Four Paragraphs to the Last Four Seasons

As my final semester of the credential program comes to a close, I have been thinking about my experience as a whole. For the most part, I have not really enjoyed it. It was extremely difficult. However, I will say that I have learned an incredible amount in a very short time. The program has enhanced my abilities to write lessons and assess learning. It has taught me how the effects of culture and politics play out in schools and about the necessity of including literacy in art education. I cannot begin to numerate the ways I have learned from my daily interaction with students at the school site.

My growth as a teacher has been substantial, although not pleasurable. I suppose that real growth rarely is easy, but I doubt I would be able to sustain the rigorous schedule of the last two semesters. I am afraid that if teaching is even more difficult than the credential program, I may not be “cut out for it.” I am hopeful that it will be easier in many ways and difficult in different ways than the program has been.

The only area that I feel unprepared for is the beginning of next year. I have been told that the first few weeks with the student are the most important of the year. They set the stage and mold the temperament that the class will have for the rest of the year. Simply being aware of this situation is no consolation to me because I know of so many other things in the dynamic world of teaching that cannot be told, but rather, can only be shown. I have never been shown how to begin a school year.

This year comes to a close and with it the term of my continuous education. Now I can begin the process of learning in adjunct to a whole new set of responsibilities. I am excited, but also wary. Like a ball player before the beginning of the game, I wait in great anticipation. Let the learning begin.