I am an apprentice teacher at the Shady Hill School in Cambridge.
As part of the Teacher Training Course (TTC) program, I feel extremely fortunate to land in classrooms with excellent mentors.
Fall 2018, I worked in Betsy Anderson and Anthony Amoroso's Kindergarten class at Shady Hill.
Spring 2018 was a chance to be in Erica Rogers-Jensen and Sally Snickenberger's First Grade class (1 South) at Shady Hill.
Both directing teachers, Betsy and Erica, have an approach to teaching young children--calm, empathetic, and fair—that resonates with me as qualities I want to mirror in my own teaching.
In both classrooms, I have had a number of moments where we’ve discussed teaching or ways to resolve a conflict and felt a kinship in our approach. I recognize that Betsy is a Master Teacher and learned so much during our Pre-Practicum. I watched her and Anthony work with students daily and see that they acknowledge each student, each child as unique. They listen. They work hard to foster independence with the kids, but also are nurturing and caring and calm. It’s inspiring.
Erica and Sally are also an amazing team. I have learned so much about classroom management, finding my teacher's voice, and working hard to have fun within the classroom. First graders are an energetic bunch! And I've felt such gratitude to be welcomed as part of their classroom mid-year, learning so much from them along the way. I am extremely fortunate to have such phenomenal and supportive co-teachers to work with at Shady Hill!
As part of the Teacher Training Course (TTC) program, I feel extremely fortunate to land in classrooms with excellent mentors.
Fall 2018, I worked in Betsy Anderson and Anthony Amoroso's Kindergarten class at Shady Hill.
Spring 2018 was a chance to be in Erica Rogers-Jensen and Sally Snickenberger's First Grade class (1 South) at Shady Hill.
Both directing teachers, Betsy and Erica, have an approach to teaching young children--calm, empathetic, and fair—that resonates with me as qualities I want to mirror in my own teaching.
In both classrooms, I have had a number of moments where we’ve discussed teaching or ways to resolve a conflict and felt a kinship in our approach. I recognize that Betsy is a Master Teacher and learned so much during our Pre-Practicum. I watched her and Anthony work with students daily and see that they acknowledge each student, each child as unique. They listen. They work hard to foster independence with the kids, but also are nurturing and caring and calm. It’s inspiring.
Erica and Sally are also an amazing team. I have learned so much about classroom management, finding my teacher's voice, and working hard to have fun within the classroom. First graders are an energetic bunch! And I've felt such gratitude to be welcomed as part of their classroom mid-year, learning so much from them along the way. I am extremely fortunate to have such phenomenal and supportive co-teachers to work with at Shady Hill!
Building A New Career
As the months have passed, I have grown certain that my decision to pursue a career in early childhood education was the right one.
I see the power in seeing each student's strengths and then providing them with the tools necessary to build upon them.
I see the power in talking with parents, hearing their concerns and anxieties--perhaps even those that linger from their own educational experiences--and forge a partnership through communication and authenticity.
I see the power in daily reflection, in acknowledging my own privileged position within society and our systems of power, and in working to bring change for my students and families through my teaching and actions.
I see the power in my ability to listen to each child and see their individual and collective strengths.
Each day, I learn something new and see something new in our students.