For those of you who have no prior knowledge of the Road to Teaching Licensure, the semesters of residency are those in which teacher candidates are placed into a classroom and are required to plan lessons, units, and curriculum. During these two semesters, teacher candidates have to navigate their own classes, homework, and projects while planning these things for another class. From your first day of observations at a new school to your last seminar, it goes without saying that this time is very stressful for teacher candidates and their mentor teachers.
Before entering Residency I, I was told by a student teacher who had just gone through it "Prepare yourself. This will be the most challenging semester of your career." -gulp-
Without further ado, here are my emotions and struggles found in Residency I as told by Parks and Recreation.
1. When you get your placement and are finally able to contact your mentor teacher
2. Saying goodbye to your friends for 3+ weeks for placement
3. Waking up early on the first day you have to report to the school you were placed at
4. The first time a student sasses you in the classroom
5. The first day you have to go from being at the school 7:05 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., then to work from 3 - 11 p.m., then come home and study for a few hours because you have an online test due the next day and three projects due.
6. The day you have to start recording yourself teaching, and your camera dies right before the class discussion that would have gotten you an AWESOME grade on your practice edTPA
7. When you get mistaken for a student by the principal you hope will hire you
8. When you come up with a lesson plan so great, you tell yourself you'll receive a standing ovation by the entire faculty and student body
9. #Mood after you take the Praxis
10. When you get back to campus and get bombarded with assignments
11. When the professors start using the terms "final exam" and "key assessment" two days after you get back on campus
