How Crossing Your Fingers Works!

As part of the Deaf Education program at Teachers College, a student teaching placement is required at one of several schools for the deaf in or around Manhattan. I had heard many good things about one particular school, PS 47, The American Sign Language and English School, and so I crossed my fingers for a placement there. Crossing your fingers works! I landed in the first grade classroom of Gary and Lauren and would be spending the next four months at PS 47 observing, learning and trying my hand at teaching.

The beginning was shaky... literally. As a new teachers voice might sound nervous in front of a full class of students, my hands were a bit unsteady as I signed through the math and reading lessons. Morning coffee didn't help the matter either. I realized that if my signing seemed confusing, then so were my thoughts. As I watched Gary and Lauren teach clear, wonderfully-connected lessons on Greek mythology and detailed writing, I aimed to keep mini-lessons simple and clutter-free.

As I practiced teaching, I hoped that my lessons would become more effective and engaging like my cooperating teachers'. They reminded me that, just as it takes time for the students to acquire knowledge and skills, it would take time for me to become a better teacher. With their guidence and follow-up conversations and suggestions I feel that I am making some progress.

With only one month left in Gary and Lauren's classroom, I hope I am able to leave a good impression- one of confidence and growth. Their leadership and teaching skills have helped me to learn so much about patience with myself in becoming a better teacher. Like anything, practice makes perfect, but crossing your fingers helps too.