Reflection Paper EDUC 2301.

200

James Black

May 5, 2019

EDUC 2301.200 INTRO TO SP POPULATIONS

Marian Ellis

Reflection Paper

The greatness of being an educator has dwindled its way down into the heart of the one

that is destined to be an encourager to another and leave a life-long impression in the hearts of

many. The journey of being a student teacher has by been one of the greatest experiences as I’m

embarking on a career in education.

My teaching observation took place at the Clarksville Middle High School under

principal Roshea Phillips and teacher Melinda Sanders, as which the bar has been set high for the

students and staff thereof. I’ve had the privileged to be employed by Clarksville ISD for five

years and have worked alongside and under the leadership of many great superintendents,

principals, and teachers. Having the honor to work this semester in the Special

Education/Content Mastery Department of Clarksville Middle and High School has opened my

eyes to a broader spectrum within education. There are many ways to educate not only the

academic elite students but even more ways to educate the student that requires additional

support. There is a diverse population of materials and support systems designed to be of

assistance.

Working under Melinda Sanders, with grade levers 9th – 13th has helped me to look in the

range and direction of your Special Population Students which fall under students with learning

disabilities (504) and students that follow a Individual Education Plans(IEP). Working along side
Reflection Paper EDUC 2301.200

my teacher mentor has taught me patience and not only that but how to be versatile in the

education process. I loved the fact that she took everyday materials and turned them into job

opportunities. I worked with several students that were allowed through their Individual

Education Plan (IEP) to work on campus and earn pay. This prepared these students for jobs

outside of the classroom, taught how to manage money, appropriately complete time sheets, and

how to be a well-disciplined worker. Not only that it allowed me to see how to incorporate your

everyday core school subjects into a living life lesson. I have had the privilege to work with a

student in the library teaching basic clerical skills, bookkeeping, and other duties that she

received pay for. Mrs. Sanders taught me that there is more than one way to instill these skills

without being tough and tedious. For example, she took a student worker and taught him basic

math measuring by counting 12 inches by 12 inch floor tiles as he swept the floor each day.

Never once had I seen this done and it fascinated me to the utmost. Basic math with the floor!

Her lessons were very much student centered but, in the end, it was amazing to see students

come and teach her again the same lesson she taught in the beginning.

I loved the experience of working at Clarksville ISD and plan to continue my career in

education as I prepare to transfer to Texas A & M, Texarkana, Texas. When I receive my official

certifications, I plan to implement the hands-on learning as well as student centered learning to

my classroom to ensure the proper educating of everyone I encounter.