My growth through the program

Although I thought I had a pretty good grasp on the program and teaching from my sister that is an educator, my mind has been altered going through this program. My main growth was my confidence in being in the classroom and feeling like I belong there, feeling like I was really a teacher. This didn’t come to me until my second-year practicums. Although my first two practicums were great, I was still feeling uneasy in my practice. I felt like it had to be perfect and I had to know everything ahead of time, and I was scared to step out of the box and try new things. Throughout EDPR 4100 and 4200, I realized that I am learning too, and if I am going to reiterate to my students that learning isn’t linear and it’s all about trial and error then I had to live this myself. I had to take my own advice and become comfortable in the unfamiliar because I knew that this is where I would grow. In these practicums, my confidence blossomed and before I knew it I felt like a teacher and I felt like I could really do this on my own. I tried things I never could’ve imagined doing, and I went into it knowing it might not work out and that is totally okay. I created bonds with my students that I will hold dear to my heart forever. I found out what being an educator is really about, and I am so excited for my future in this profession.