I thought before going into student teaching I would prefer high school over elementary. Now, I feel the opposite about the two. My dream job would most likely be teaching elementary students in a suburban area. I don't know where yet, but I don't feel ready to leave the Midwest. I like the atmosphere and the people of the Midwest. Not to say that I would never leave, but I'm not in a big hurry to leave my home yet.
Thinking about how I've changed my mind about liking different age groups, I've also thought about what it would be like to teach at a college. There is something that happens to students between elementary and secondary and secondary and college that I can't explain. There is a certain attitude and style about the arts that gets lost that really bothers me. "Working around" this is something that I never thought about, but now that I see this "change" I would prefer to not surround myself in it all day.
I've also been thinking about my work with kids with emotional and psychological needs that I've done for the last 4 years outside of my schooling. I'm somehow still compelled to these types of kids in my student teaching. I'm also considering going and getting my special education certification and working with those kids some more.
Obviously, I still have some work to do when it comes to figuring out what my dream job is, but that doesn't scare me. I'm looking forward to the future and what else I can learn and bring to others.
Thanks for the posts! It has been wonderful to be a small part of your experience this semester. Your reflections online and additions in class have been great. I wish you all the best in the future as you reflect on your final decisions and move forward.
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