My goal is to be the best teacher I can be. In order to reach that goal, I have to be reflective about my teaching, my lessons and my classroom. I also seek constructive feedback from my colleagues and my students. One of my most common questions toward the end of class is, "How could we have made that activity better?" Students typically have insightful feedback.
Often the most fulfilling feedback is unsolicited. Below are three example I recently when I finished my long-term substitute teaching assignment at Brooklyn Middle School in 2019.
When the student gave me this note he said, "Don't read it in front of me. That would be weird." This note was great affirmation that my method of teaching social studies really does keep students engaged and interested.
The writing is hard to read. The note says, "Dear Mr Montgomery im sad your leaving cause you actually made me like social studies. You got me excited to learn."
This note came from one of my toughest students, which makes it all the more dear to me.
This note came from one of the teachers on my team at BMS. She is right that I was run ragged in my first few weeks there. She is also correct that I am ready for anything now.
References and letters of recommendation are available upon request.