Dear Quynh,
You are in the last semester of school and you will begin student teaching very soon. Although you know it isn’t going to be easy, you may not expect how extremely difficult it may be at times. During these rough times, know that you have supporters around you and that it is okay to ask for help and guidance.
You are in the last semester of school and you will begin student teaching very soon. Although you know it isn’t going to be easy, you may not expect how extremely difficult it may be at times. During these rough times, know that you have supporters around you and that it is okay to ask for help and guidance.
First, don’t be so afraid of being wrong. Being a
good teacher doesn’t mean that you have to be the smartest person in the room.
If you make a mistake, fix it. Take risks in the classroom. Afterwards, you’ll
slowly start to see your students taking risks and they’ll no longer be afraid
of being wrong because you made it okay.
Second, know that it is alright if nothing goes as
planned. Unexpected things can happen, like last minute scheduled state
assessments, or the computers mess up and the dates have to be rescheduled and
you lose 3-4 class days. I’ve learned that not everything will go exactly as
planned, and although it may seem out of nature to you, remind yourself that
all will be fine. Clear your mind, take a deep breath, and charge on!
Third, say goodbye to your comfort zones! Students
love it when you could be dorky and weird. Show them your true personality and
have fun with it! There is really no better time to fail or make a fool out of yourself
then now.
I’m reaching the end of the semester and although it
hasn’t been long, I’ve learned so much already. I wish that I had been more
comfortable in the classroom, or should I say, I wish I got to that point
earlier on. It’s important to feel comfortable as you teach, but it does take
time. However, don’t hesitate to follow the third advice as written above. Being
in the program has given me so many ideas on how and what I should teach, so do
keep a journal nearby at all times to jot down these amazing ideas from those
around you. When you begin teaching your own classroom, keep this journal
nearby as well because you will continue to be inspired by your students and
your colleagues.
Whatever it is that you choose to do in your
classroom, do it one hundred percent. And if it doesn’t turn out all that
great, revise it for the next year and know that you gave it your best. Everything
is going to be fine.
Thank you for sharing Quynh!
ReplyDeleteYour three pieces of advice are great. Part of creating an inviting classroom environment is showing students that teachers are human too. We make mistakes, and we're still successful. You are completely right and it helps us achieve teaching that goes beyond content.
I think you do a great job of moving out of your comfort zone. I mean, you're going to go teach in California! I wish you all the luck in the world. However, I don't think you'll need because I know you will be an awesome teacher.
Congrats again!
Erin
Thank you, Erin! I know you're going to be such a great teacher. Your students are extremely lucky. Keep in touch!
DeleteQuynh,
ReplyDelete"Whatever it is that you choose to do in your classroom, do it one hundred percent. And if it doesn’t turn out all that great, revise it for the next year and know that you gave it your best. " I love this quote! It sums up so much of what teaching is all about. We are constantly giving all we can while looking for ways to make it even more impactful for our students. :)
The advice you give yourself is spot on. I, too, initially dreaded making mistakes in front of students, but found out (quickly and often) that they appreciate knowing that teachers are human and we do make mistakes. I dare say, it bought me a fair amount of respect in a lot of cases!
Know that you have provided a tremendous amount of inspiration to your peers as well Quynh and I have really enjoyed going through this program with you. Those students in California are indeed lucky to have you as their teacher.
I wish you all the very best!
~ Keely
Thank you Keely for continuously stopping by my blog this semester. Thank you also for letting me know that I am doing SOMETHING right.
DeleteI wish you all the very best as well!
I love how your post helps to alleviate our tendency to seek and expect perfection from ourselves and our teaching environment. I love this mantra: “Clear your mind, take a deep breath, and charge on!” I’m stealing it. And I’m going to share it with others. Thanks, Ms. Nguyen!
ReplyDeleteSteal away, Dr. Cramer! I definitely beat myself up a lot when things don't go as planned. I need to love myself a little more and know that it's okay!
DeleteThank you for stopping by my blog.