Student Teaching Experience

In the Spring of 2024, I was placed in a third grade classroom with Mrs. Alex Sogn at Dakota Prairie Elementary in Brookings, South Dakota. I had the privilege of working alongside her and teaching her 25 wonderful students from January 3rd to May 3rd. This class was very energetic, but also so compassionate and welcomed me with open arms. I have gained so much knowledge from this experience such as finding the best classroom management skills for me, working with a curriculum, and forming deep and meaningful relationships with students and staff. 

Mrs.Sogn and the whole purple team at Dakota Prairie teach in small groups rather than whole group. This makes differentiation possible, allowing teachers a feasible way to adjust how they teach, how fast they go, and what they teach to fit each student's needs. A small group in Mrs.Sogn's classroom may consist of two to seven learners. Every small group receives a 15-minute session at the back table with either me or Mrs.Sogn for lesson instruction or guided reading. Every student learns at their own pace and using small group instruction allows for a better learning experience. 

During student teaching, I was observed four times by my university supervisor, I made a 7 day work sample that showed the growth of my students, I took over the whole classroom for four weeks, and attended all of the professional development days with my mentor teacher, Mrs.Sogn. 

I am eternally grateful for all of the teachers and professors that have helped me throughout this experience, especially Mrs.Sogn. I have learned so much from her and I hope I can be half of the teacher she is! 

Overall, I am so grateful for my student teaching experience because I would not be the teacher I am today without it. "A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning." -Brad Henry