Internship Reflections
Assignment: C
Part 1:
1. What are you observing about your work environment? If you could, what are two things you would keep the same and two things you would change?
At Cameron House the work environment is mix between stern and relaxed. It is a very prestigious private school where the students wear uniforms and the teachers are expected to dress professionally every day. This is no different from any other school. However, because it is a private school I feel that is also more relaxed. Some may think that because it is a private school rules and regulations are stricter, which is true to some extent, but classes are smaller making for a greater sense of community. Because they are funded by tuition rather than the government the curriculum and how much time spent on each subject area is up to the teacher and or school. Although students are still held to high standards and are expected to perform very high, the amount of time spent until the material is understood is up to the teacher where in public schools time can be limited. Two things I love about my working environment is the variety in scheduling and how vibrant, fun, and exciting not only the school is but each day in itself. If I could change two things I would install a bigger teacher’s lounge as well as outdoor play area for the children. Both the teacher and students have to go in shifts to these designated areas due to limited space.
2. How does your supervisor’s style work for you? What would you want to be like as a supervisor in the future?
As mentioned before Cameron House is formally run by headmistress Luci. However, I do not directly report or even work with Luci on a regular basis. I would say my head supervisor while at Cameron House would be Mary Ann, who is the teacher of class 5. Mary Ann is laid back, fun, and easy to talk to. I have enjoyed getting to know her over the past couple of months. One thing I love about Mary Ann is that she always has plenty for me to do, whereas other teachers sometimes just give me busy work or have me mark papers. In the future I would like to be a supervisor similar to both Luci and Mary Ann. They both have great leadership skills and are looked up by all the teachers. Mary Ann is intelligent and creative and has a way with her colleagues as well as the students.
3. What are you learning about yourself through this internship? What is one thing about yourself that you would like to improve for your next job?
I am learning that no matter the circumstances I am able to accomplish many things. I am also capable of finding the good in all situations. I have always been outgoing however one thing I noticed upon first arriving at Cameron House was that I seemed more reserved than normal. I think that this was a result of not knowing my colleagues views on Americans and what was acceptable. In no time at all I was back to my old, outgoing self and have made many close friends along the way. One thing that I would still like to improve for the future is my assertiveness among children. I may have to accept the fact that I am just not an assertive person, but by the time I leave I will be more assertive than I did when I arrived.
4. What are two things you have learned how to do or improved upon during this internship?
During my internship I have improved my confidence in new situations. I am now extremely comfortable with not only all the students, but staff as well. I am very proud that I know all 115 students and 15 staff members by name. I have also improved on my presentation skill. I am now able to present and explain content better to students. Dealing with students of different backgrounds has helped out tremendously in this area as I had to think twice about or find a new way to explain things so that they could understand.
5. After college, will you look for a company that is similar to the one that you have interned with? Why?
After college I will be looking for a full time teaching job. I would really like to venture out of Iowa and move around quite a bit and explore while I’m still young and without a family. I have loved working in the London school system and would love to spend a day at a public school to see the difference. I could really see myself working at a school in London. I love the small school atmosphere and have really grown fond of the “house” set up rather than large school. I would like to apply to teach out of the country just to see the responses and opportunities out there, but I would also just appreciate a job out of college.
Part 2: Updated CV
812 University Pella, IA 50219
Phone: +1-641-521-1222
Email: sturtzm1@central.edu
Objective
To participate in an internship in London where I can apply classroom knowledge and gain firsthand experience in an educational setting.
Education
Central College, Pella, Iowa
BA in Elementary Education, expected graduation May, 2013
Elementary Education major with middle school endorsement in math and language arts
Current Grade Point Average: 3.5 out of a possible 4.0
Newton Senior High, Newton, Iowa
Diploma, May 2009. Grade Point Average: 3.7 out of a possible 4.0
Related Courses
· Foundations of Educations
· Early Adolescent Development
· Behavioral and Classroom Management
· Educational Psychology
· Methods of Social Studies, Language Arts, and Science
Work Experience
Pre-Service Teacher, January 2012- May 2012
Cameron House School, London, England
· Instructed students ages 4-11 on various subjects
· Provided individualized instruction to students requiring extras support
· Demonstrated assertiveness and accuracy when grading student work
· Provide assistance in maintaining and setting up classrooms
· Learned strategies and techniques through listening and observation
Statistician, Sports Information, September 2010- present
Central College, Pella, Iowa
· Accurately record statistics during multiple athletic events
· Update statistics in a timely manner for use by coaches and for posting to the Central College athletic website
· Film multiple athletic events to provide live stream feeds to online viewers
Office assistant in Retail and Sales, June 2011-August 2011
Pella Corporation, Pella, Iowa
· Communicated effectively and in a timely manner with 60+ branch personnel when customers requested to change their scheduled in home consultations
· Proofed hundreds of retail advertisements to ensure that offers, disclaimers and local phone numbers were correct before sending to media outlets
· Edited and approved over 500 sales team biographies which are sent to customers before their in home consultation
Waitress/Bartender, April 2011-August 2011
Bos Landen and Golf Course and Resort, Pella, Iowa
· Engaged customers in a professional, friendly and efficient manner to explain menu and daily specials
· Took orders without mistakes and provided chefs with any special request
· Combine and serve a wide variety of mixed drinks
· Set and cleared tables in an efficient manner
· Handled customers payments and accurately provided change as needed
Pre-Service Teacher, September 2009-present
Pella Community Schools, Pella, Iowa
· Assist and develop daily and unit lesson plans with cooperating teachers
· Instructed 20+ students, age 6-7 years old and 9-10 years old, on various subjects
· Provided individualized instruction to students requiring extras support
· Provide assistance in maintaining and setting up classrooms
Babysitter, 2005- present
· Watched and cared for young children while parents were away
· Maintained a healthy and safe for children to play
· Provided transportation to various daily activities
Study Abroad Experience
· Increased confidence and independence
· Ability of function with a high level of ambiguity
· Appreciation of diversity
· Communicating across cultural barriers
Activities and Achievements
· Central College Academic Dean’s List
· Central College Women’s Volleyball Team (2 years) Softball Team (1 year)
· Member of the National Honor Society for 2 years
· Member of student council for 4 years
· DARE (Drug Alcohol Resistance Education) role model for 3 years
· Big Brother Big Sister mentor for 2 years
· Participated in four high school sports, earned 13 varsity letters
o All conference honors in volleyball, basketball, soccer and softball
Additional Skills
· Work well with others in team environments
· Strong interpersonal and communication skills
· Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
References available on request
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