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Bernadette Thompson

Dr. Ellis

EDUC-2301.440

November 30, 2019

Growth

For my field experience, I observed at Rains Intermediate, where I work as a teacher’s

aide. I work with 3rd grade teachers Kristen Northcutt, Allie Reyna, and Ashton Lane, as well as

5th grade teachers Whitney Williams and Shantil Wallace. As an aide, I have learned so much

from these amazing teachers. I have had many challenges to face since I started working there,

but the experience has had a positive impact on me.

As I began my observation, everything seemed to be like any other day. I challenged

myself to really look and reflect on what I saw in those 16 hours. The biggest thing that stood out

to me was a very simple concept: growth. I have been working at Rains Intermediate with these

same kids since August. As I looked closely, I could see just how much both the students and I

have grown. When I started, I was very unsure of myself and my ability to teach students, having

little qualifications or experience. However, after several weeks of watching, learning, and trying

to figure out what works for each kid, I finally got into a groove. I had to step back during my

observation to see just how far we have come.

One of my students in particular, used to have major breakdowns frequently. He would

cry anytime he had to do work that required writing. This child could get very easily frustrated. I

fretted for weeks, wondering how in the world I could help him. Eventually, I found different

strategies and cues that would help him accomplish much more. Seeing him now, working hard
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and not getting upset as often, makes me proud. I love being able to witness such a positive

change in one of my students.

All of the teachers I work with are fantastic, but Mrs. Northcutt is the one I work with the

most. She is one of my role models as a teacher. Kristen is a first year teacher, but no one could

tell by watching her. She makes connections with all of her students and genuinely tries to get

the best out of every single one of them. She uses many different learning styles to give every

kid a chance to grasp the concept. Kristen will often utilize videos, games, experiments, reading

passages, and all kinds of techniques to engage students. Her style is very student-centered, and

this can be easily seen in the way she uses class discussions. All of the kids are able to give their

input and talk through the material they are learning. The main philosophy I think Kristen

exhibits is Humanism, which is also the one I identify with most. We both want to see students

grow more than anything.

As a future teacher, I want to adopt a growth mindset. I want to see past students’

perceived ability or intelligence and see potential instead. My hope is to help every student grow

in some way, even just a little bit. I want my students to leave my classroom a little bit wiser,

stronger, kinder, or more confident. I will hold my students to high standards and encourage

them to grow, just as I hope to grow in the process as well.