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James FitzPatrick

06/11/19

Teacher Induction Reflection

I picked up right where I left off at the beginning of my mentorship for induction. I was

fortunate to be placed with Daniella, who I already considered my mentor from when I began in

the previous year. Daniella has been an extraordinary help, not only for the short time as my

official mentor but from last year as well. Most days we would reflect on what happened whether

the moments were little or big; positive or negative. Last year the biggest focus points were

content and methodology as it was my first time teaching the physical sciences. We did highlight

these a little as was encouraged to try out new methods of approach and not always follow the

same “game plan” as my mentor. Likely, the most beneficial lesson and learning experience I

had was with Daniella’s project-based learning “Roller Coaster Project” which she headlined this

year. I gained valuable insight and built needed skills like with data manipulation and group

placement. I also gained

One of the biggest focuses was on management, both with the students and myself.

Outside of school. There were sometimes moments of an overwhelming nature I needed to

address. Things such as grad-school, a second and late-night job, and side work like grading or

admin tasks could build up, but thankfully both experience and Daniella’s guidance helped me

manage better. These are things I definitely realized in the end I have to reevaluate and make

tough decisions on in some instances they could impede on performance.

Inside the classroom however, I found my biggest challenge usually stemming from

students with disciplinary issues. Other years I managed, and my first two periods were able to

be contained, however it was one period that caused the most issues. Despite the bad behavior,
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loud noise, poor performance, etc in this period it was perfect to experiment with management

strategies, which Daniella would help guide me on. Some were met with success, some not, and

others in between, but I know it will naturally help prepare me with next year.

I still want to work with this making one of my primary objectives for next year to

develop a more sound and permanent plan in dealing with behavioral issues. Getting a “lay of the

land” with such an overwhelmingly unique class will hopefully allow me to do this effectively

and efficiently. A routine plan set in place not just between teacher and mentor but admin as

well. It was very tough to approach admin at times due to things like behavior issues, transitions

for the next school year, and other administrative tasks, but I feel the program can be more

“sound” and “authentic” if there is that extra push for guidance. Due to this general chaos of the

school year and the two various schedules of mentor and student, times could be tough to be

efficient with induction. Having some extra help would provide much, which is why I listed

myself as “need support” in the end. This may even provide more meaning to induction and its

effectiveness.

Many other teachers have been welcoming and helpful with support in addition to

Daniella. Many other teachers or admin would help in various situations like recommendations

on how to motivate other students and understand their home life in particular. I have improved

in many areas due to these interactions and reflections with these individuals. Teaching is both

individual and hybrid. I have learned to be a lone warrior in my classroom, but we support each

other in various other ways. The other staff member were major contributors to what I learned in

the induction period without any doubt.

Overall, induction was worthwhile, but my critical self believes he can do more. One of

the last comments I made to my mentor was, “I really should have made the effort to observe
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more.” In my first year of student teaching I did extensive observations. I winded down in

observing in the hopes of being more independent. I have realized that this idea should be

reconsidered, as teachers offer many inspirations both unique and similar. Discussing and

hearing the advice is one thing, but actually witnessing the methods in action is an authentic

learning experience. In addition, I want to continue to coordinate with may mentor in any way

possible. I prefer working as a team, but also must try to maintain a more independent self at

times, which my mentor and I have discussed. After everything I learned, and continue to learn, I

want to utilize my own experience and incorporate more into the coursework that’s unique. I

have many ideas, that I simply have to build on by answering the “why and the “how”.

Hopefully I can be an even bigger asset to my mentor and teachers around me based on the

productive induction experience.