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ssroom where they can get the one-on-one attention they need and they can have a teacher who has knowledge of students with disabilities. Regardless of this problem, interacting with a diverse group of students is still one of the best parts of JPE. It amazes me how different each student is and how much one can learn from each student.

It amuses me to look back at my first status report and my earlier journal entries. I have changed so much since I first entered the classroom. I have definitely developed a more realistic view of teaching. I understand now that there is always going to be students who will not do their homework and do not want to learn. However, in addition to a new sense of realism, I have also learned that children are stronger and wiser than I once thought. As I gradually learn more about the personal lives of the students, I am more amazed that they actually show up to class. I have learned to release my expectations of students and just let them disappoint me or amaze me with what they have to offer. I think my teaching style has improved since I have stopped holding expectations of the class. I just present my lesson and let them react to it, if we have trouble we keep working on it and if we have success we move on.

Although I would never call JPE a negative experience, I do still have some concerns. The amount of violence at Dunn Middle School shocks me. I do not fear for my own safety but I do fear for the safety of my students. Sixth graders are much smaller than the other students in the school; if one of my students got into a fight with an eight grader I would be seriously worried for his or her health. On another note, Melissa, the Haitian girl, is progressing fairly well. I am still disappointed in the school for keeping her in a classroom that cannot help her learn English but I am happy to report that she is using some English and I provide assistance by speaking in French to her. I think by the time Melissa gets to high school she will be able to function on her own in a regular classroom.

But for now, she is just getting by. Another one of my concerns that has yet to be resolved in the students’ usage of profanity, but I am beginning to think this problem simply cannot be resolved. Unfortunately, profanity has become such a foundational part of some of my students’ language that they do not even realize when they curse. I can see in their face when I correct them that the students know using this language in the classroom is inappropriate but because it is constantly used outside the classroom they cannot make the transition. I will continue to correct them when the need occurs and hopefully they will learn.

All in all, JPE continues to be an eye-opening experience. I think the biggest change from my last status report is how accepted I feel in the classroom. As I read over this report I see I use the term “my students” quite frequently, and that makes me happy. It feels great to have students, to have a classroom, and to have a responsibility to these students. I still feel excited when I wake up and get ready to go to Dunn. Something new is always happening, good things and bad things. This constant excitement is the main reason I know I need to be a teacher. Teaching will present me with new challenges on a daily basis, and I think that is what I need. For now it is nice to have a cooperating