*This March, I am using song titles for each post I write. I'm curating a playlist for the month, which I will share at the end of March.
Today we have to say goodbye to my student teacher who is moving onto her next placement. The good news- her next placement is still in my school so she can pop by to say hello now and then. The bad news- she's leaving! My students have come to love her and depend on her being there each day. I have loved the experience of another teacher (in training) in the room, who can support my efforts and be a sounding board. It can be so lonely doing the job all by yourself and making all the decisions. It was so nice to ask my student teacher what she thought about the seating arrangement or her take on a specific student. We made her a book and I bought her a personalized teacher tote bag which sadly hasn't arrived yet. I bought treats for the kids and I think she is making them little goodie bags too. We will keep today fun and light. Goodbyes can be hard on everyone. I remember when I was in a student observing/participating semester, the one right before student teaching. I was in a second grade class 3 mornings a week. On my last day, I was so emotional and sad to leave them that I cried in the classroom. My contact fell out of my eye- I was crying that much. The teacher asked me to go into the hall to collect myself! I had gotten so attached to the students. After 20 years of teaching, I don't cry anymore on the last day. Still- goodbyes feel sad. Have you had a student teacher this year? How did your students cope when that person left?
8 Comments
Erika Victor
3/11/2022 03:29:12 am
Is it a tiny bit bittersweet in that now you "get them back"? 30 years in and I still cry on the last day... I hope your last day with her goes well.
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Melanie C Meehan
3/11/2022 04:26:09 am
The song choice threw me, as it's sort of a sarcastic goodbye, isn't it! It sounds like your experience was really positive, and how great is it that she'll still be around.
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Haley Domin
3/11/2022 04:48:11 am
It is so hard saying goodbye. Especially when you have formed strong connections with one another. For your student teacher, you have done well to help positively influence their life and they will remember the guidance that you gave. There are so many things that I do because my coop teacher did them that way and I think about her often.
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3/11/2022 07:08:36 am
I have always had student teachers who ended their terms when our school ended for the summer, so everyone was saying good-bye to everyone else. It was tearful, but happy because summer was on the horizon. I think this time of year having a student-teacher leave is very hard. Maybe she could come for a visit at the end of the year?
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3/11/2022 08:26:05 am
I'm so excited to see the playlist!! I always cry when it feels like something has 'ended'. ...Even with haircuts. Hopefully she can come back and visit, it sounds like she was a great asset for your classroom!
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I think it's brilliant to connect each day's post with a song title. I may borrow that from you for the day (today) since I haven't written my SOL yet. Perhaps that will help me find my focus.
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Brian Rozinsky
3/11/2022 03:20:54 pm
The missing what's about to go, the appreciation for what you shared -- this slice sums up so many of the feelings wrapped up in goodbyes.
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Britt Decker
3/11/2022 06:38:38 pm
Songs as titles - brilliant!!!
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AuthorKathleen Neagle Sokolowski Archives
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