I was placed in Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary for my first practicum. Because this was by and large seen as a blunder on behalf of the faculty, the 15 of us that were placed in so-called alternative placements were offered choice in our next practicum.
Not being from Windsor, I have no clue about what schools are where, what reputations they have nor any connections to any. I live about a kilometer from the university and when I walk down to Walkerville along Wyandotte, there is this building that caught my eye every time. "That can't be a school, can it?" There is no playground. Instead, there are fences. The absence cheer is palpable. I checked the area map and indeed it is a school: J.E. Benson. The online rating is poor, as are the students who attend.
This is the school I have chosen for February's practicum. It is just 10 minutes on foot, which is great since I have no car. But moreover, I chose it because I think I will learn a lot. The school is under capacity, perhaps meaning a better student-teacher ratio and more access for me to get involved. There isn't much glitz in terms of classroom materials (based on the online commentary). I know a few people who volunteer for the lunch program and they have said, "It is ghetto, but the kids and staff are super sweet". I plan on teaching in northern communities for at least a year, so I think this will be a great introduction on how to make the best of a lean situation.
No comments:
Post a Comment