unchanging, but rather dynamic and exciting. This week has been a challenge for me because I had to be myself but in a professional fashion so that I was respected by other teachers and students. I believe that I made a very good first impression because I am willing to do any task and am also ready to challenge myself. I give a very confident vibe, and I think that when other people sense my self-assurance they feel confident in my abilities and that I can get jobs done. I am also very personable, and I have made sure to show that aspect of my personality to St. Andrew's to let them know that I can handle this unpredictable environment.
I feel welcome at my placement not only because I know some of the teachers that work here, but because I am being accepted by my students and other teachers. Mme. Mercer has been amazing because she makes me feel important and as if I can help her accomplish things. She has even given me a portfolio with all of her lesson plans for my exclusive reference. The students have also taken to me because I am young, nice and personable, but also stern and ready to take action when I see fit. I want to be someone that these kids can come to if they need help- whether it be with school or other issues.
I really liked interacting with the kids in my two classes because they're a breath of fresh air in my day and can really make me happy. It made me really happy when three girls from one of my classes came up to me and told me that the class really liked me. This made me feel as if I was doing something right, and also gave me the motivation to continue being confident and enthusiastic. I was really surprised when one of the boys began asking me personal questions such as "Do you drink?". I was taken offguard and one of the E.A.s stepped in to handle the situation. This boy has a disability I am unfamiliar with but I now know how to deal with his personality. This taught me that there is a fine line between being friendly and a friend to these students. I don't want them to be scared of me, however I don't want them to think they can undermine my authority and abuse my presence for their amusement.
Appropriate dress and grooming means conforming my apperance to the teachers around me. I must be modest, polished and professional looking to suit this learning environment. I don't want to give myself a tarnished reputation based on the way I dress. My job duties will be interacting and helping students, typing, photocopying, teaching a lesson later in the year, and creating activities and quizzes.