Mayfield Middle School, FieldBlog1

Our first observation as a class was at Mayfield Middle School. Mayfield Middle School is a 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade building with over 900 students total. Our visit began by sitting in the cafeteria with principal Paul Destino (a John Carroll graduate) and vice principal (a Cleveland State graduate). He answered our questions about education. For example, someone asked, “What is the hardest part of your job?” After thinking for a moment, he replied, “A death of a student, which has happened before, and it was very difficult.” He also gave us advice for future interviews; he reminded us of how job pickings for teachers are slim, and urged us to leave the field of education right away if we are not passionate about kids. After discussion came to an end, we were free to go where we wanted. I knew I wanted to see a social studies or english class; thus, I headed to an 8^th grade social studies classroom.

When we entered the room it was quite chaotic and noisy. The teacher was presenting a power point on Trade, Mercantilism, and the Middle Passage. While she was teaching there was some side chatter, kids throwing their markers in the air, and a few students with their heads down. After she got through the power point, she introduced a game the kids were going to play that day. They were divided in groups, and given a certain number of items to trade; the game correlated with the lesson. The game was very hectic and noisy. If I was in that teacher’s position, I would have become impatient and a yeller. There was definitely a power struggle apparent in the room. The teacher had art all over the walls; a lot of the boards were covered in social media related things like Instagram and Twitter.

                  Half way through the class I left, and went to a 7^th grade language arts classroom. This class was much more calm. Their desks were in groups of four or five. They read a story, and were analyzing. The students felt very comfortable with their teacher, they asked many questions. Mrs. Beans had to leave for a meeting, and when she did all the students were upset. They said good bye to her countless times, and blew kisses; it was sweet. Mrs. Beans classroom was also very decorated.