So I totally failed at writing in this blog this summer. I survived DC Teaching Fellows Summer Institute. I made such wonderful memories with the other Elementary SPED fellows and we all helped each other keep pushing on and reminding each other why we were there, the students of course! I taught 4th grade at Francis Stevens in Foggy Bottom. The school is huge and provided us with a large classroom which by the end of the summer was covered in student work. My goal was to make summer school interesting for these students, many high achievers and still learn. With the help of my co-teacher, Robert I think we accomplished this. The summer definitely built up my confidence to be in my own classroom this fall.
This past week I finally got to begin at Leckie Elementary, my placement. I am the PK-3rd grade special education teacher. Right now my caseload is around 15 students but seems to be constantly growing. I know so much about my students already and absolutely can not wait to meet them tomorrow! My room is finally complete after endless hours of thought, hands on work, and trips to buy teacher supplies. I love setting up classrooms so while it was hard work it was enjoyable all at the same time.
Tonight I called all my students' parents and have been making final preparations for things that need to be covered in this first week. Fortunately for me I will be spending most of my week in my students' general education classrooms doing observations so I know how to better meet their needs this school year. I am so excited that I probably won't be able to sleep a wink tonight! I'm making a promise to myself that I will update this blog at least once a week because I don't want to forget this experience!