For my student teaching

experience, I was placed in Mrs. Leite’s

2nd grade Mass Customized Learning
classroom. I was fortunate enough to be
able to student teach in the same
classroom in which I completed
practicum hours in. Being in the same
classroom allowed for me to keep
developing those relationships that I had
worked on in the previous semester and to
see the progress each learner made as the
school year went on. It also allowed me to become very familiar with second grade standards and
work to design lessons to give learners the opportunity to show mastery.

The Mass Customized Learning program has been interesting to learn more about and
something that I feel fortunate to have experience with. There are many similarities to a
traditional classroom, but also some differences. In this classroom, the learners are not expected
to be on the same track as their peers at all times. We are all unique and talented in our own way
and this program really allows learners to do so. I observed as Mrs. Leite kept track of each
learner individually and monitored their progress or needs throughout. The MCL classroom is
also very student-centered and I value the use of technology to assist in teaching. The MCL
differs from a traditional classroom as there is far more technology use by the learners, as they
are 1-1 with computers. As I observed the learners work independently, I noticed how they
excelled with using their computer. This is important to practice because most career choices
involve working with technology and this is a great life skill to start off with early.

This student teaching semester was a very real look at what it is like being a teacher. I
was able to see what an entire school day consists of, five days a week. Coming off of past
semesters being an online student through DSU with only a couple days’ worth of practicum
hours, I really enjoyed getting into the routine of being at school 8-4, sometimes earlier and later.
Roughly every three weeks, I picked up another subject to teach, until I was teaching the entire
school day. Throughout the semester, I was able to sit in on 2nd grade PLC meetings, MCL
meetings, all staff meetings, and also the Principal Advisory Committee. Being able to see the
collaboration that teachers take part in is something that I value and look forward to. Reflecting
back on prior practicum hours and other educational experiences, I feel like I have learned a lot
more through this student teaching experience, and I know I still have a lot of room for growth.
As a teacher, I believe in being a life-long learner, as there is always something you can take
away and use to make yourself better. This semester felt like a huge learning experience and time
of growth as I work to become a professional. I look forward to being a part of teaching teams
and other activities to promote my professional development.

I am grateful for the opportunity to gain experience at Hillcrest Elementary. The school
environment here is something that I will look for in a future place of employment. Not only do
the teachers display a welcoming attitude, but also a desire to teach and learn from others
through collaboration and have a positive mindset towards doing so. I felt like I formed
relationships with more of the other staff members and school personnel this past semester. This
was led by Mrs. Leite as she made me feel welcomed in everything and gave me unique learning
opportunities, such as joining the PLC meetings. I found that important because it allowed for
me to be engaged and to learn about the collaboration that teachers take part in to bring the best
for the students. This showed me the importance of forming relationships within my workplace.
Additionally, I was able to be a co teacher on our class Dojo website and be in contact with
parents of the learners in my class. Including families in their child’s learning is a big takeaway
for me and something I will transfer to my future classroom.

Overall, my experiences at Hillcrest have shaped me into a better educator, and I will
cherish the time and memories I made while there. Mr. Olinger is a principal who leads by
example and works to create the environment they have. I was fortunate to student teach under
his leadership. I believe that the school environment can have a big impact not only on a
teacher’s career, but also the well-beings of the learners. Lastly, I could not have asked for a
better cooperating teacher to learn from. Mrs. Leite has effective classroom management
techniques, a safe and respectful classroom environment, and is a positive leader and teammate
to coworkers. She is an amazing mentor to have and I am fortunate to know her and to have
learned from her.