My most "proud" moment of this last week was not something that I did, but instead it was a moment in which I was proud of my students. This seems really simple, but it meant a lot to me.
After the NTI Summer Semester, I have been working on implementing my lab management plan. Last week I introduced the classroom manager positions with the video and other materials we produced over the summer. For the first time, I am letting students apply for the positions instead of assigning them. I didn't get much feedback in class from the students when I introduced the positions. Another teacher in my department even asked if I though any students would willingly apply for the positions since they weren't being "forced" to do it. I was really discouraged until the next day when I had so many students apply that I ran out of my printed applications. I had to print out more and had a line of students come and pick them up on their way to the bus after school. This sounds so silly, but I was so proud of the students who wanted to give of their time to make the classroom run smoothly. What made me the most proud was that many of my students who have autism or other learning disabilities were some of the first to apply. I immediately assigned students to fill the positions and they are already stepping up in ways I didn't expect. I am so proud!
This is not a small thing at all Anna! I too, am implementing classroom managers, or as I like to refer to them as, interns. I have yet to hire any students to fill the 3 positions I am hiring for. I wanted to first take some time to learn them while also trying to gain insight into their personalities. I am happy to hear you had such a great response from your students, especially those who are autistic. I am also excited to hear about all the wonderful things the chosen ones are going to do, and assist you with!
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