Chapter 1 Reflection

Reflection
TPCK Chapt. 1
Kim Fuller
1/20/09

The complexities of teaching and learning have been present in my work from the first
day I began my career as an elementary teacher. My first teaching assignment was to
work with pre first-graders and I was hired in November due to large class sizes. My
students were 5 and 6 year-olds and had already bonded with their first teacher. This
alone was a huge hurdle not to mention I had no experience with students that young. So
the complexities of teaching hit me full-on everyday of my first year. I was constantly
trying things, evaluating, revamping and trying again. Many days I was scared to death
because I had no idea what the day would bring. I was on my own and had little support in those early days. I look back and wonder sometimes… How did those students survive
my first attempts as an educator? That experience humbled me and continues to influence my teaching and learning to this day. I learned quickly that teaching involves constant decision-making, reacting to energies from multiple sources and behaviors. How I behave as an educator and the choices I make constantly impact someone. This can be a very overwhelming concept. I did learn early to seek help from my peers. I was lucky to work with veteran teachers who were very willing to share materials, strategies and philosophies. Those early interactions with my colleagues helped me to face the complexities of education with some preparedness.
As I continue in my career, I am constantly looking for ways to improve my
teaching and assist my students but I am also aware of how we all operate at our own
developmental levels, teachers and students alike. We all take in information, learn
strategies and apply them as we are ready. That adds to the complexities of education.
I might learn a new technique or strategy and attempt to use it with my students and it
may or may not be successful. I will have to reflect, adjust and try again. My students
will follow a similar path. Today, I have much more support and have had many
opportunities to work with my peers. It is my belief that due to the complexities of
teaching and learning, we need to be in a transparent environment where we work with
other professionals to improve our skills.