For my internship, I was assigned to a third-grade classroom at Jack Harvey Elementary School in the Utica Community School District. 

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In the fall of 2023, I spent part-time in the classroom fulfilling my required observation hours. During this period, I conducted a mathematics lesson on rational numbers using technology integration, led a social studies inquiry-based session on Indigenous Peoples' Day, and taught a science lesson on forces and motion to align with the Amplify Science curriculum. Additionally, I began establishing relationships with my students, mentor teacher, and school staff.

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By winter 2024, I transitioned to a full-time role in the third-grade classroom with 24 students. From January to mid-April, I was present every day, assuming the roles of a teacher, engaging in collaborative learning with my students, crafting lesson plans across various subjects, leading both whole and small group instruction, participating in professional development activities, experimenting with different management strategies, analyzing student progress, and developing a deeper passion for teaching.

 

Throughout the internship, I completed a total of 29 days of full-time student teaching, roughly equivalent to six weeks of independent teaching. Subsequently, I co-taught with my mentor teacher for the remaining duration of the internship, focusing primarily on planning and delivering spelling and writing lessons, as well as providing tailored reading instruction to small groups.

 

This experience will remain in my memory forever. Being part of their classroom community and witnessing their growth has brought me so much joy that I dreaded the day I had to say goodbye. However, my enthusiasm and eagerness for my journey as an educator and professional only grow stronger.