The First Lesson
You are nervous.
As you look at them, they
look at you.
Can they see your
nervousness?
You think they can, but you
have no idea.
You teach about a poem from
the Harlem Renaissance.
They seem perceptive as you
read the poem.
Are they being perceptive?
You think they are, but you
have no idea.
You finish reading the poem
and look up.
They look at you waiting.
Are they judging you?
You think they are, but you
have no idea.
You ask them to begin
filling out their worksheet.
As they do, you walk around
the room.
Do they understand the
assignment?
You think they do, but you
have no idea.
You get excited when someone
raises their hand.
They ask you a question and
you answer.
Are they pleased with your
answer?
You think they are, but you
have no idea.
You regroup the class and
begin to teach about figurative language.
They answer your questions
and they respond.
Are they learning?
You think they are, but you
have no idea.
You finish the lesson and
collect their work.
And your mentor teacher
looks at you. She smiles.
Did you do well?
You did well, she says. I
did well.
CHRIS. WOWOWOWOW. First of all, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS LOVELY WRITTEN CREATION. I was so so impressed when you read it out loud today, and I was just as impressed when I re-read it for a second time. I have to say that you perfectly captured the mindset of a novice teacher. And I think that's why I'm so thankful for your piece because it proved to me that I'm not alone and that others feel as nervous and clueless as me. I also appreciated the wonderful repetition of the "I think they are, but I'm not sure." Once again this is a perfect snap shot of what teachers are feeling all the time. FINALLY, I loved the triumphant ending of your poem. "I did well." HELL YEAH YOU DID. What a kick booty moment. I can just feel the pride oozing everywhere. Empowerment central. Thanks again :)
ReplyDelete"Empowerment central." I love it!
DeleteDear Chris,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this poem! I love how relate able your topic is for us student teachers. We stand in front of the classroom and we imagine all these imperfections, but just like how you ended your poem, everything works out. I like how every third line in each stanza asks a question. I hear them as if I'm asking myself the same exact question because as I teach, I'm experiencing the same thing. Thank you, Chris, for sharing your piece and allowing us student teachers to be reminded that all will be fine.
Mr. Naylor,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us! I think you were able to capture the struggles and fears of student teaching perfectly while integrating them into such a wonderfully structured and insightful poem. I especially like the second person approach and I love that it was inspired by something you were reading.
-Ms. Dawson
Mr. Naylor,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this poem with us! It is so reassuring to know I'm not the only one constantly second-guessing myself in my head while I'm teaching. Sometimes the voice in our head can be so distracting and so deafening that we lose focus on what's really important: teaching our students. I've always heard that the only way to get better at teaching is to jump in with two feet and fake it until you make it. This is why it's so important to get feedback from our MTs and professors. I'm so glad your MT was able to give you that feedback and give you some confidence in the classroom so you can quiet the voice in your head. Thanks again for sharing!
Sarah
Mr. Naylor,
ReplyDeleteI loved this poem! It is such a beautiful and honest representation of how we are all feeling at this point in time in the teaching program. Thank you for sharing your feelings and representing such a difficult concept that I know we are all struggling with.
I have full confidence in you as a teacher and a poet. Thank you for sharing and great work!
-Ms. Loyd
Mr Naylor,
ReplyDeleteExcellent poem! I have certainly experienced all of those emotions and doubts. Major props for writing a narrative poem; I definitely have struggled with that before. I also really appreciate you addressing the issue of not really knowing if you've gotten through to your students; results are not immediate and it can be disconcerting at times.
Thank you again for sharing!
- Ms. Pritchettt