Matthew Meinke

In my first full year teaching 5th grade, I learned how to work as a co-teacher with both ELI and DLI. While I primarily taught whole class math/number corner, and afternoon "ALL Block," I collaborated with both teams to make sure I aligned curriculum with standards, implemented behavior management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment, and assessed student progress through regular evaluations and feedback sessions. I really enjoyed creating lasting relationships with the entire 5th grade class.

For my student teaching experience, I was able to come back to Horizon Elementary and join Mrs Kern's 4th grade classroom. Throughout the semester, I got to build close relationships with each of my students and slowly took on more responsibility as I took on math, facilitating morning meeting, taking attendance/lunch count, teaching science, walking them to and from recess/lunch/specials, and everything in between. While I only technically fully led taught two weeks, I got to experience everything that goes into being a teacher and was in charge of everything taught at some point throughout the semester.

In my second summer school experience, I was a support to Mrs Reay's Kick Off To Kindergarten class. It was a great hands-on experience where I got to get in a lot of playtime and do every recess with them. A lot of the teaching was co taught and I enjoyed working one-on-one and in small groups with them.

As my time as an SEA at Horizon Elementary, Worked with a few students individually in 2nd/3rd/4th grade classrooms. In these classes, I worked with students who had IEP/504 plans and assisted in the classroom in any way I could. Mostly stayed in the classroom and helped my students with doing their work and staying on task. Took took them out whenever they needed a break or a different place to get their work done. Also helped assist one of the students who had cerebral palsy and another student who needed help getting out of her stander into her wheelchair.

Assisted Mr. Shoemaker in 4th grade Math/Reading recap class, providing one-on-one and small group support to students, promoting engagement during work time and addressing classroom behaviors proactively.