NASPE Standard 6: Professionalism
Physical education teacher candidates demonstrate dispositions essential to becoming effective professionals.
Reflection:
During August of 2010, I participated in SUNY Cortland’s outdoor education program, which is held at Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. This program lasted for two weeks and was one of my most challenging, yet rewarding classes I have taken over the last four years at SUNY Cortland.
Upon arriving at Raquette Lake, I had mixed feelings about how my next two weeks would go. I was bitter that my summer was ending and as a result came into the program with a closed mind. Needless to say, after the first day of being acquainted with all the students at Camp Huntington, I was able to settle in and enjoy everything that my experience would have to offer.
Throughout the time living at the dorms at the camp, I was pushed to my limits. Each day there was a different activity such as hiking, orienteering, back packing, canoeing and mountain climbing. These activities taught me how to push others and myself even when feeling like giving up. During our backpack experience I remember being so exhausted and frustrated that I just wanted to give up, turn around and start crying. Being around positively influenced students helped me to change my attitude. Instead of focusing on the pain that I was feeling, I looked towards motivating others and doing my best to keep a smile on my face. After this, my attitude changed drastically. I realized that concentrating on my frustrations and having an attitude were only going to bring others around me down, as well as myself. When struggling, I found strength inside of me that I didn’t realize I had to keep me pushing forward. At the end of the hiking experience, I felt accomplished and over-all great about myself.
During the five day extended trip, I chose to do a canoeing trip. A group of seven of us embarked on an adventure to the Saranac Lakes. Our group was in charge of planning food, the trail we would take as well as what gear we would need. The planning of the trip went extremely well. Everyone in the group was able to contribute in what should be used, as well as be a leader. Our respect for one another was constantly tested on the trip, and I believe we all demonstrated professional respect and problem solving skills. For example, a couple times on the trip we did not read the map correctly and ended up in places of the lake where we were not suppose to end up. The group as well as myself worked together to figure out how to get back on track. Each person was able to look at the map and give their opinion on where we needed to go while everyone listened. Due to the teamwork, we were able to get back on track and continue on our trip without any fights or disrespectful behavior.
Even though I started out the PED 308 experience with a pessimist attitude, I was able to come out with a feeling of accomplishment and a newfound value in how to over come struggles in life. The time spent at Camp Huntington allowed me push through my struggles and own expectations. I was able to set goals for myself that I didn’t even realize I would be able to reach. New connections and friendships were made and a bond was formed for everyone who attended the camp. Each person was able to grow in becoming a leader, learned to be a follower, and step out of the comfort zone. These are all qualities that teachers need in order to become successful. It is necessary to “take the reins” and lead as an educator as well as be able to sit back and learn what others have to offer. Learning to be a great teacher does not ever stop. It is important to get involved in new experiences, which can be challenging, in order to continue growing as an educator. I believe Raquette Lake has molded me into a better person, as well as an educator and I will always be grateful for that.
Reflection:
During August of 2010, I participated in SUNY Cortland’s outdoor education program, which is held at Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. This program lasted for two weeks and was one of my most challenging, yet rewarding classes I have taken over the last four years at SUNY Cortland.
Upon arriving at Raquette Lake, I had mixed feelings about how my next two weeks would go. I was bitter that my summer was ending and as a result came into the program with a closed mind. Needless to say, after the first day of being acquainted with all the students at Camp Huntington, I was able to settle in and enjoy everything that my experience would have to offer.
Throughout the time living at the dorms at the camp, I was pushed to my limits. Each day there was a different activity such as hiking, orienteering, back packing, canoeing and mountain climbing. These activities taught me how to push others and myself even when feeling like giving up. During our backpack experience I remember being so exhausted and frustrated that I just wanted to give up, turn around and start crying. Being around positively influenced students helped me to change my attitude. Instead of focusing on the pain that I was feeling, I looked towards motivating others and doing my best to keep a smile on my face. After this, my attitude changed drastically. I realized that concentrating on my frustrations and having an attitude were only going to bring others around me down, as well as myself. When struggling, I found strength inside of me that I didn’t realize I had to keep me pushing forward. At the end of the hiking experience, I felt accomplished and over-all great about myself.
During the five day extended trip, I chose to do a canoeing trip. A group of seven of us embarked on an adventure to the Saranac Lakes. Our group was in charge of planning food, the trail we would take as well as what gear we would need. The planning of the trip went extremely well. Everyone in the group was able to contribute in what should be used, as well as be a leader. Our respect for one another was constantly tested on the trip, and I believe we all demonstrated professional respect and problem solving skills. For example, a couple times on the trip we did not read the map correctly and ended up in places of the lake where we were not suppose to end up. The group as well as myself worked together to figure out how to get back on track. Each person was able to look at the map and give their opinion on where we needed to go while everyone listened. Due to the teamwork, we were able to get back on track and continue on our trip without any fights or disrespectful behavior.
Even though I started out the PED 308 experience with a pessimist attitude, I was able to come out with a feeling of accomplishment and a newfound value in how to over come struggles in life. The time spent at Camp Huntington allowed me push through my struggles and own expectations. I was able to set goals for myself that I didn’t even realize I would be able to reach. New connections and friendships were made and a bond was formed for everyone who attended the camp. Each person was able to grow in becoming a leader, learned to be a follower, and step out of the comfort zone. These are all qualities that teachers need in order to become successful. It is necessary to “take the reins” and lead as an educator as well as be able to sit back and learn what others have to offer. Learning to be a great teacher does not ever stop. It is important to get involved in new experiences, which can be challenging, in order to continue growing as an educator. I believe Raquette Lake has molded me into a better person, as well as an educator and I will always be grateful for that.