Essay On Shadowing

Currently, I am a Personal Care Instructional Aide for a nonverbal Down Syndrome student at West Hempfield Elementary. I work hand and hand with the special education teacher to devise lesson plans to suit the needs of my student. I am responsible for implementing the lesson plans one-on-one with my student in Language Arts, Mathematics, and social skills interactions daily. On a daily basis, I am also responsible for molding and shaping my student's behaviors and prompt when necessary. Working in the learning support room has taught me a variety of ways to incorporate differentiated instruction to suit the needs of all students. It has also shown me the type of teacher I should be, a teacher who adapts content to meet the needs of all learners and the importance of inclusion.

Shadow Jumper by J.M. Forster is a nonfiction novel about a young boy named Jack who struggles to live a normal teenage-life, but can't due to his illness. Jack’s disease prevents him from being able to go in the sunlight. Jack’s inability to go into the sunlight prevents him from being a normal boy; playing outside and developing friendships like other kids his age. Early in the book, Jack’s dad leaves him and his mom which causes Jack’s illness to get worse. In order to get his mind off of his miserable life jack entertains himself by shadow jumping. Shadow Jumper is about Jack’s adventures as he tries to escape his loneliness from his illness and the loss of his dad.

I decided to interview Mrs. Seppa first because I wanted to be able to have a basis for the questions that I would ask Ms. Villalobos, who teaches in a sixth grade special education class. I noticed after reviewing and comparing responses from both teachers how much of a difference there was not only in the grade, but also the teacher. My first question was asking if they always wanted to be in the area of Special Education. I asked this because I knew I did not always see myself as a potential special education

they had it. They have nobody but themselves which leads to nothing but evil. Isabelle-Marie

For the first informational interview, I interviewed a credentialed teacher, who is part of a program called Urban Teachers. I selected her because I wanted to know other ways or path to become a teacher. Additionally, I always dream of becoming a teacher, but I am hesitant on whether I have the skills to teach students. Lastly, my interest assessment showed that one of the possible careers that are suitable for me is teacher. Therefore, I decided to interview a teacher, who was referred by my mother. The interview was done through Skype because she is currently working at Washington D.C since the program Urban Teachers is from John Hopkins University. The question that I asked were: what was her hesitation in becoming a teacher, what is her

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve known what I wanted to do. I am one of those people who was blessed enough to realize my passion at an early age. As far back as I can remember, I’ve wanted to become a teacher. I can remember as a child sitting in my room, surrounded by my stuffed animals (or students, as I saw them) and forcing my younger brother to sit still and quietly do the work I assigned him. I even had two baskets which I kept on my little wooden desk; one for my “students” to turn in work, and the other for more work which needed to be graded. I spent many afternoons

Week two of field observation at Crestone Charter School. My Second week of field observations was really fun and interactive. I had the opportunity to work with several students from the k-1 class with special needs. We traveled to several reading stations and did a read along with the fourth and fifth-grade students. At arrival, I met with the main Para, Ammie Morphet and was informed that Lexi whom is one of the charter schools highest priority/needs students was the student I would be working with. Lexi usually has a personal in class Para that works with her throughout the day, but she was out sick. Since I know Lexi and have personal experience working with her we came to the conclusion that it would be best if I assisted with Lexis daily routine and any other classroom needs. This allowed Mrs. Morphet to attend to the other students she had previously scheduled for us to meet with.

Many health professions, generally, involve more than just memorizing the material. Professional schools don't just require good grades, they also look for a more depth academic background in a student. Involving experience, volenteer work, personality, and how you present yourself as a professional vocally and physically. To start, these professional schools want to know that you know a little bit of what your concentration is going to be consisting of. A record of job shadowing can show that you have collected information about this carreer path. Meaning you will know how to prepare yourself in this field and what your future will be based on. Also you know not only the good about the job but also the cons that comes with it. Whether it be major or not. A benificial way to gain knowledge about the career is asking people in the field questions similar to the following: What are the hours pertaining to this job?, How much is the salary?, Do you enjoy your job?, What is the pro's and con's?,How has this position evolved since you have been in it?, What are some of the biggest challanges you have faced?, Can you describe a typical day or week in this position?, Are there any comments you have about my fit for the job that I could improve or address?

I had my job shadow at West Liberty Middle School and I chose this school because I have been there previously. I spent the whole day at this school and learned a lot throughout the day. I am a family friend with the teacher who teaches seventh and eight grade English. Although I do not plan to teach middle school I still enjoy and learn a lot going to this school, because there’s a very diverse group of students from my different backgrounds. I feel like shadowing this school is much more realistic to the difficulties I may encounter as a teacher, therefore I benefit from shadowing this teacher and school.

Carnes I feel as though I have a better understanding of dealing with the school system from the parent’s point of view. I think doing this interview can help me to be more prepared if a child with disabilities is present in my classroom. This is actually the cause of the high point of the interview because Ms. Carnes had a surprised tone when hearing my questions because of the dedication the educational system is putting into preparing the new generation of teachers to be fully aware of any situation we may face with a student with disabilities. I feel a sense of pride knowing I can be knowledgeable in any situation may face with these special cases in the classroom. On the other hand, I was surprised by the amount of patience she has as a parent with a child with cerebral palsy. From her answers in the interview she has to face challenges parents with the average child do nor. I gave me a deep respect to the parents who face these challenges such as making sure their child receives the proper education they need. Lastly, after completion of the interview, I feel slightly more nervous about going into the teaching field. I know teaching these students I want to make sure

Upon shadowing a fourth grade teacher at Deer Ridge Elementary School, I decided to talk with her about the students in her classroom. Mrs. Riley first set the scene of the school for me by stating that it was in the southwest suburban area of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and this particular school was not hurting for money. She then began to explain the different children in her classroom. There were twenty-eight students from a variety of different backgrounds. There were also two students with ADHD. My first thought was, "What exactly is ADHD?" and, "Would these two children stick out from the rest of the students in the classroom?".

First I would love to reflect on my experiences in my fieldwork classroom. I have to say I was quite nervous the first day I arrived. I have had experiences with special education students with my own family and other students I had to opportunity to work with, but never in this capacity. Emily was a great mentor teacher, she

In that class, the student learns about different teaching methods and how to care for children. As part of the curriculum, we volunteered at Long Elementary as teacher aides. Working with 4th grade students and observing an everyday class room was such an awe-inspiring experience. I had a completely new perspective about teachers. I have so much more respect as before. Teachers put so much time and effort into helping children for their benefits. I knew from the first day I helped with Ms. Williams’ 4th grade class, how much a teacher is a positive influence on children. There is an overwhelming feeling when you help a student with a problem and in return they give you the most heart-warming smile. The experience at Long Elementary helped me make my final decision on whether I wanted to teach elementary or secondary school. As much as I enjoyed helping elementary students, in my heart I knew secondary school was the path God had in store for me.

The teacher I interviewed has taught for more than ten years at the same school. She started as a fourth grade teacher but she now works as an interventionist.

For my interview, I interviewed a woman by the name of Mrs. Miskell. She is a close family friend and also teaches at the elementary school that I used to attend. Mrs. Miskell has been teaching for fifteen years. She has a class of 21 including 2 special education children who are mainstreamed into her class for a few areas of study. She team-teaches one day a week with the remedial math teacher, and one day a week with the remedial reading teacher. Her children switch classes with one other class for social studies and science. In this interview, I covered her views on special education and security in today's schools.