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During the past three years, I diligently and repeatedly practiced planning, drafting, editing, and redrafting extremely detailed lesson plans that I never taught. Although this process was exhausting and seemingly pointless, it forced me to consider all the factors that I need to consider when I student teach and, eventually, have my classroom. But let me be clear! I will not be writing ten-page lesson plans as a student teacher or as a fully licensed teacher in the future. This is an unnecessary waste of time.
That being said, I am still required to submit lesson plans and reflections for each lesson I teach -- whether I am formally observed or not. Since student teaching began, my lesson planning process has evolved into much simpler steps that work for me, my schedule, and my mental health. Before I start planning, I ask myself: "What do I need to write and consider to feel comfortable teaching concepts and expectations the next day?". My answer to this question varies with each lesson. For example, I will write out questions and vocabulary prompts for read-alouds, but not for the morning meeting. If an activity requires a handout or small-group work, I'll prepare one for the next day (my favorite tool is Canva because of its wide assortment of personalized templates, images, and documents). Although my daily lesson planning is much more informal, I still approach each plan with an assessment of students' skills, required accommodations, and needs. I think carefully about behavioral objectives and use them to guide lessons and follow-up activities. This "informal" process guides my more formal lesson planning required for the observations from my supervising teacher. So, I wanted to create a resource with samples of previous lesson plans and templates to reference (if you are currently in the field). I'm continuously striving to authentically represent my experience, so I wanted to share some of the critical behind-the-scenes work and reflection that goes into teacher education programs. ***All these lesson plans and checklists are created with elementary and early childhood standards in mind. The lesson planning process will look different for future secondary educators.
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Dear Governor DeSantis and other anti-LGTBQ legislators,
Let me be frank: your recently-passed legislation --the "Don't Say Gay" bill-- banning classroom instruction on LGTBQ+ people, history, or identity is harmful, discriminatory, and downright wrong. By eliminating this community of people from conversations in the classroom, you automatically silence educators' right to create safe classroom environments; apply equitable practices; and teach real, nuanced history. You silence students and their rights to freedom of expression, exploration of self and identity, and healthy growth and development. So, what are you trying to solve exactly? 
Nothing says “Happy New Year!” like professional development meetings, chaotic PA system checks, and teacher conferences. This first week of student teaching exposed me to the behind-the-scenes reality of starting a new school year. Instead of Pinterest-board classrooms, the start of the school year is founded on anxious sorting of old and new boxes, troubleshooting log in codes and student rosters, and deep breathing exercises before open house.
I am incredibly grateful to join my new third-grade team on this hidden roller coaster. Teachers and school staff do so much before day one to create a safe, fun learning environment. There are endless questions –“How do we want to do things differently this year?” – and many do not yet get answered before students arrive. My new team of dedicated, kind, and strong third grade teachers led through example. Their devotion to their students shone through every question, meeting, and conference. To say that I have much to learn from them is an understatement. It is a privilege to be welcomed onto a top-notch team built on open-mindedness and self-reflection. |
AuthorMeghan Hesterman (she/her) is an aspiring educator, storyteller, and traveler. Through regular posts and commentary, she candidly reflects on her evolution as an educator and young adult. Categories
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