Today I fortunate enough to be able to spend time in the classroom of a first-year teacher. In talking with this teacher before school started I could hear the enthusiasm and excitement for the beginning of the year. Confidence was there as well as an equal dose of humility.
As I sat there today I was amazed! If I did not know that this was a first year teacher---I would not have been able to tell. In everything this person said and did, there was a purpose, a passion and enthusiasm for it! Every student was engaged and on-task at all times. This is not an exaggeration. As I looked around the room, I continuously saw students writing, drawing, discussing etc... performing tasks the teacher asked. Not one student off-task, out of their seat, gazing around.... The teacher constantly roamed the room, checking for understanding, re-instructing when necessary, asking questions, giving praise, patting a shoulder, etc.. Transition times were timely enough to keep the students engaged and still allowed time for those who needed a few extra moments to complete a task. The enthusiasm in the voice of the teacher was enough to draw you in---IF you weren't paying attention. You wanted to pay attention because the teacher made it seem so FUN! Passion and enthusiasm for the most mundane of tasks oozed out, and was evident in facial expressions and body movements--not only in the teacher, but the students also. This is what all classes should be like!
I walked out of the classroom with a smile on my face and envy in my heart! I am so glad this teacher is in the classroom and I am so envious that I am unable to co-teach with this person on a daily basis.
Once in a while you run across a new teacher or even a college education major who has the innate skills and abilities that are needed to be a great teacher---this person has them! This person was born to be a great teacher!
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