As a student at Dominican, I had the opportunity to be placed in various classrooms as fieldwork in my first three years and student teaching in my last year. During this time, I observe the teachers I'm assigned to as well as involve myself whenever the situation allows whether it be in small groups or as a class. Through this fieldwork, I'm able to get hands-on experience, work side by side with actual educators, and gain insights into the various strategies and methods that teachers use to engage and function their classes. These fieldwork placements have allowed me to discover and learn more about my values as an individual and techniques that I can utilize in my future classroom.
Below are short and quick reflections for all my semesters being placed in a school. For in-depth reflections, click the buttons below!
Front Entrance to Hamilton School
Fall 2022- Hamilton Meadow Park School
My first fieldwork was at Hamilton School in a Third-grade classroom led by Ms. Barden, Leslie. Throughout my time observing there every Friday, I was able to identify some strategies that I would like to implement in my own classroom in the future. Whether it be how she transitioned the class from one activity to another or gave one-on-one advice to the students, there was always something to learn. I enjoyed how she led the class, and the rules she created so that her class functions effectively.
Spring 2023- Hamilton Meadow Park School
My fieldwork placement was the same for the second semester of my Freshman year, at Hamilton School, in a Third Grade classroom led by Ms. Barden, Leslie. During this semester, I was able to see the different teaching styles between the teacher and the student teacher. Ms. Barden was very nice and showed great guidance for the two student teachers (they weren't teaching at the same time; they switched off between two classrooms) she had throughout this semester, whether it be on how to lead a lesson, transition from one class activity to another, and making sure to hit the learning target of the specific lesson. Although I was only observing the class, being able to witness the student teachers teach and listening to the comments they get from the teacher helped me learn more about how a teacher should function and lead a classroom. One main idea I learned is to start off by sticking to the lesson plan as much as possible until we get to experience it. Later on, we can begin adjusting and going off the lesson plan if necessary. Following the lesson plan helps us gain practice and understanding of what our goals and learning objectives are leading us help our students at a deeper level.
Fall 2023- Rancho Elementary School
My fieldwork for this semester was at Rancho Elementary School, which is the elementary school that I went to from third grade to fifth grade. I was ecstatic to go back to the school I grew up in and meet some of my past teachers. During this semester, I was placed in Ms. Chipman's class, a third/fourth-grade combination class. This was an interesting placement, as this was my first time being placed in a classroom with two different grades. This was also Ms. Chipman's first time teaching this kind of class as well, so it was a learning opportunity for both of us!
Spring 2024- Rancho Elementary School
My fieldwork this my second semester of Sophomore year was at Rancho Elementary School in the Resource Specialist room. Being assigned to Ms. Gutierrez, I learned a great deal of information about IEP meetings, the accommodations and services they offer their students, and ways in which they promote a fun and inclusive classroom while aiding students in reaching their full potential.
Fall 2024: Loma Verde Elementary School
This semester, I was placed in Ms. Pfeifer's third-grade classroom at Loma Verde Elementary School. In her classroom, I learned various techniques for creating foundation rules within the classroom, how to get the class to focus, and many strategies that she utilizes within her classroom for English Language Learners to better further their learning.
Spring 2025: Loma Verde Elementary School
This semester, I was placed in Ms. Thomas's first-grade classroom at Loma Verde Elementary School. In her classroom, I learned several techniques for teaching phonics to students, how to create routines that lead to smooth coursework, and many strategies that she utilizes within her classroom for English Language Learners as well as students who require accommodations.