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During my time at Dominican University of CA, I will do my fieldwork in various County District schools within Marin County. I will have the chance to start my observation hours in the classroom during my first three years, and will be student-teaching my last year. Participating in fieldwork within different schools will give me a chance to learn how to work in various settings and adapt new teaching strategies. This page of my digital portfolio showcases my experience as a student-teacher observer.
This was my first fieldwork placement. I started as a library assistant at the beginning of the semester, and was able to combine my Service-Learning experience with my fieldwork to become a library and teacher assistant by the end of the semester. Doing so gave me the chance to work in multiple settings, eventually settling into the first-grade classroom. Because of the diverse makeup of the first-grade class, I had the opportunity to work with multiple groups of bilingual students. During my time in the classroom, I assessed student progress, helped students understand their assignments, and assisted teachers with classroom preparation.
Coleman Elementary School
Coleman Elementary School
First Year (semester 2)
During my second semester, I had the opportunity to return to Coleman Elementary School for my fieldwork placement. Having already completed a semester at Coleman allowed me to begin this placement with more self-confidence. This time around, my fieldwork took place in the fifth-grade, giving me insight into the differences between a lower and upper division classroom. I observed the reports and projects the fifth-grade students created to help prepare them for middle school. Overall, I enjoyed learning about the unique teaching strategies the fifth-grade teacher used to support her students academically and social-emotionally.
Image of the entrance of the school during Hispanic Heritage Month
Coleman Elementary School
Coleman Elementary School
Second Year (Semester 1)
During my Fall 2023 semester of Fieldwork, I had the chance to return to Coleman Elementary School. Throughout my fieldwork this semester I worked alongside the school counselor, Ms. Kassy. I have been a part of the Coleman community for one year and have enjoyed working with the diverse culture at the school. However, this time I had the opportunity to observe the lessons emphasizing social-emotional learning in the classroom. When I worked with Ms. Kassy, I observed her use the "Second-Step" curriculum to teach students about self-awareness and relationship skills. Students learned the importance of collaborating and encouraging their peers during class activities. For instance, if a child was struggling during the lesson, Ms. Kassy used this time to teach students about words of motivation and how this would look in the classroom. I appreciated Ms. Kassy including me in the lessons as I would have parts of the lesson to teach myself. To be prepared, I would read over the lesson before going into the class and practice the demonstrations that the lesson included for me to present. I enjoyed working in multiple Kindergarten classrooms as it expanded my knowledge of how each classroom is conducted differently. I also met weekly with a third-grade student who recently came from Mexico where I practiced my communication skills as I was challenged to comprehend the difficulties the student was experiencing as she adapted to the school environment. Overall, I enjoyed learning about the construction of lesson planning and the enthusiasm educators must have to engage students of different ages.
ACA students during 'Reading Time'
All Children Academics
All Children Academics
Second Year (Semester 2)
During my Spring 2024 fieldwork at All Children Academics (ACA), I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Nick’s Second and Third-grade combo class. The classroom environment was uniquely different as Mr. Nick had a classroom size of 10 students. ACA supports students on the spectrum and is structured to support TK through Fifth-grade students. During my weekly observation hours, students participated in a “Friday Show and Tell” activity where students brought a special object to the class to show their peers. The students formed a circle together by sitting on the classroom sofa or on wobbly stools to help them stay engaged for longer periods. This activity helped students engage with one another as they were encouraged by Mr. Nick to ask the presenter questions. The activity also provided room for positive feedback and comments among the students which helped them collaborate. After show & tell students would have the choice to either play outside or stay indoors and complete an activity. This option allowed students to engage with one another or they would participate in independent activities if that was something students felt more comfortable doing. Overall, All Children Academics challenges its students in great ways as it incorporates diverse activities for students to actively participate in.
Rancho Elementary School
Rancho Elementary School
Third Year (Semester 1)
During my Fall 2024 semester of fieldwork at Rancho Elementary School. I had the privilege of working with Mr. Loeffler’s fifth-grade class. During this time, I worked with students during their math unit. There are two different 5th-grade classes, so I had the opportunity to see teacher interaction from both classes. As students worked independently or in their group tables I made sure to check-in if students were having a challenging time with the concept. During this time, I also observed various P.E. lessons that took place during the mornings which helped me acknowledge the unique physical activities that were developed for students at this age range, like capture the flag.
Rancho Elementary School
Rancho Elementary School
Fourth Year (Semester 2)
During my Spring 2025 semester of fieldwork at Rancho Elementary School, I observed Ms. Hart’s Kindergarten classroom. The class had a range of English Language Learners, and I had the opportunity to work 1 to 1 with these students. I mainly worked with all students during their ‘Center Times,' which consists of grammar activities and solo reading time. However, during this time, I helped Ms. Hart in calling over students to complete unfinished assignments. I enjoyed working with this age range of students as they were energetic students ready to thrive in learning.
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