Ms. Edattukaren Owning her Classroom

Occurred 12-5-11

I was lucky enough to be invited by Ms. Edattukaren, a fellow JHU graduate candidate and teacher intern paired with the 10th grade English teacher at NAF, to attend the first day of her week of teaching. I recall being thrilled to have the opportunity to see her in her element. I was there when she taught what was probably her first lesson in Phyllis Lerner's class so I was eager to see her development.

From a bird's eye position at her desk, directly across the room from her co-teacher, I watched as Ms. Edattukaren gathered her welcomed her students while providing direction. Immediately that was a change. The welcoming part always came naturally for her, she is an extremely good-natured and sincere person. The development came in her authoritative direction which began class. Do not mistake me, she did not go from being Mother Theresa to Adolf Hitler, however she now could employ both a sincere interest in students and an ability to command the direction of class. Both skills are necessary for a truly effective and impactful teacher to have.

Her planning was clear evidenced by her already having the essays on the desks which students would be reading that day. This gave students a physical agenda of the day; it being on their desk seemed to tell them, "you will read me today." With this idea in mind and essay in hand upon entering the classroom, students were then prompted by Ms. Edattukaren to answer some pre-reading questions which assessed their previous knowledge about Alice Walker. She took one answer (which turned out to be a story) then moved on to the story. This dedication to the schedule and proper pacing is something I lack so I found this very effective.

Then Ms. Edattukaren started the recording of the story. But this was not some actor or even the author reading her own work, it was Ms. Edattukaren whose voice came out of the computer. This revealed how much care she had for her students. This also displayed her intense level of planning. She took the time to record herself reading the work so during class she could focus on her students, encouraging and redirecting them when necessary instead of focusing on reading in front of them.

Ms. Edattukaren implemented some strategies which were not as effective as she had hoped. Fortunately, she is so open about her practice that she welcomed my criticism immediately after delivering the lesson. This debrief was a wonderful experience. I do not say this to undercut our adviser or other observers; they have stores of knowledge and years of experience which informs their suggestions which go miles beyond what I have to offer. However, the interns are beginning to have some knowledge in the teaching realm and are always at the school. I highly value open communication and criticism which helps me move my practice forward. Now I am becoming able and better qualified to give feedback which hopefully moves Ms. Edattukaren's and my own practice to the next level.

Her lesson was not perfect, we still have a ways to go, but she has made immense gains. I thanked her for the opportunity in person and now I thank her again for letting me share in her classroom and share my observations and reflections here.