My first post for 2007!
Well, I am back at SIT and it is very surreal to be here. I left it in such a negative state of mind with low morale. I was almost scared to come back here. But, after talking with one of my roommates, I am starting to feel better to be back here. Even though I sometimes wonder if SIT/teaching is right for me, I am going to try to make the rest of my time at SIT the best experience for me. I am going to try to start this semester with a clean slate and forget all of the negativity that I experience.

However, there is so much to do in such little time. I have to start asking for letters of recommendation for summer teaching jobs, including for one application that is due next week! Plus, I am starting my teaching practicum in two days, which is scaring and exciting at the same time. Below are some more thoughts and expectations that I want for this semester:

From my teaching practicum: I want to learn from my mentor teacher
-What should Kindergardners learn by the end of the school year, especially related to linguistic abilties?
-How do you integrate ELLs into the mainstream classroom? Do you have to provide lots of scaffolding? Make them work with other instructors? Students?
-Relationship with the ELL coordinator
-How do you communicate with parents, community, other teachers regarding ELL students?
-Classroom management-How do you create activities that are stimulating for these children and make them engaged?

From the ELL coordinator:
-Advocacy, Advocacy, Advocacy!
-Issues related to ESL in the public schools
-Relationship with students, teachers, parents, and community
-Techniques that are beneficial for the students

From SIT:
-More practical experience
-Want to hear and learn more from others, including my fellow peers
-Issues of diversity/ESL in education
-Outside speakers and other opportunities

I hope that most of my wants/needs will come to fruition. We'll just wait and see...