Friday – February 16, 2007

Today Emilia and I went back to Ms.G’s class for our observation. However, when we arrived we found out that Charlottesville City Public Schools had another two hour delay! We had checked the list of school closings last night, but there was nothing about Charlottesville City. Apparently they must have made the decision this morning. It was funny though, because there was this one student in Ms.G’s class who always comes in late. Evidently he hadn’t heard about the two hour delay either, and although he had gotten to school almost an hour late – he was actually EARLY today! Anyway, we spoke to Ms.G and she said that even when the kids did come in today, they would be going to an assembly, then to specials, and then to lunch. Unfortunately, Emilia had to go to work that afternoon, so we would not be able to return later for an observation. We decided that it would be best to just reschedule the visit.

Thursday – February 15, 2007

Charlottesville City Public Schools had a two hour delay today, so my partner Emilia and I went to our school at 10:30 for our first observation. When we arrived however, Ms.G told us that the students were at specials and would then be going to lunch and recess. Unfortunately, because Emilia and I both had classes that afternoon, we would not be able to come back later to observe. Instead of observing, we had a meeting with Ms.G about planning our unit. Together, we decided that Emilia and I will be teaching the first graders five lessons on economics. The lessons will focus on the differences between goods and services and how people are buyers and sellers. They will also cover how people make economic choices depending on needs and wants and how to save money for the future. Emilia and I are really excited about teaching an economics unit because we feel that it will provide numerous opportunities for interactive and fun activities.

Teaching Metaphor

Personally, I find that there is a strong association between being a teacher and being a pitcher for a softball team. To begin with, the pitcher stands in the center of the field. As a teacher, my position will be at the heart of the classroom. Each time a new batter steps up to the plate, the pitcher must assess the hitter’s stance to determine the best type of pitch to throw. With each new student, a teacher must assess their abilities and strengths to determine the most appropriate type of instruction. In addition, a pitcher must constantly be prepared. For example, because they are so close to the batter’s box, a pitcher must always be ready for line drives. Similarly, a teacher must be prepared for all types of students and the individual perspectives and experiences they will bring to the classroom.

To be a pitcher is to be a true leader. Pitchers must be confident with each release of the ball. Likewise, a teacher must be an effective leader in the classroom. They must be confident about the decisions they are making in the classroom on a daily basis. Being a pitcher on a team is a certainly a great responsibility. However, a pitcher is nothing without the strong support of his or her team. Everyone must work together for things to run smoothly. The same holds true for inside the classroom. Teachers must serve as the base, but there must also be a strong relationship with the students. They must work together to develop new ideas and make important classroom decisions. On the softball field, communication and trust are key. Whether it’s calling for a fly ball or yelling that the runner on third is heading for home, a pitcher needs to communicate with the rest of the team. Similarly, a teacher must communicate his or her expectations and procedures as well as provide effective feedback for the students. Like a pitcher trusts their teammates to field the ball and make the play, a strong foundation of trust must also be established between the teacher and student for successful learning.

The best way for me to articulate my final association between being a teacher and being a pitcher on a softball team is to share a personal experience:

I was playing on an eighteen-and-under girls travel softball team, and at fourteen, I was the youngest on the squad. Nationals that year were held in Kissimmee, Florida, and the trepidation I felt was overwhelming. During one game, I was sent in as relief pitcher at the bottom of the third inning; we were already losing badly. White-knuckled, I walked up to the mound. If I could have disappeared right then and there, I would have. I set up, took a few deep breaths, and then did what I had trained so hard to do. I pitched. They got a few hits and may have even scored a run, but finally, there were two outs. I glanced over to the on-deck circle. There stood the most intimidating girl in their line-up. Well over six feet tall, she had hands the size of catcher’s mitts. In the first inning, she had hit a stand-up triple and was now hungry for more. The sun, still low in the sky, was scorching. Sweat dripped from my face. As she stepped up to the plate, everything magically came together. My team rallied around me, chanting encouragement. My spirit soared. Focusing on my target, I managed to strike out the Goliath with three pitches. Even as I left the mound, I knew why I had fanned her. She was trained for faster pitching, and I had messed up her timing. My fastballs, though well-placed, came over the plate like change-ups. We lost the game, of course. In fact, we were defeated by the slaughter rule. But I had won a much larger victory. My accomplishment on that sweltering Florida morning wasn’t the strike out, although that will stick with me forever. It was the insight that came with it. I became a leader that day and I had earned the respect of my teammates. As I look back, I realize winning that game would have been great. There’s certainly no feeling like it in the world. Ultimately, however, it’s loss, or maybe victory framed within loss, that best teaches us who we are and how far we’ve come.

As a future teacher, I know there will be ups and downs. I know there will be good days and bad days. Just like a pitcher for a softball team, there will be wins and losses. But even on a bad day, it is my goal that I will be able to make a positive contribution to the life of at least one child.