Anica West: Her COE Journey

Anica is a graduating senior from NAU and has had a very unique practicum experience. Read her story, advice and cheer her on as she is now a TEACHER!

"My practicum experience was diverse and unique compared to the typical experience. I was placed in two 3rd grade classrooms and a 1st-grade classroom, all at different schools. I was able to gain experience at different schools, different communities, different levels, all within the same town. Let's start from the beginning. I was placed in a 1st-grade classroom at DeMiguel Elementary. This was a typical placement. I was able to lead centers, circulate, assist in ELA, writing, and science. My mentor teacher even prompted me to teach a lesson, a mini-lesson on plot. It was exciting, simple, and incredible. My teacher was amazing. I asked questions each week and made sure to put myself out there. It was a great start to dipping my toes into the profession I love.

Next, is a bit more complex of a placement. What I mean is that we were not placed in a typical classroom a few days a week for a few hours. Instead, my cohort was placed at Killip Elementary in the after-school STEM and literacy program. To say the least, it was an experience I will never forget. I, along with four of my peers, were in the third-grade classroom. We transitioned every week between two teachers until STEM kicked in and we were with one teacher. We were proactive as we each had our own Charlotte's Web provided by NAU and were leading centers each day. Yes, that's right, each day. We were there Monday-Thursday 3-4:30. It was a different type of experience as we saw two teachers handle situations and lead the group differently. We were exposed to different strategies along with various classroom management styles. Students were unwilling or exhausted form the day, so holding their attention became a new challenge. We were working with students of various levels along with ELL students. Every so often the group of students changed with only a handful of regulars. Furthermore, we were able to teach our own science lesson that was an assignment for our Science Methods course. It was awesome!!! I was so excited to teach about the Water Cycle and it went amazingly! Overall, through all the hoops, bumps and issues, I am grateful for that experience.

My last practicum experience was in a third-grade classroom at Thomas Elementary. I was paired with another peer in my cohort. The interesting part about this experience was the level of the students we were working with. The majority of them (about 75% I would say) were below average. We were able to work in small groups during math, either following along with the teacher or leading on our own. It was incredible! I was able to apply so many strategies to teaching these students. I was able and lucky to learn a lot of different strategies with this teacher. We were there through math, recess, and science and social studies. We were able to go on a field trip with them as well as observe how testing is monitored and facilitated. I was also able to see what happens when the teacher is absent and there is a substitute. My mentor teacher was incredible as well as my other mentor teachers as she explained most of what she did and why. She always engaged us and kept us busy. We were also able to teach a whole class lesson as well. I taught a differentiated math lesson. I was able to receive feedback and learn from my experiences. This experience was unique as I was able to learn how to alter what you teach for your students.

There are a ton of tips I am sure you are receiving from so many people. And honestly, there is a lot I could type out. For the most part, I would remind you to remember you are going into the classroom and learning just like the students in that class. It is important to remember that regardless of what you are doing in the classroom you are learning. You are learning what to do, not to do, and so much more. If you are simply making copies and doing what may seem like tedious work and unimportant. I hate to break it to you, it is important. I cannot tell you how much making copies or assisting the teacher with tedious tasks are important. You are saving that teacher and possibly student-teacher, hours of doing it on their own time. I promise you it is helpful! Just remember to be paying attention to what is going on in the classroom while you are helping out! If you are not getting all the experience you would like to be while in the classroom, say something. Voice your concerns to your supervisor because they are there to help. Be proactive! Ask your mentor teacher questions, take notes, learn from them. Phrases and strategies are so important and if you take notes now, you'll have a list of ideas when you take over the classroom one day yourself. Take initiative! Ask if you can teach a lesson or lead a number talk, science talk, mini-lesson, etc. Learn from feedback! You will get a lot of feedback throughout your experience in this program. The feedback is to help you! Take notes, learn from it, and improve. In this profession, you will always be improving, and sometimes it won't go as planned and that is okay. Be prepared! Dress professionally! Don't forget to breathe and organize! If you are taking my advice and tips to heart, keep everything organized in a binder! You won't regret it!

My favorite thing about practicum is learning. I learn regardless of what I am told to do! I learn from my teachers and learn about the students; and, I learn from them too. I enjoy getting to know the class and making a positive impact on them regardless of how small. :)

A piece of advice I would give you before your first day of practicum would be to be prepared. Make sure you reach out to your teacher and introduce yourself. Get there early to scan the place out as some schools are mazes! Your teacher may have you introduce yourself to the students, so make sure you are ready for that just in case you are nervous! Dress professionally, a first impression is important and teachers talk. Don't forget why you are in this profession, especially if you are nervous and overwhelmed. I would also bring a water bottle, a snack, and a jacket. You may be there and get hungry and might have to go outside with them during recess and it gets chilly when the wind kicks in. You are going to be and do great things!

Good luck!"

Anica West