Emily Rose Skirtich

Appropriate Decorum for Student Teachers in the District

One of the most valuable aspects of experience that I have gained in student teaching has

been the unique opportunity to engage with students on a one-to-one basis and witness their

individual progress both in and out of English class.  Specifically, this past week, I attended two

sporting events that my students were participating in and actively involved.  After my

cooperating teacher and I conference after school daily, I typically use the facilities at the middle

school to work out and then retire home after a long day of teaching.  However, this week, I

found myself attending both a track practice as well as a volleyball game in which my students

were actively involved. As I sat on the sidelines, I witnessed my students getting into the game

and focusing on the task at hand. One of the eighth grade math teachers accompanied me to the

game, watching for about twenty minutes before leaving school for the day. Even though it was a

brief experience, I categorized it as a crucial piece of background information to increasing my

understanding of my students’ backgrounds.             

            Despite the common misconceptions that other teachers might have about spending too

much time out of their day with students and school-related activities, I think that by attending

the volleyball game I earned some much-appreciated respect from my students.  Upon walking in

the door the next day for class, my student seemed much more energized for the lesson than she

normally is.  She told me that she saw me at the game and was excited that I got to see them

defeat their archrivals, Pine Richland, at home the previous day. It was such a small part of my

day, but I sincerely feel the positive effects of being an engaged, contributing member of our

school community.  This seems like a great precedent to follow as I embark upon my teacher
 Emily Rose Skirtich

career in order to forge and solidify healthy relationships with my students both inside and

outside of the classroom.