First Impressions.
What am I expecting? As I have begun my student teaching, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with myself.
There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, the thing that I’ve struggled with the most as a music teacher is self-confidence. After just having completed my third week of teaching, I’ve noticed that I haven’t been nearly as scared or nervous as I’d expected, and I’ve been much more comfortable, especially at the beginning, than I thought I’d be. I am of course expecting and even embracing the inevitable time where I do feel overwhelmed and nervous, but I feel prepared for that moment and confident that I will be able to handle it.
What worries me? At the crux of my self-confidence issue is the fear of letting the students down. I want to be sure they’re given the best I can give and that they’re taking something valuable away from not only each lesson with me, but each interaction, each conversation. I’m learning through the process, though, that I have much more to offer than my anxiety wants me to believe.
What excites me? Everything. The kids that I’m working with are incredible, and I feel so blessed to have been placed in 2 schools in which I feel welcomed, comfortable, liked, respected, and am able to be myself and learn so much.
Marlena's Student Teaching Journey 
Hello, Marlena!
I’m happy to know that you have a very sensible outlook on your confidence level as you begin your ST. It’s great to hear that your prior knowledge and experience have prepared you for your first three weeks of teaching, and I’m glad that you have what I might call a “healthy dose of realism” about the challenges that lie ahead. I know your prior experiences will help you through these moments, so no need to worry. Finding comfort in these times may be evidence that after years of preparing for this moment, you are in your element, and that is a wonderful thing!
Your worry of letting students down is very natural, and I’m encouraged by your thoughts surrounding the process. The first thing that comes to mind in response to this is the importance of building relationships with your students. Finding out what they’re interested in–often interests that are outside of music. Your best attempts at providing high quality content and instruction will not be as effective without this important first step. I encourage you to think of ways to find opportunities to build relationships with individuals. Some examples could include short conversations while students are setting up or putting their instruments away. Supervising the hallway just outside the classroom door gives you a chance to engage students in a brief chat. Finding ways to connect with them one-to-one in an appropriate way will help you maximize the absorption and retention of your quality teaching.
I’m excited for you! I heard from Craig that your connection with the students and the content is strong, natural, and immediate. Your time in both of these placements promises to be positive for you and your students. Good luck!
–Robert
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Marlena,
It is good to hear that you are settling in at your placements. While I am glad that you have identified self-confidence as something you are struggling with, I think that translating it into a worry that you are providing for your students is good. As you work this semester, keep those questions with you. However, use them to reflect on your teaching to improve each day, not to question yourself and your ability.
Lauren
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Great! I don’t see the supervisors’ comments though….
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