Week 10

      The Chicago Teacher's Union is still on strike. From what I've watched on the news, it seems as though a tentative deal will be reached soon. I hope that is the case because I miss the students and can't wait to see them. We had a field trip planned on October 29th to visit the Jonansen pumpkin patch farm. We were all looking forward to it! But, my host teacher had to cancel due to the strike. I'm sure the kiddos are probably really disappointed. Hopefully, we will return soon and possibly reschedule before it starts to get too cold.

     On another note, October 28th is the edTPA submission date! I am feeling a mix of emotions. I am happy because the edTPA has been a huge stressor in my life not just for me, but for my family, especially my son because I didn't spend as much time with him as I usually do. And, I'm nervous because I obviously want to do well. After completing my edTPA I reflected and I wondered if this experience really helped me become a better teacher. To be honest, I don't know. I feel that this test was a huge distraction from what was really important: devoting myself completely to learning and growing in the classroom setting. I feel that I was constantly worried and stressed about the edTPA and that stress played a huge role in my performance as a student-teacher. I feel that the State Board of Education makes it so difficult for college students to enter this profession and I think they are starting to realize this as well. There are many discouraged students out there that want to be educators but feel that the system fails them. The basic skills test, including the ACT, SAT, and TAP  are no longer required for educator licensure and I wouldn't be surprised if in the next few years ISBE eliminates the edTPA as well. I believe the REAL learning happens in the classroom with the students, in workshops/professional developments, and in meetings with your coaches/mentors.