RTI

Yesterday, today and tomorrow I am a RTI (Response To Intervention) aide for a reading program at an elementary school.  I am really appreciating this experience; it’s not easy though.  About 4-6 students from grades 1-5 come to a designated room for extra help in reading.  I am hoping that I will get to stay on subbing long-term there through the end of the year, but I’m not sure how it works.  I’ve emailed the substitute coordinator for the district and am waiting to hear back.  The other aide said she would love to get the same person in there every day, so hopefully.

Also I talked to my adviser at Hope today.  I have registered to take the last two CSETs, Subtest I (Reading, Language, Literature; History & Social Science) and Subtest II (Math and Science) on July 9^th.  If I pass I could get in to student teaching for Module 2, around Oct but I’m not pushing or pressuring myself.  If I don’t student teach till Spring that’s okay… in fact I don’t know when I’ll student teach and I’m not worried about it.  I found out that I have several options to complete my student teaching.  My current goals are to find a job and pass those tests!!!  I know how scarce the teaching jobs are, so pray for me; I’ll be looking everywhere, public and private.

Learning Experiences

I have started subbing as an aide in the school district, instructional aide or a noon-ground (lunch) aide.  Most instructional aides are in Special Ed.  I went to a Jr. High to sub as an SDC (Special Day Class, mild-to-moderate Special Ed) aide.  It was a powerful learning experience.  Several years ago, I was an aide in 2 autism classes for two years but this experience was totally different.  I really appreciated being exposed to this type of class. 

I felt totally helpless as an aide to the teacher.  It was sad for her and the students.  I was happy to be exposed to this class but sad and surprised that these students were so unmotivated and apathetic.  It is a hard time of year for students and teachers, with Spring Break coming up and only a month or so left in school before summer.  I tried to help and assist the teacher to get control the best I could.  She was really frustrated and acted like she didn’t want to be there either… well of course the students won’t want to be there either if the students don’t feel that the teacher cares.

After 1^st period, during passing period, I asked, “how can I help more?”  The teacher replied, “with that class?  Not much.”  REALLY?? How sad, so they are just a lost cause then?  WOW I’ll be praying she doesn’t give up. 

I am going on Wed.-Fri. to an elementary school and excited for what learning experience that will bring.