I was pleased to hear that Frank Hurt Secondary was chosen for my short and long practicum experience for two reasons. One, I really wanted to be hired on in Surrey once I complete my Bachelors of Education, so a practicum placement in Surrey would benefit me. Second, I heard that Frank Hurts technology instructors, Vic Menicucci and Mani Grewal, along with their programs, are well respected in their areas of teaching.
As I entered the school on a school visit for the first time, I noticed a cold feeling. Lots of grey walls and black windows with cages, it almost felt jail like. However, once I stepped into the office the staff were very nice and welcoming. Vic (my head student advisor) met me at the office and introduced him self and then introduced me to everyone who had been in the office at the time. I was then toured around the different shops and classrooms that made the technology wing and where I would be spending my time during my practicum. I was introduced to different staff and Mani Grewal during this tour as well.
When it came to observing lessons and teaching, which is what the short practicum is based on, I jumped right in and interacted with students and their projects, supervised the wood shop while power equipment was in use and generally acted as a supplementary teacher in both wood and automotive. I taught a full drill press safety lesson to a grade 8 wood class, which consisted of a lecture, demo and test. After discussing the lesson with Vic after if was completed, we both agreed I need to simplify my thoughts and information and slow my pace of the lecture and demo. It was a good reminder that I was there to learn and not be a professional right away. Additionally, I ran 4 other classes, from start to finish, over the 2 weeks which raised my comfort level in front of my students.
Overall, I can not wait to go back. Not because I am tired of theory at UBC, rather, I enjoy the community that Frank Hurt offers. I get along great with my student advisors; the students are excited to see me and show the progress on their projects every time I am there and I finally feel a sense of belonging as a teacher and not a student anymore.
All photo credit to Google Images.