How do I get become a better teacher this summer?
This was my first year of student teaching, and I truly feel I've grown so much since the beginning. At the same time, I see many areas where I can improve and want to be fully prepared for next year. I’ve noticed that sometimes when I give directions, my students seem a bit confused, almost as if I was speaking gibberish! I'm not sure if it's my tone or how I communicate. I also realized I didn't provide enough support for students who need it the most. During assessments, my higher and average students did well, but some of my lower students found it more challenging. On the bright side, I’ve made great strides in classroom management, even though I still occasionally encounter students calling out or not listening. I’ve become clearer and more consistent with consequences and have focused on building strong relationships, so my students feel comfortable and happy to meet me where they are. I’ve learned that every child's behavior requires a unique approach. This summer, I really want to focus on these areas, but I’m not quite sure where to start. If anyone has advice or recommendations for helpful books that made a difference for them, I’d love to hear about it! I honestly feel proud of myself because, in the beginning, I doubted I could continue with this career. But I did a lot of inner healing, worked on my emotional intelligence, and reflected deeply. I realized I needed to work on fixing many personal issues, and I saw my students respond in such an incredible way. I just want to start next year on the strongest possible note. I know I can’t be completely prepared, but I’m feeling very motivated to keep learning and reflecting on my teaching. I recognize I have a lot to improve, but the first step is acknowledging that and asking for help.