Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education – Kindergarten

Assistant Teacher

During the fall semester of 2020, I had the opportunity to assist student teachers and mentor teachers
in creating a positive classroom environment for kindergarteners in an urban setting in Brookings, SD.
There was an equal number of males and female students in this classroom. I assistant taught in a
culturally diverse environment which helped me focus on how I can create lesson plans and learning
around each of my future students, acknowledging their background and creating a positive learning
environment for all. I engaged with students by reinforcing the lessons one-on-one, observing inquiry
investigations, supporting student teachers in managing classroom behavior, and preparing the
classroom for lessons. This opportunity allowed me to be comfortable in the classroom, enhance my
teamwork skills, and focus on engaging with students. I got to visualize specific routines set in place, a
managed classroom, and one-on-one teacher/student time.

Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education – three- and four-year-old's

Student Teacher

During the spring semester of 2021, I student taught in the three- and four-year-old classroom at the
Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education. I had the opportunity to lesson plan, work with children,
work with other student teachers, assistant teachers, and mentor teachers, and create an environment
centered on inquiry and play. This opportunity allowed me to visualize my strengths and weaknesses in
the classroom. I also got to work with a culturally diverse classroom, which provided me with the skills
to enhance a culturally appropriate classroom. While student teaching, I noticed an area to work on for
me was transitioning from one activity to another, being in a three-and four-year-old classroom, it can
be difficult to keep their attention focused on one activity. I got to experience how I can work on
creating effective lessons, while keeping children engaged and active throughout the classroom. I
collaborated with my mentor teacher and partner teacher, which benefited me as a future educator.
One thing I know I can work on is being more flexible with my lesson planning, with all ages of students,
and identifying what fits the best needs of each individual student in my future classroom.