Student Teaching

I just finished my student teaching! What an adventure! I learned several things. For instance, next year I am not going to let my students turn in late work. They will have until the Friday of the next week of the absence. Another thing I have learned is to make my class tougher. I had several students tell me class was very easy. I think by changing my late work policy, that will make the class harder. I will expect my students to work. Those students who come to class everyday on time will get a 4% grade boost at the end of the quarter.

There were many exciting events happen. I had a fight break out in my classroom the day the cooperating teacher decided to leave me alone. That scared my half to death. Then a couple of weeks later, I had a girl almost pass out.

When it comes to cheating, I have noticed that students today are more accepting of it. To them, it is okay to cheat as long as you don't get caught and even then, it is still okay. I am going to implement a harsh cheating policy. On the first offense, the student will get zero points for the test, quiz, assignment, etc. The second time this happens, the student will fail the quarter regardless if it is the same quarter as the first offense. If the student cheats a third time, they will be out of my class. Depending on the severity of the offense, I will contact the parents. If a student copied a paper right off the internet, I will let the parents know. Some students think cheating is collaborating, but it is not.

High school students are crazy. But that is okay as long as you can control them. I had a difficult time keeping the students quiet and on task, but I am not perfect. With time and practice, I will become better. I just need to take control better.