Wietske Tillema

Dr. Ellis
EDUC. 2301
December 4, 2016
Reflection
This semester I had the opportunity to observe at Higgins Elementary school. Of course
like some education majors, I was unsure if I wanted to teach in the middle school or elementary
levels. Considering I observed the middle school this past spring semester, I thought it would be
a great chance for me to explore the elementary levels. Once I walked into the classroom, I fell in
love. My mentor, Tiffanie Bell, was absolutely amazing! She was full of energy and kept her
students motivated. Her love for her students made me realize that this is where I want to be. The
reason I love these education courses is because they allow you to dip your toes into unfamiliar
territory. These courses are meant for education majors who are still trying to figure it out. Some
walk away from these classes knowing that dealing with those little rascals all day is not their
cup of tea, but as for me, I found my home.
This semester has taught me so much about myself and who I want be. I want to be that
teacher that makes a difference not only in my students lives but as well as the school. I feel that
my love and dedication to teaching will show in my students lives. I want them to know that
every time they walk into my classroom that they are respected and that I will love them
unconditionally. Being a teacher means that you become a parent to all of those kids. I do not
care what anyone else says about that. Most teachers that I have talked to said that they hate the
fact that they have to be a mom to those kids because they are just teachers nothing more. This is

where I think they went wrong. These kids become part of your life and everything they go
through becomes your business. One thing that I have definitely learned this semester is that no
child is the same.
Some students walk into your classroom with a higher knowledge than others. My job is
to find my students strengths and weaknesses. Using this information, can help me better my
lesson plans to fit my students needs. One thing these observations has taught me was that I
should center my lessons on stations. Stations are a great way for students to interact with each
other and feed off of each other. During this time, I will be able to meet with some students who
are struggling with the lesson. I can work with them one on one or in small groups without
leaving all the other students out. During this time, the others students are able to build on what
they have learned and use it in activities or independent practice at stations. This is also a great
time to group my gifted and talented students. I can differentiate their assignment to a higher
level of thinking to challenge them.
I can say that I was truly blessed this semester with an amazing mentor. She has taught
me that an educators job never ends, but those children make it all worth it at the end of the day.
In my experience at the school, one of the students in the class was testing my patience to a point
to where I made him move his clip. Needless to say, he was not a happy camper. After lunch, as I
was getting all the students together for Mrs. Bell, he came and hugged my leg to apologize. In
that moment, I realized that this is what I wanted to do. This class has opened my eyes to what
really matters which is the kids. All in all, I am truly grateful for this course at PJC because it has
helped me realize what I want to do for the rest of my life and that is to teach.