Nervously Excited & Excitedly Nervous

So every night before I go to bed, all I think about is teaching and I think about the first lesson I will ever teach to a class full of students.  As I imagine this first day, a sense of excitement and nervousness takes over. I believe that this is a feeling that is entirely normal for any new teacher or any person starting a new career… the people who don’t feel this way aren’t normal! It helps to know that all of us in this graduate program are going through all of this together and I’m sure we all feel the same way!

So thinking about that first lesson plan I will ever teach to a classroom full of students is almost upon me; in fact in about a week I will be standing in front of 20 or so 2^nd graders teaching them about science!  I am excited and glad to know that science will be the first subject I will teach, because I love science and I know most students love science as well! Science is a great subject area to start with, as it is very hands on.  I’m excited to get students engaged and wanting to learn more; help build their love for science!

Through all of this excitement, I believe nerves override this feeling. Although I know that it is completely normal to feel nervous during this experience, I still can’t overcome the feeling.  I am just nervous, as this will be the first time teaching a lesson to actual elementary students. I want these students to have a positive and efficient learning experience while at the same time having fun. I want the students to learn something new and remember it for the rest of their lives. When I was in 2^nd grade I did this same activity with butterflies and still to this day I remember it as my favorite experience in school; I want that same thing for these 2^nd graders Katelyn and I will be teaching!

This will be a great teaching experience, as we will be co-teaching. I believe that co-teaching is a great way to minimize that nervous feeling, as it will be the first time teaching for the both of us. Knowing that someone is going through the same thing as you, gives a sense of relief. You also have support and help from that other person. Over all I have great confidence that we will effectively and efficiently teach these 2^nd graders to the best of our ability and that they will have a remarkable learning experience that they will remember for the rest of their days!