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Learning Letter

                Throughout this quarter I have read a variety of texts, completed a unit plan, and participated in several different discussions on learning materials in the classroom. I absolutely think this is one of my favorite classes ever taken at Eastern Washington University. For once I feel confident about my chosen career path and comfortable with the thought of teaching my own classroom. The different texts helped me extremely when trying to find material to fill out TPAs. Without these required texts I know I would still be struggling to try to find sources to make connections to my lessons.
Additionally, through the readings, I was given different learning strategies to use in my future high school classroom. I love the fact that I read these books because now I’m interested in furthering my knowledge of classroom strategies. Also, reading the different novels such as Night or Diary of a Part-Time Indian gave me the push I needed to start reading on my own. Book talks were definitely beneficial to me because I kept all the handouts with hopes to include each novel discussed in my classroom library. The different academic articles were extremely helpful too. Reading the different pieces fueled my motivation to become a teacher. They often times made me feel like I wanted to further my knowledge on the different topics. For instance, reading about how poor schools are and how students lack in curriculum made me want to teach at an inner-city school. These pieces made me want to become a teacher.
                The unit plan by far was my most favorite piece of the whole class. This piece challenged me and showed me what it takes to be a teacher. After completing this project I know I can tackle anything else that comes my way. Now that I can write lesson plans I feel confident about tackling some more on my own. It would be incredible to find a new book to write curriculum on and introduce in the classroom.

                After being in this course I now realize that I can do teacher tasks. After reading articles I realize that it is my job to find better ways to help students learn the material. I am inspired to make my imprint on education. I also realize that as a teacher it is important to be open-minded. Working with my colleagues and listening to their opinions on educational matters helped me from my own opinions as well. My peers showed me so many new perspectives on education. I really loved ENGL 493. Thanks, Dr. Agriss.

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