While at West Chester University, I was able to participate in the year-long student teaching partnership.  This partnership allows teacher candidates to complete their final practicum course and student teaching in the same classroom for the school year.  I was chosen to be in a Kindergarten classroom at Westtown-Thornbury in West Chester Area School District.  I was able to start my student teaching my students on their first day of school, allowing me to build a good rapport with them throughout the year.  I was able to be a part of the classroom community until my graduation in May. 

     During the year, I was able to participate in parent-teacher conferences in both the Fall and Spring.  This allowed me to be able to communicate with my students' families.  I collaborated with the other Kindergarten team members during weekly planning learning community meetings.  I was able to complete 9 weeks of being the full time teacher, which allowed me to be evaluated by my principal, like the teachers in the school.  With being a participant in the year-long partnership, I was able to fully immerse myself into all aspects of being a teacher.