I completed my full-time internship at Thomas Johnson Elementary and Middle School

(TJEMS), which is located in Federal Hill in Baltimore City, MD. TJEMS is a public city school
with a diverse student population; there are a total of thirty-one teachers and five hundred fortyseven students. Regarding demographics, 69% are Caucasian, 20% are African American, 5%
are Hispanic, and the remaining 6% is comprised of Pacific Islander, Multiracial, and other.
English Language Learners (ELLs) account for 4% of the population, 14.3% have an identified
disability, and 53.6% receive Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs). My placement was in an
inclusive kindergarten classroom of twenty students with varying abilities. I shared the
instruction with my mentor teacher, and two other student interns. Crowded as it was, this
unique opportunity offered me invaluable experience with co-teaching and collaboration.
For reading and language arts, the students were divided into five small-groups arranged
by reading levels and abilities. Math instruction was provided via whole-group, with select
students receiving more individualized instruction. Students were provided with an abundance
of engaging, hands-on lessons that created an inviting and fun atmosphere. For example, the
class observed the life cycle of butterflies, went on field trips to explore nature, and created arts
and crafts for different occasions, such as Earth Day and the 100th Day of School. This
placement enlightened me on practical, methodical, and engaging strategies to use to ensure
student learning transpires.