The Student Teacher

Chapter 2: Monday Morning

Monday morning rolled around too quickly, like it always does. Rey came in to school at about 7:30, even though the kids didn't come in until almost 9. She liked this time of the morning, it was quiet and there were not a lot of people around for distractions. She dropped her bag and started to get to her planning. About 7:45 she heard a rustling at the door and turned around and saw Ben.

"Ben! Hi!" she said, more excitedly than she meant to.

"Hi," he said back, "I know I'm early. I thought I could help," he offered. He looked even more handsome today than he did Friday. He had on black slacks and a grey collared long sleeve shirt with a black tie. It was very sleek. His long hair was perfectly settled on his shoulders.

"Did you have a nice weekend?" Rey asked him.

"Yes, I did. Lovely, in fact," Ben answered. "And you?"

"Oh yes, just so fast," she smiled.

"What can I do to help?" he asked.

"Ummm, you can take the chairs down so I can get the tables set up for math?" she asked and told all at once.

Ben complied and started taking down the chairs. Rey hustled about quickly. Ben admired the way she moved and made note to watch her more closely. She set out the math work on the tables. She went to the computer and turned on the smart board. She displayed the days lessons.

"Ben, would you like to review the plans for today?"

"Absolutely," he answered, with a little more enthusiasm than he intended.

"Ok, so we start with math, today we are talking about multiplying mixed numbers using the area model," she started. Ben was glad he had brushed up on the

curriculum. "Then we have specialists. After that we will do snack and read aloud before we jump into writing. During writing, we will work on fantasy stories. It's day 1 of the unit. The kids will go to recess and lunch after that. We do reading in the afternoon, they are working in book clubs and then we end with Social Studies. We are starting the French and Indian War today," she stated.

"Ok," Ben took it all in.

"I know, it's a lot," she said, offering a soft smile. "I don't spend a ton of time in front

teaching, so just jump in when we split off. You'll probably be able to spot the strugglers," she said. "Also, we don't have traditional seating, so they do have assigned spots on the rug, but otherwise it's flexible," she told him.

"Ok, I'm going to familiarize myself with this math before they come in," he took a

seat at one of the tables and started to look over the math sheets, mentally distracted and watching Rey out of the corner of his eye. A lot of people popped in that morning and he felt like it had a lot to do with him.

At about 8:15, Rey interrupted him.

"Ben, this is Poe, Finn, and Rose," she introduced the bunch. "This is Ben," she told them. "Poe works in here 3 days a week to support our students with special needs. Rose teaches next door and Finn teaches across the hall," she told Ben.

"Good Morning," Ben said to the group , "I'm excited to be working with Miss Kenobi and the rest of the fifth grade team for my student teaching," he announced, feeling like he had to say something, but obviously uncomfortable.

"Well we're happy to have you here," Rose chimed in, "There is no one better to learn from than Rey," she added, smiling at her friend. All the other teachers sat down at the desk Ben was at and Rey joined them. It seemed an impromptu meeting was taking place.

"Where are you in math?" Poe asked the group.

"I'm doing lesson one today," Rey said.

"Me too," Finn added.

"Oh good, you're in the same spot," Poe sighed. "It's easier to work with both groups when you're in the same spot," he added. "Unit 7 takeaways?" he asked, as if that was a question that made sense to others.

"Multiplying mixed numbers, either method, multiplying and dividing decimals, both methods based on estimations, and hierarchy of polygons," Rey chimed in, answering a question that Ben didn't even understand.

"Thanks," said Poe. Rey clearly had her shit together. Ben was impressed and realized his mouth might even be agape slightly. He shut his mouth and softened his face, determined to make it look like he at least knew what was happening. They chatted for a few more minutes and then the rest of the teachers dispersed.

"Get ready," Rey smiled at him, "they're coming!"