Coming out of the shell by James Davies Student teaching this past semester has been an extremely rewarding experience, not only in terms of personal and professional growth but also to see how teachers can help their students improve both academically and personally. First of all I'd like to say that student teaching does indeed perform a valuable service. By working with my cooperating teacher I gave him more time to work on other projects that he would have less time for if I was not there. Additionally when teaching class one of us was always ready to step in and lend support to the other when necessary. This can make a difference for the students because it allows for more one on one instructional opportunities. It was especially helpful with one particular student who was added to the class halfway through the semester and therefore lagging far behind the other students. My cooperating teacher had not had time assess and help with his academic struggles and he was also so shy that he would not engage with other students. However, between 2 teachers he had more individualized instruction and was soon able to catch up on necessary course work. As his grades improved so did his personal relationships with his peers. Where before he was shunned for not engaging, he now had the confidence to speak up in class to answer questions and soon found himself able to engage personally with fellow students. Witnessing this unfold on a a daily basis was a powerful experience and lesson, one that I will not soon forget.
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