“I’d like to hear about the experience from you directly. How are things going in the classroom?”
“Things are going well.” I clear my throat, determined to focus on the positive. After all, no one likes a whiner. “Mrs. Hanford’s been incredibly welcoming. She even stayed after class yesterday to answer some questions I had about the lesson plan.”
Barnes smiles, but there’s an edge to it. “I understand she has a challenging class.”
Understatement.
I’ve only observed her twice and I’ve seen some shit, but it will not deter me.
“That’s true, but it was nothing she couldn’t handle with a little redirection and a behavior chart.”
Plus one trip to the principal’s office.
Barnes nods slowly. “I’m going to be honest with you. This is usually when students start second-guessing their career choice.”
“I—”
She holds up a hand. “I’m certainly not trying to discourage you, Ms. Reynolds. I simply want to ensure you’re being honest with yourself and with me moving forward. Do not sugarcoat your observation reports.” She arches a brow and I steel my resolve, resisting the urge to shrink into my chair. “You’re not doing anyone any favors when you do.”
I get what she’s saying. Education is a tough path, but I’m going in with my eyes wide open.
At least, I think I am.
“I understand, but I’m committed and I hope to use this experience observing to prepare for student teaching in the spring.”
I know it’s going to be hard. I attended an under-funded school where classrooms were constantly over capacity, too many children were performing below grade level, and teachers had to manage students’ social and emotional needs with little to no support.
Hell, I was one of those kids, until I wasn’t.
If it wasn’t for the teachers in the trenches doing the hard work, I wouldn’t be sitting in Barnes’ office right now.
“I’m happy to hear that.” The professor gives a curt nod. “If at any point you feel overwhelmed, I encourage you to come speak to me.”
Yeah-freaking-right.
The woman is terrifying. If I need to vent, I’ll do it anonymously on the internet like a normal person.
“Now, as you’ve probably guessed, the real reason I wanted to see you today is to share your student teaching placement for spring semester.”
Nerves coil low in my belly and I silently pray I haven’t been placed anywhere near my small hometown. My mother hasn’t contacted me since my birthday, and I have no interest in breaking the silent streak. I have to succeed—to focus on the future—and I can’t do that if I’m constantly battling the demons from my past.
“Congratulations, Ms. Reynolds.” Barnes slides a large manilla envelope across the desk. “You’ll be student teaching in the College Park School District.”
The grin that splits my face is pure relief as I process her words.
CPSD is one of the top districts in the state, but more importantly, there’s zero risk of running into Nora.
See? All that worry was for nothing.
The tight band of anxiety that’s been wrapped around my chest since Barnes scheduled this meeting snaps and for the first time in days, I can breathe freely.
“Thank you. I’m really looking forward to it.”
I’m probably beaming at Barnes, but why shouldn’t I? She’s just given me fantastic news. Student teaching locally is the best-case scenario. I don’t have to worry about finding short-term housing or dealing with a long commute during the snowy winter months. All I need to do is extend my current lease through the spring semester, and I’m set.
“I’m glad to hear it.” She walks me through the paperwork and next steps for connecting with my student teaching mentor and by the time she’s finished, my head is spinning. “Do you have any questions?”
Tons, but only one is pressing.
