Callie Criswell

Dr. Marian Ellis

EDUC 2301.200

May 3, 2019

Reflection

I had the opportunity to observe at Sam Rayburn Elementary again. I observed with Jodi

Amlin, a 5th grade reading and writing teacher at Sam Rayburn. I wanted to see how things

worked from a teacher’s perspective for an older group of kids. Jodi has been a teacher for many

years and has had the chance to teach several grade levels. I was so excited to get the chance to

learn from her.

As a future teacher, I learned some more ideas on how I wanted to set up my classroom

and how I want to teach my students. I also learned more of an idea of what grade level I want to

go into after I graduate. Being with a group of older students has now pushed me to wanting to

teach at a higher level than what I originally had planned. I learned how to deal with problems

between students and some really cool lessons. I loved getting to watch Jodi teach and get the

students ready for the STAAR test. For such a stressful time of the year, she kept everyone calm

and collected. I liked how she used different resources, so the students would learn to the best of

their abilities. When students wanted to give up she would word things differently, so the

students can figure it out themselves. I had a great experience learning from the 5th grade at Sam

Rayburn and this experience has just fueled my desire for teaching. I have a passion for this

learning environment and each opportunity I have had so far reminds me why I am going to

school for teaching. I want to be someone who helps the students get to where they need to be in

life and make a positive impact on them.

 Watching the students interact with Jodi was really neat to see because it is different than

how Kindergarteners interact with their teachers. They are more independent and are able to

form big thoughts on their own. Jodi is a really positive teacher. While I was observing during

their STAAR review, the students would ask really good questions and as a class Jodi would go

over them. The students weren’t afraid to ask and as a teacher she was really good at helping

and explaining. Another thing I really liked was she didn’t yell if they got too loud. All she had

to do was say, “Y’all need to settle down,” and they would immediately stop talking. They all

respected her and listened the first time. Jodi taught mostly with visual and reading/writing

learning styles. They worked on reading passages and then listened and watched videos on how

to write a research paper. Most of the activities done while I was observing were student-

centered. They worked on their own STAAR reviews and then researched their topic of choice to

start research essays. When they needed help she would help them, but she tries to let them think

it out for themselves.

I really hope to be as kind and helpful as Jodi is with her students. I want my classroom

to be like hers where they aren’t afraid to come and ask questions. I loved observing with her

because she actually talked about teaching as a whole with me and answered any questions I

have. It really opened my eyes. I want to be a positive role model for all my future students and

make sure they get the learning they need.