ToczekFieldExperience

So far during my field experience, I have had the privilege to witness a fine teacher of 37 years in action. Mrs. Deanne Casteel teaches 10th Grade Communication Studies at Bloomsburg Area High School and has worked all her 37 years of teaching in the district. If there is one aspect of teaching that I see Mrs. Casteel demonstrate during every moment of instructional time and before, it is the ability to be flexible. A lot of things change in the educational system what with standards, school policy, federal policy, technological advances, developing routines, outside disruptions, contrasting learning styles, inclusionary students, etc. This list of teacher concerns could go on forever and a teacher must be able to not get lost in the political aspect of their job and work towards their singular purpose: to teach kids and help them learn and grow as individuals.

Mrs. Casteel, more than anything, sets time aside with each and every one of her students. Mrs. Casteel encourages students to read on their own by doing things called "Book Talks." I have witnessed one of these events take place before, and it went on for nearly 40 minutes. Mrs. Casteel had to cut this girl off from talking about the book she was reading, she was so excited about it. Mrs. Casteel seems to get students engaged and excited about reading. What more could you want than that?

It is an interesting contrast to see how Mrs. Casteel must change gears from period to period during any given school day. Her first period class includes many students with learning support and/or who have IEP's. Enagement and attention is a real issue with this class. During a Jeopardy review game for instance, most of the students were far more concerned with the toys used as buzzers than the actual game itself. What takes most of the first period class 40 minutes to accomplish it takes the second period Honors class about 15 minutes.

During my first two trips to observe Mrs. Casteel, I actually got to witness a student teacher at work, Ms. Erica Ganther. This was an exciting opportunity since my student teaching placements are rapidly approaching. I think it is normal to feel somewhat nervous about student teaching at first, but watching Erica with her confidence and classroom swagger really gave me a confidence and an inside look at how someone else just beginning teaching is approaching the challenge. Watching Erica teach made me want to jump in and also instruct. I am looking forward to teaching a lesson with Ryan.

Dave, it's exciting to hear about your experiences! I'm especially intrigued by what you mentioned about how the teacher adapts the same lesson for different audiences--what moves does she seem to make to do this? I also liked hearing about the book talks (do you remember practicing those in YA Lit?). How does your teacher get students so engaged and excited? Is it just about the individual attention, or are there strategies she uses across the board? I'm so glad you got to see Erica in action--she was in my class last fall! I look forward to hearing more about your plans! user:sherrymi